P.S. I Love You.

Biography about the hilarious but deranged Peter Sellers by his son Michael. Michael describes his father’s childhood, his introduction into entertainment, his first taste of fame with the Goons, right up to his death in 1980 from heart failure. Peter always displayed erratic behaviour, being moody and highly superstitious. He goes through four marriages, all of them plagued with obsessive jealousy and violence. Michael also describes his stormy childhood and that of his sister Sarah and half-sister Victoria. They were all disowned at numerous times when having children was an inconvenience to Peter. He wasn’t all bad, however. In good times he would shower those he loved with excessive gifts in a show of affection. These times sadly never lasted long.

It’s an interesting biography. It’s written in a very personal manner as Michael writes it from the viewpoint of Peter Seller’s closest confidante. Michael witnessed everything first hand – the good times and bad. You’d never realise what a difficult man he can be from just having watched his films. The Pink Panther series is brilliant, and Sellers is so damn funny. However, you often find that behind genious is a hint of lunacy.

I definitely recommend this book. Even if you’re not into biographies or non-fiction and just like a good story, trust me, you’ll get it. There’s so much drama surrounding Peter Sellers – all of which he creates himself. He goes through one stormy relationship after another, obsesses about cars and various gadgets, and lives in extreme luxury. He’s clearly a disturbed man who was constantly on the hunt for happiness but never seemed to find it.

~ by Mamo on March 29, 2008.