Review of 'Let's Just Say it Wasn't Pretty'

Let's Just Say it Wasn't Pretty by Daine Keaton

lets_just_say.jpg This is a series of anecdotes from the much-admired actress Diane Keaton, who starred in the Godfather films as well as several Woody Allen films. It is ostensibly themed around various aspects of beauty such as the eyes, hair, etc but these are quickly set aside as Keaton digresses to talk about any and everything in her life thankfully keeping the name dropping to a minimum (though talking of her long-standing personal relationship with Jack Nicholson shows that she is very much among the stars). There is a bit of child-like innocence to this book that is evident throughout as she unashamedly contradicts even herself and acknowledges her privileged life. Do not expect a lot of depth here though there are aspects that touch on the shallowness of Hollywood and the life she lives that I found refreshing.

With the lack of any coherent narrative or structure I found reading this book quite a bit of a chore but, thankfully, it is not all that long. I think that what she has to say about the seeking of beauty is probably very true but she also demonstrates throughout that she is a slave to it despite often condemning it. One thing that she does say in the introduction is a sentiment that I would wholeheartedly agree with and that is that people are people and what they do for or to themselves is entirely up to them in a free society (stop judging!).

I can't say I will be picking up Keaton's other biography (“Then Again”) to read any time soon.

Rating: “A slight glimmer of hope, but mostly awful”

Review Date: 2016-11-27


Genre: Autobiography

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: 2014

ISBN: 9780812994261