Norma Clarke

When I chose to read ‘Not Speaking’ via the Pigeonhole app I hadn’t realised who it was about or, in fact, that it was a memoir. I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of memoirs. However, I did actually enjoy this one. It’s about celebrity hairdresser Nicky Clarke and his family. It turned out to be a captivating and engaging read, combining some Greek history and classical literature with details of a working class upbringing in London and a rise to fame!

It’s a beautifully written book and a fascinating insight into one particular family. Rena, Nicky Clarke’s Greek mother, is very much the backbone and would appear to be a force to be reckoned with. My opinion of her changed a few times during the course of this memoir but I think by the end, I did actually like and admire her. I found the historical aspect about Greece during the war and civil war interesting, but the parts concerning classical literature did lose me a little. I’m sure those who enjoy non-fiction and memoirs would love this one as there is much to be learnt through reading it. “All families are the same and each family is unique” - I think that says it all!… (más)