51Cd1Ju2KhL._SL500_Synopsis: “DK Audio presents the audiobook edition of I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story, written and read by Anthony Daniels. Including a foreword written and read by J.J. Abrams and a selection of music from the Star Wars films, composed by John Williams. “The odds of me ever writing a book were approximately… Oh, never mind. My golden companion worries about such things – I don’t. I have indeed now written a book – telling my story, in my voice, not his – recognising that our voices and our stories are inextricably intertwined.” When Star Wars burst on to the big screen in 1977, an unfailingly polite golden droid called C-3PO captured imaginations around the globe. But C-3PO wasn’t an amazing display of animatronics with a unique and unforgettable voice-over. Inside the metal costume was an actor named Anthony Daniels. In this deeply personal memoir, Anthony Daniels recounts his experiences of the epic cinematic adventure that has influenced pop culture for more than 40 years. For the very first time, he candidly describes his most intimate memories as the only actor to appear in every Star Wars film – from his first meeting with George Lucas to the final, emotional days on the set of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. With a foreword by J.J. Abrams, this book is a nostalgic look back at the Skywalker saga as it comes to a close. I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story reveals Anthony Daniels’ vulnerability, how he established his role and what he accomplished, and takes readers on a journey that just happens to start in a galaxy far, far away.“

My Review

I do love a memoir, and I love the original Star Wars films, so wanted to get a copy of this book as soon as I knew it was going to be published. It’s taken a few years but I finally got the audiobook and settled down to listen in anticipation of fascinating stories from the man who played the infamous golden droid, and the voice of our satnav! 😂 

I must admit it’s been a strange listening experience, and I really wish I’d heeded all the 2 star reviews on Goodreads. I don’t tend to look at reviews unless I’m not enjoying a book, and sadly they confirmed what I was feeling.

I enjoyed hearing about the original films, because I’ve watched them a few times, but I was lost when he was recalling his time working on all the other films. I do remember Jar Jar Binks, and how annoying he was in the first prequel, that me and my husband have never seen those other films. Anthony Daniels loved that character and the actor, so he was mentioned a few times. When he loved a character or actor he fawned over them so much in his recollections, that when he didn’t mention certain famous actors, it became obvious that he probably didn’t like them at all.

He also talked a lot about how disappointed he was that C-3P0 wasn’t a bigger part, and couldn’t understand why he wasn’t involved in any of the interviews when A New Hope was first released back in the 70s. He kept going on about how incredibly uncomfortable he was in the golden suit, which makes me wonder why he kept returning to the part if it was so bad?

He did say that he loved taking part in Star Wars related shows and experiences, and loves the franchise and the fans, so maybe it wasn’t such a terrible experience after all. 🤷‍♀️

All in all it was a very disappointing listen, so I can only recommended it if you’re massive die hard Star Wars fan.

Book 7 of 20 Books of Summer