Walking with Ghosts

This is the most interesting autobiography I've read. More a stream of consciousness full of memories as they come to mind while living in the present, with small worry for the future. Interspersed throughout by both past voices and personal self-talk. Overall I found it fascinating and difficult to put down. The craggy face of the author, never giving a hint of the true thoughts of the quiet, shy boy within, but always compelling me to look, stare, watch, read on. Perhaps the soul of the Irish storyteller? I don't know but I will not soon forget his story here. I want now to visit more of his movies to look for this true person, even though those aren't the real him. My only wish for the book would be for a few photographs of family and younger days, however, his descriptions were perhaps vivid enough to see them in my mind's eye which made it okay. Thank you Gabriel Byrne for sharing such raw truths, some sad, some thoughtful, but all remarkably beautiful. When all is said and done, perhaps that's what all our lives are about? From one shy introvert to others who will read and understand, I highly recommend this book. 👉❤👈UPDATE - "Pictures in my Head" by Gabriel Byrne (1995) has many of the photos I missed in his latest book (above review). He is also one of the six yummy gents interviewed in "Hollywood Irish in their own words" (1997) with additional photos. The latter book was also edited by his friend Aine O'Connor. Thanks to Amazon resellers I now have all three used books in my library, and each was worth it! The man has style!

It is impossible to read this book and not fell in love a little with the author... His writing is so beautiful and meaningful. My only complaint is that the book was so sad. There must have been so many wonderful moments in the author's life, but he wrote only about the most dark and heartbreaking.

This book contains some vivid imagery, but I can't imagine that it is "destined to be a classic" as per the Sunday Independent. I enjoyed his memory of the time he witnessed his NYC neighbors engaging in intimate relations and later met them in a bar. The most interesting lines in Walking With Ghosts are quotes by Richard Burton and Laurence Olivier! And, perhaps, Byrne's musings when he mistakenly thought he was dying of a heart attack:How beautiful the world is now that I am about to leave it without the comfort of a god.How many have I hurt by my selfishness? Promises broken, betrayal, and lies. Do I love enough or not at all, myself above others? Am I good father, a bad friend? Too ambitious, too quick to criticize, intolerant of the needs of others, smug? Have I been a coward, a hypocrite who can argue both sides with passionate conviction, a subtle braggart and boaster quick to take offense and slow to forgive? Entitled, proud, jealous, mean. Forgive me, I begged the universe or whoever may be up there, forgive me for all that I've been or pretended to be. Let me just survive this and I will dedicate myself to all that is good, loving others as I love myself, honoring my place in the universe....I love memoirs. This one didn't live up to my expectations, especially after hearing such rave reviews. I found myself growing impatient within the first few pages, but hoped that by reading on, I'd discover some inspirational nuggets. No such luck. BUT, it did live up to whatever elusive images I had created of this particular actor. Down-to-earth, feeling, human, sincere (even when appearing insincere). However, I don't recommend it, wouldn't re-read it, and would probably not gift it.

I Have liked Gabriel Byrne ever since I saw him on Charlie Rose talking about the divine in every piece of art. I’m also from Dublin and found his recollections moving and evocative. The fact that all of this is laced through with some ‘fish out of water’ Hollywood stories is all the more humorous and riveting. There’s a rawness and honesty to his writing, a lack of artifice, which I find compelling. And, remarkably he seems to have enjoyed a stable childhood with only mild/moderate (ahem, acceptable?) levels of abuse. The whole jackanory just puts a longing on ye, for the what might have been if your father was the sort to shelter from the rain under a tree, or to pause when agitated, and there is a magical beauty in the sharing of those moments. He really makes them come alive. The divine shines through and I was grateful for the read.

Well written and quiet. A man tells us the stories of his life. In many ways not very different than those of thousands of others, and in some ways quite remarkable.

A love letter to his mother about the life he had been given by her grace, it is magic. Byrne not only has such an elegance in his use of language, but he also emotes through every word and you can feel how incredibly special and beautiful he is.

Written boldly in a tone that makes you feel what he felt at the time, and maybe still does. This book touches every emotion.

Mr. Byrne has penned a beautiful biography. It's done in the form of a series of stories, as we Irish are prone to do. It is extremely well thought out and presented. In my opinion, Mr. Byrne has written a poetic portrait of his life and times.The stories are poignant, charming, brave, funny and insightful. I found I resonated with much of this material and feel grateful for the wisdom of this man, who is a wonderful actor and, it seems, an even better writer. I can unreservedly recommend this book to any adult reader.

I have had the pleasure of Gabriel's company a lot while he stayed here at Old Church Farm from July through to October. Having heard that he had dated Madonna, Naomi Campbell and Elle McPherson I had expected to meet a flamboyant playboy. Instead, I got to know a mild-mannered, witty, extremely well-read gentleman who takes pleasure in solitary country walks and a good book rather than the high life. It's funny, if someone had asked me a few weeks ago if I knew Gabriel Byrne I would have said yes, I know him well. But having read his memoirs I realise how little I knew about him. No spoilers here - but be prepared for an intimately frank and reflective account rendered with a poetic rhythm.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. His descriptions of life in Ireland in the fifties and sixties is eye opening. Also enjoyed his Hollywood tales. Th one criticism I have is the I feel you never get to the actual root of him. It is like, "I allow you to see some of me but not all of me."

He doesn't need the validation but Gabriel Byrne is a writer I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I bought the hardback as I always wanted to meet this man. This short memoir did not disappoint and I read it in one sitting - wanting more. Proud to have this on my bookshelf. I've a feeling there will be more books from Mr Bryne. I hope there is. Has he written more? Off to google.

I read Gabriel Byrne's Walking with Ghosts and was pleasantly surprised. The book is hilarious at times and terribly touching at others. But sad as it is; funny as it is; well-written as it is; what will stay with me is the author's profound honesty, with which the words shine, its truth with which the author reaches out and embraces the reader. I certainly hope there will be more books from Gabriel and that Walking With Ghosts will not only become a film but will earn an award - several awards and that the film will too. Thank you, Gabriel, for sharing your life experiences with me. I feel close to you somehow, and it's a good feeling.

So much more than an autobiography by an actor. (A gorgeous one at that!). As I read this I forgot Daniel Byrne the actor as his writing is pure lyrical joy. The literary skill in the writing of this book surpasses so many of the books that I have read for a very long time. His descriptive prose is sublime, his humour twinkly and his observations profound. I cannot praise this book enough - he should be up there with the greats.