Karma

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Karma is a charming but chaotically written (ghost written?) autobiography by Boy George of his life and experiences. Released 9th Nov 2023, it's 296 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is not a rigorously chronological retelling of Mr. O'Dowd's life. It comes across more as a stream-of-consciousness series of retellings from his life and memories. Readers who are expecting a straight list of chronological facts will be sorely disappointed. There's also not a lot of scandalous (legally actionable) gossip and there's little dishing of dirt to be found. What there is, and it goes throughout the book, feels like a warm and friendly visit with a very campy, sweetly loopy uncle. He doesn't spend time talking about his legal troubles or incarceration. (Which is a positive with this book, his life has enough tragedy and it's a welcome relief that he doesn't drag it out and rehash it over and over for public consumption).

The unabridged audiobook version has a run time of 7 hours 41 minutes and is narrated by the author himself. His voice will be familiar to most fans from interviews and media and he has a campy, friendly, delivery with humor and wit (and he giggles fairly often, which might drag some listeners out of their listening rhythm). Sound and production quality are high throughout.

Four stars with the definite codicil that it's mostly aimed at fans of his iconic work who aren't expecting a dish-all kiss and tell memoir. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.