Robin

Robin
by Dave Itzkoff
Henry Holt and Co., 2018. 544 pgs. Biography

I think most people who were alive during the height of Robin Williams' career can't help but be familiar with his electric energy and quick wit.  Many even feel a sort of connection to him, as his performances could have a heart that touched audiences everywhere. The outcry over his death was felt around the world. Itzkoff attempts as complete a portrait as we may be able to get about Williams in this book. I appreciated that much of his work (films, etc) was described for the benefit of those who might not have seen every movie and stand up performance. Throughout the book it seems as though there was foreshadowing to Williams' future, an allusion to a troubled soul, which seemed a bit sad to me that Williams' death casts a shadow over his decades-long career. But the book does a good job of capturing what was special about Williams, not put succinctly into one description but rather ascertained from a long look across the years.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator does a great job of imitating Robin's voice and manner of speaking, and even many of the voices and impressions that Williams himself did.  There is plenty of adult language and sexual innuendo.

BHG