You all know Miriam Margolyes has a mouth.
After reading her autobiography, THIS MUCH IS TRUE you may be gobsmacked at just how mouthy she has been.
This much is true, according to Miriam, that she has a felicity for fellatio and a disfavour for the fallacious.
The venerable octogenarian has lost none of her penchant for the potty-mouth, her proclivity for the provocative, her delight in the indecorous and her relish of the risque as she launches into a robust and ribald recollection of her life so far.
Only child of a middle class Jewish family in England born May 18 in the second year of the Second World War, Miriam was a self confessed show off so it was no stretch that she end up in show business.
‘Twas radio that set her on her professional odyssey as a performer and for many years her mainstay money maker was her mouth – or more politely, her voice.
A repository of many confidences, people often tell her private things about themselves or about things that have happened to them that hey haven’t told anyone else, because they trust her. Some of these confidences are revealed in the book, and are indeed, revelations.
Miriam is not backward in coming forward in naming friends and foes. There is plenty of respect and reverence for many with whom she has worked but kindle her ire and the dragon breathes fire. Part of the fun of the read is sifting through the ashes to see who irked and who worked.
A showbiz tell all sure, but THIS MUCH IS TRUE is more than just titillating tinsel. It’s a celebration of a life but also a celebration of life, that roller coaster we’ve all caught a ride on.
In the face of the current pandemic and any adversity life throws at us, Miriam cites her beloved Charles Dickens – We must meet reverses boldly and not suffer them to frighten us. We must learn to act the play out. We must live misfortune down – David Copperfield.
THIS MUCH IS TRUE by Miriam Margolyes is published by John Murray through Hachette Australia.
Featured photo: Author actress Miriam Margolyes
Richard Cotter