A delightful treat

I was hesistant in downloading und purchasing this book from Audible, as I was unsure whether it would be interesting enough for me to keep on listening. There was no need to worry though.

'Poirot and me' covers David Suchet's career from the moment he takes on the role of Hercule Poirot till the final film 'Curtain' in which Poirot dies. David Suchet actually played Poirot for 25 years in 70 films made for television. And it was quite a journey for Suchet with the constant uncertainty whether or not there would be another Poirot series. Luckily, David Suchet was able to play many other roles in between the various Poirot series. Nonetheless the book shows the less glamourous, more realistic side of acting: the constant waiting on a call that might never come.

Besides David Suchet's career span, you get in detail the production of each Poirot film together with details about Agatha Christie life and career, and the story concerned. As I don't consider myself to be an avid Christie reader it was interesting to have these facts. It added something extra.

'Poirot and me' is read by David Suchet. David Suchet's attention for detail really shows in this audiobook, making it a delight to listen to. All in all I consider 'Poirot and me' to be a delightful treat.

13 people found this helpful

Delightful story of the creation of a character

This book will appeal to those of us who enjoyed (and still do) the memorable Poirot series that started in late 1980s with its stylish sets and most of all the David Suchet’s creation of Poirot as a believable character. The book is an engaging account of his life during the 25 years that Suchet played “the little man” and the immense amount of effort he put into getting the characterisation just right. Previous Poirots to my mind all verged on caricature, whereas Suchet brings out the character’s humanity as well as his endearing foibles, without making him a figure of fun.

Though most of the book concentrates on his work on the Poirot series we learn of the other often totally contrasting film and stage work he did between recording all of Agatha Christie’s immense output of Poriot stories.

It’s good to hear of an actor’s life that has been professionally rewarding and enjoyable though often at times uncertain and mentally and physically demanding.

David Suchet has a lovely voice and is an excellent mimic so the audio version of this book is even better than the written word.

11 people found this helpful

Such a joy

Would you consider the audio edition of Poirot and Me to be better than the print version?

To hear David Suchet in his voice as well as words describe the making of such a wonderful tv series is brilliant...and even adds a smattering of Poirot.

What did you like best about this story?

As a huge fan of Poirot from watching it growing up and also reading Agatha Christies books as a teen and beyond, the stories and David Suchet's portrayal is timeless and superb. This story describes the behind the scenes going on, script tweaks and production details which give an insight into David, the character development and the making of the marvellous stories by ITV. Poirot is such a brilliant character, exquisitely made programmes and David has captured his essence in such as way that really does make him Poirot. With Poirot around you know all will be resolved and loose ends tied. It was also interesting to hear about the other work David has been in!

5 people found this helpful

Lovely man!

Settle down with Mr. Suchet, and prepare to be entertained by this gentle, kindly and humble soul narrating his life with Poirot, that mainstay of ITV. It's a perfectly charming book, warm and detailing an astonishingly successful acting career in an endearing fashion.

5 people found this helpful

Fascinating!

What did you like most about Poirot and Me?

David Suchet is an excellent reader and his description of how he prepared to play Poirot is fascinating. He had never read any Agatha Christie before he was offered the part and then read the whole lot and made copious notes on Poirot's character, idiosyncracies, dress etc. He had various arguments with producers about these things because he was convinced that he was right in his view of the character. And, since he has been the definitive Poirot, who can disagree.

What did you like best about this story?

The juggling between Suchet's playing Poirot and his need to make a living between the various series and the mention of various actors who appeared with him without its getting 'luvvy' which is where most acting autobiographies fall down.

What does David Suchet bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The voice, of course, because, when he quotes Poirot, he IS Poirot!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I don't see how you could film it.

Any additional comments?

The book made me want to see all the episodes again because, although they've been repeated (and are still being repeated) ad nauseum, I know I shall see them with new interest and a different viewpoint.

3 people found this helpful

Fabulous memoir read perfectly

What made the experience of listening to Poirot and Me the most enjoyable?

Lovely to reminisce about all of the Poirot episodes and hear more about the background stories to the filming of each episode.

What did you like best about this story?

It was amazing to hear about David Suchet's passion and hard work to deliver the'perfect' Poirot performance to be true to Dame Agatha's descriptions of him.

What about David Suchet’s performance did you like?

He had to read this story himself, nobody else could have narrated this audiobook.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely!

3 people found this helpful

Embarrassing

David Suchet was obviously brilliant as Poirot. I was really looking forward to an insightful, behind the scenes account. But this is a truly cringeworthy masterclass in self-congratulation and self-regard. Awful. Listening to DS read out consistently fawning media reviews of his performances is just unbearable.

2 people found this helpful

Amazing, Inspiring and above all Emotional

I was crying during the first chapter (embarrassingly, as I was at work) and crying during the last. It's so hard to say goodbye. Noone will ever play Poirot like David Suchet...who I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know a little better! If you enjoyed the films/books you simply must listen to this. I especially enjoyed hearing the voices of Poirot and others (critics and Dame Agatha Christie herself) it brought the whole thing to life!

2 people found this helpful

So enjoyable

David Suchet IS Poirot. It's great to hear his voice again, telling his story - it's like having all those grand mystery stories rolled into one sweet jar of mini treats. One to be listened to over and over again.

2 people found this helpful

David Suchet's Voice is a Treat

I could listen to David Suchet's soothing and melodious voice all day - such a treat. As the title of this book suggests, it focuses on how David learned everything about Poirot and was determined to bring him to life exactly as Agatha Christie intended. His dedication in that regard over 25 years has made his Poirot outstanding. I am not an actor myself, but it was fascinating to read such a masterclass in character acting. I didn't realise exactly how much an actor has to 'invest' in a character in mental and emotional energy.

One 'leetle' criticism is that David's exactitude in bringing Poirot's character to life does become a slightly repetitive - I would have loved to know a lot more about David's life instead. Having said that, it is an excellent book - particularly for Poirot fans.

2 people found this helpful