I think Jack Whitehall is funny and I have a general liking for posh people even though I am working class (probably middle class now but shhhh) however I just didn’t find Michael Whitehall to be very likeable or interesting. He’s like the most terrible ‘posh’ cliche and some of his comments and views, while they didn’t offend me, made me roll my eyes and think, ‘twat.’ I did find parts of this book humorous and I just wish there’d have been more about Jack’s siblings and mother rather than his obnoxious dad. I’m not sure you’d class this as a biography, more a collection of anecdotes from Jack’s lifetime, as told by him and his father. Whitehall senior was an agent, having many famous clients, so there’s plenty of name dropping throughout the tales. Jack’s posh upbringing certainly isn’t played down either.I’m not sure how it works in the written version, because part of what makes the audiobook is having both of them in the same room, interrupting and commenting on each other’s contributions. They’re quite happy to rip into one another when they mess up or mispronounce.It makes for an entertaining book full of stories that you’d never believe if they were told in fiction, related by a pair of engaging storytellers.One criticism would be that the book just seems to finish. A chapter ends, with little summary or sign-off, and then I was listening to the copyright details.I had the Audible version, which includes some extra content, including a rebuttal from (long-suffering) Hilary Whitehall (Michael’s wife and Jack’s mum). There’s also an additional anecdote from the pair.It’s not your traditional biography, it doesn’t try to inspire or show how the subject overcame obstacles to reach the lofty heights (there’s barely mention of Jack’s career, and most of that is derogatory). Instead, it’s the story of a family and those escapades every family has.Short and fun, and definitely worth the audio version.
What do You think about Him & Me (2013)?
I might have enjoyed it more if I was British and knew more of their stars.
—ccryder1964
If the purpose of the book was to make me hate the Whitehalls it succeeded
—calvie
Was such a good read! Loved the contrasts between Jack and his dad :)
—sanju
Tears of laughter throughtout, brilliant book.
—Serenity
