Pryor Convictions and Other Life Sentences
Brilliance comes in many forms and is often subjective. For many comedy lovers though Richard Pryor laid claim to that accolade within the comedian profession. I suspect he’s not listened to as much now as he was even a decade or two ago let alone in his hay day but that doesn’t take away from comedic genius.
Often with comedians there’s a complex back story and upbringing that lead to the formation of a person able to command laughter from so many. In Pryor Convictions and Other Life Sentences Richard Pryor covers his childhood including family life and upbringing as well as key and traumatic events from his childhood which moulded to some degree part of the man he grew up to be.
The autobiography takes you through his story of honing his craft, how he looked up to and shaped his initial style on Bill Cosby, to the path of drugs and booze that rising success took him down. Pryor’s voice is irreplaceable and hugely familiar to me having watched countless hours of him in stand up and film growing up. That contributed to the amusement of the book as it was easy to hear certain parts through his voice rather than the narrator.
I’m not sure if lacking awareness of his voice diminishes the listening or reading experience. If you’ve never listened to his stand up before it might be worth taking a listen before the book though. Not least the fact if you’re new to Pryor then you’ll get the baptism of fire through his comedy which feels is important in understanding the makings of the man behind the comedy genius.
The book feels like it covers a lot more than its length suggests it would. The latter part particularly focuses on some of his greater struggles including a suicide attempt which somehow, he still manages to make humorous and a very transparent, open, honest and vulnerable commentary on his battle with multiple sclerosis.
Rarely do I read an autobiography by those of fame, fortune and acclaim that don’t come with complex upbringings, backstories and challenges that money couldn’t help them avoid. In Pryor Convictions Pryor shines a light openly and honestly on his trials, tribulations, struggles, successes whilst all along the way bringing his humour to its telling.
Who’s it for?
If you’re a Pryor fan then this is definitely for you. If you’re a comedy fan in general then I’d assume you’re familiar with Pryor in which case it’s worth a read too. I love autobiographies but appreciate that isn’t the case for all. If you are someone who has a curiosity in the lives of famous, successful people both past and present then in Pryor Convictions you’ll be introduced to another entertaining life story for your library