Review: "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey
"Lying became part of my life. I lied if I needed to lie to get something or get out of something" - James Frey, A Million Little Pieces.
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This quote turned out to be very apt for Frey. After widespread praise for his autobiographical work, questions began to emerge about how true his book was. It soon became evident that Frey had embellished his work, and that the story he told was not a true reflection of his experiences as an addict. This sparked huge controversy, with many people feeling they had been duped by Frey's story.
Despite this, I really enjoyed reading this book. Frey's descriptions bring to life a world of drugs and rehab that I have never experienced, and he manages to share his raw emotions effectively. As a result you feel a part of this shocking and uncomfortable world, and you begin to understand the roller-coaster of emotions that is experienced by a recovering addict.
Frey has since said that the character he created in 'a million pieces' reflected more the person he thought he was at the time, than the person he actually was. I think such an explanation is fair. Drug addiction affects people's minds and ideas. Drug addicts lie, drug addicts exaggerate and drug addicts have a very different set of perceptions and priorities to non-addicts. Is it surprising therefore that this book isn't 100% factual?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and although it was shocking at times, it offered a great insight into the mind of an addict and the struggles of overcoming addictions.
This is something I have never experienced, but Frey's writing successfully brings you into that world and into a whole new set of experiences.
His writing style is unusual and can be frustrating. He doesn't use proper punctuation - quotation marks don't see to exist for him, and he has a habit of repeating himself and
writing.
like.
this.
This style of writing didn't annoy me too much (though some may find it annoying) but it did take a little getting used to.
Despite this, Frey's writing is really engaging and really displays the raw emotions an addict experiences. Frey takes you through the despair and depression of being an addict, introducing you to a different world of pain, determination and powerful love.
Although I wouldn't say that I like the main character - Frey himself, I do want to get the sequel. Frey's character is arrogant, full of himself, self-hating and dismissive of others, but he is also strong willed and capable of love and trust in those around him.
As the story went on I found myself hoping he would pull through, and understanding a world which I hope never to experience.
Quotes
“When I see you, the World stops. It stops and all that exists for me is you and my eyes staring at you. There's nothing else. No noise, no other people, no thoughts or worries, no yesterday, no tomorrow. The World just stops, and it is a beautiful place, and there is only you.”
“Sometimes skulls are thick. Sometimes hearts are vacant. Sometimes words don't work. ”
“Be strong. Live honorably and with dignity. When you don't think you can, hold on.”
Synopsis
Aged just 23, James Frey had destroyed his body and his mind almost beyond repair. When he enters a rehabilitation center to try and reclaim his life, he ha to fight to determine what future, if any, he has. His lack of self-pity, cynicism and piety gives him an unflinching honesty - a fearless candor that is at once charming and appalling, searing and darkly funny.
Overall
This is not a light-hearted, easy read, but it is an interesting book. If you are looking for a story full of raw emotion and struggle, then this is one for you.
Although the story is embellished and added to, Frey's experiences of drug addiction allows the reader a unique and harrowing experience and insight into the world of a drug-addled mind.
Frey's attitude to rehab is rebellious and determined, but his story is one of strength and success, and that makes it a powerful read.
