Managing Expectations by Minnie Driver

Book Review Nov 06, 2022

My review

4/5 stars

I wouldn't call myself a fan of Minnie Driver, in the sense that I've never made any particular effort to follow her career, but whenever I have come across her work, I've enjoyed it (Grosse Pointe Blank is a masterpiece) and she seems like a very likeable person; that, and the blurb on her book really piqued my interest.

The book was exactly as described, a collection of short stories that gave glimpses into important moments in her life. I enjoyed that it wasn't a traditional memoir (first this happened, then this, then that), but rather a gathering of the moments that have made her life what she recognises it to be today. It gave a fresh dynamic to a somewhat overdone genre.

On top of that, I was pleasantly surprised (though I'm not sure I can put my finger on why) by how eloquent and absorbing her writing was. I was captivated throughout, partially aided by the fact that I listened to the author herself read the words she had written in the audiobook.

The book hit a wonderful balance of both entertaining and poignant. What I enjoyed most is that she was so matter-of-fact about it all. There was no self-pity or bemoaning the challenging parts of her life, they just were what they were and that was the end of it. It was a brilliantly written insight into what has been a fascinating life.

Book blurb

A dazzling 'tell-most' memoir: poignant and laugh-out-loud funny scenes from the life of actor Minnie Driver.

I love stories. I have mostly told other people's but now, in telling my own, I realize how all our stories are connected by that great leveller of acclaim, loss, fortitude, and fortune: being human.

When I look at my life from the alleged halfway point, some patterns are revealed: one, that the story does not necessarily begin or end where it should; two, happy endings are overrated. And three, happy endings are almost never the end.

This book is memoir-ish. A tell-most. Largely because there's a lot I don't remember, and a lot that's not worth talking about.

So, this is a collection of stories about how things not working out - worked out in the end. How reaching for the dream is easily more interesting, expansive, sad and funny than the dream itself coming true.

I really hope you enjoy it.
Love, Minnie x