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Linda J. (Urbana, OH)
My Heart Belongs to Daddy
Richard Gilman was an author and critic who had 3 adoring children through 2 broken marriages. His elder daughter (from marriage #2) realizes at a very young age what a doting father she has. Her reflections demonstrate a preternatural recognition of her father's love and affection - even through her mother's constant denigration of her former husband. With verbal precision which her father would appreciate (he who recognized originality and creativity). Brought tears to my eyes throughout my perusal of her story.
WDH - Kentucky
Father / Daughter - Love and Drama
This is a very well-written, thoughtful memoir and homage to a father/daughter relationship from child through adult. That she loved her father very much but is still able to share his imperfections comes through so clearly in her writing. It was a pleasure to read this book that describes people, theatre, writers, critics, etc. that surrounded her as a child. She makes you feel like you are there with her meeting and watching all of the people and places. Reading through this book you journey with her as she grows from child to adult, becomes more aware of personalities and all of the complications that family
…more and relationships bring to life. Highly recommend this book. (less)I knew nothing about Richard Gilman and frankly didn't care much about him once I knew who he was. However, this powerfully written memoir by his daughter made me care about him and his relationship with his daughter. It is clear that she was very devoted to him and that his character helped to shape her. Her writing was wonderful and drew me in. Her insightfulness about herself and her father was compelling. Wonderful read.
Becky S. (Springfield, MO)
Daddy's girl
A beautiful memoir of a father who was imperfect and human. I loved the realness of this author's recollection of growing up and her relationship with her dad before, during, and after her parents divorce. Being a daddy's girl myself, I could totally relate with her feelings of loving him so fiercely and also trying to protect him and keep him happy. Even though it can be a hard lesson, to learn that our parents are humans and also have flaws, it was easy to see that her father loved her and her sister more than anything and was always doing the best job that he could to protect her and cheer her on in life. I
…more really enjoyed this book and the relationship that was portrayed. (less)I was not familiar with the name Richard Gilman and had no inkling what he was a critic of. The story his daughter presents is understandingly heart warming and heart breaking. I admire Priscilla's patience and kindness to her father and her ability to understand what was happening. She had a rough time but she came out whole and stronger. Her book is just so moving, bringing the reader into her world. This is a book that will stay with you for a long time.
Peggy H. (North East, PA)
Homage to a Father
When I started this book, I knew nothing about the critic Richard Gilman or his works. The world that the author, his daughter, describes--New York City intelligentsia, artists, and writers is equally unknown. Yet I reveled in the vivid descriptions, and the touching memories of a well-loved father; it kept me awake remembering my own father.
The writing is exquisite; I am amazed that she remembers so many details of her childhood. Be prepared that she does not sugar-coat her father, he is a fully realized person. At the beginning of the book he is shown through child-like eyes, and then as she grows, so do his
…more personality, faults, and virtues. (less)Priscilla Gilman is the eldest daughter of Richard Gilman, renowned theater critic, and Lynn Nesbit, an accomplished literary agent. She and her sister seem to have everything- a large apartment in NYC and summer home in Connecticut, education at the best schools, and a rotating list of house guests from the theater and literary worlds. At age ten, Priscilla's mother divorces her father, and her world collapses. Her father suffers greatly, and she feels responsible for saving him from a dive into deep depression.
Gilman's writing is evocative and beautiful. I read this memoir in one sitting, as I was wrapped up
…more in the NYC setting and the extensive literary references. Gilman vividly describes growing into this new relationship with her father, working through his fears, and making peace with who he is. The road is not easy, but the results are moving and satisfying. (less)Pricilla Gillman (Cil), the eldest daughter of Richard Gillman—famed drama and theatrical critic, has penned a memoir in tribute to her father. In the Prologue— "My father, in many ways was the quintessential intellectual and deeply cerebral man, was, nonetheless a man who thought with his heart."
Her story intertwines the parallel paths of the person. He is a critic, a professor, an idealist and yet he, as she aptly defines, as charming, charismatic, sweet adorable and endearing father. But there are epochs of emotional darkness in his/their life—infidelity, divorce, sickness, and death.
The crux of this memoir
…more is the life story of the renowned critic, the mentoring of his children, especially his daughter Cil, and his love for his third wife and the respect he had for the second Mrs. Gillman. Of special interest is of course the narrative depicting the life of the drama/theatrical critic. A lot of famous names, personal relationships—artists, authors, politicians, educators, actors and such populate the pages. The successes and failures of many works were a direct result of his professional reviews.
This five-star saga is grounded in love. (less)
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