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PEOPLE & ARTS A29
Wednesday 28 October
Review: Barrymore’s not-a-memoir ‘Wildflower’ is fun read
MIKE HOUSEHOLDER deprecating, with references “Wildflower” is the work of a This photo provided by Dutton, Penguin Random
Associated Press to Barrymore’s “klutziness” mother of two young girls who House shows the cover of the book, “Wildflower,” by
Countless celebrities have and her “valley girl” cadence. has a much different perspec- Drew Barrymore.
penned autobiographies. Not Barrymore makes sure to tive on the world.
a lot are like Drew Barrymore’s. touch on moments that are Associated Press
And that’s a good thing. well-known to the masses, in- “Wildflower” is at its most en-
“Wildflower” bounces around cluding her: role in the classic grossing when the author
chronologically and themati- film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” delves into her relationships
cally and generally refuses to exhibitionist appearance on with those who have im-
bend to the rules of conven- David Letterman’s late-night pacted her life, including her
tional memoir writing. talk show and three big- barely there parents and sup-
screen collaborations with co- portive in-laws and friends,
“If it feels personal for you, median Adam Sandler. including “E.T.” director Ste-
then I am so happy, because The owner of one of the most ven Spielberg, who Barrymore
it was personal for me,” Barry- famous surnames in Holly- writes “took me in, a girl who
more writes in the not-a-mem- wood, Barrymore — the grand- needed a father, and it meant
oir’s preface. “I didn’t write it daughter of famed stage and the world to me.”
in any particular format.” film actor John Barrymore and From wild-child headline-
The lack of a traditional struc- the grandniece of renowned generator to entrepreneur,
ture works, though, because thespians Lionel and Ethel Bar- filmmaker and philanthropist,
the end result for the reader is rymore — has been a working Barrymore’s roller-coaster ex-
an illuminating and entertain- actor for much of her life. istence is slowing down these
ing look back at the famously A life that has had more than days.
free-spirited actress’ 40 years a few ups and downs. “I just
on Earth. grew up too fast,” she writes. Just long enough, anyway, for
Free of — pardon the pun — Written a quarter-century af- her to pen an engaging ex-
flowery writing, the book is as ter the release of Barrymore’s amination of her past. The little
down-to-earth as the author “Little Girl Lost,” which chroni- girl who once was lost clearly
herself appears. It also is self- cled her turbulent early years, has been found.q
