Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire
by Michael Palin (Penguin, 2023); audiobook read by Michael Palin (Penguin Audio, 2023)
Palin argues for his great uncle’s relevance but doesn’t really succeed. Assiduous research has seduced him into including too much detail about Harry’s parents, while the lengthy section on military service, illuminating of the First World War more generally, lacks biographical interest.
Monty Python at Work
by Michael Palin (Nick Hern, 2014)
A collection of those of Palin’s diary entries that deal with Monty Python. There is surprisingly little here of the creative process, but some slightly interesting (if dampening) insights into the Pythons’ relationships and the business world that lurks predatorily behind comedy.
Biggles Flies North
by W.E. Johns (Oxford University Press, 1939); abridged audiobook read by Michael Palin (BBC Radio 4, 1981)
Biggles is effortlessly heroic and cool under pressure (if not always quick on the uptake). His mission of mercy to Canada’s Fort Beaver leaves no doubt as to the good and bad guys. Michael Palin captures the Boy’s Own spirit of adventure.
The Truth
by Michael Palin (Orion, 2012); audiobook read by Alex Jennings (Tantor, 2013)
Michael Palin, having made a career observing all parts of the world, crafts fiction that feels very real. The Truth flows like a river, slow but deep, its protagonist (captured perfectly by Alex Jennings) gradually breaking free from passivity and cosmic irony.