From the back cover:
"Emma Brockes didn't always love musicals. One of her most painful childhood memories is of her mother singing "The Hills Are Alive" while young Emma crossed the street en route to a babysitting gig. Mum said the music would keep muggers at bay. Emma found it warded off friends, a social life, and any chance of appearing normal."
This book, essentially a memoir, is written as if a letter from one musical-lover to another, like a conversation between friends. If you grew up with musicals - whether singing along from the wings, or spending rainy days at the cottage watching movie musicals with grandma - you will appreciate the humour and affection with which Emma writes about her favorite art form. Emma Brockes was introduced to musicals by her mother, and although she spent much of her young life pretending to like "normal" music, she has since comes to terms with her affliction, and has even found, in adulthood, some kindred spirits with whom to share such rituals as the "Yentl and Lentil" evening.
If you have a working knowledge of film musicals, this book reads like one long inside joke between the author and yourself. I often found myself laughing out loud while reading, only to discover I was completely unable to explain my laughter to anyone else within earshot - to someone who doesn't truly love musicals, it's just too hard to explain.
Perhaps this is why one of my favorite chapters is entitled "How To Make Men Love Musicals". Now here is someone who would understand what it is like to date someone from outside the theatre world. (No wonder so many of us get sucked into showmances, despite their drawbacks - at least we don't have to explain Cats or The Music Man!)
It's worth noting that the author is NOT a performer, nor is she an expert on musicals - be they stage or film. If you are looking for a knowledgeable comparison or analysis of specific shows, go elsewhere. However, if you, like the author, grew up listening to and watching musicals, you will find this to be an enjoyable read.
Note: If you are offended by a small amount of profanity, leave this book on the shelf. Similarly, if you are offended by opinions that do not match your own (for example, Les Miserables and The Sound of Music are not on her favorite list) don't pick it up.
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