AN ELEPHANT TO HOLLYWOOD

The story of how Maurice Micklewhite became famed actor Sir Michael Caine is undeniably intriguing, but the most beguiling aspect of this memoir is the presentation by the author himself. Caine's broad accent carries the imprint of the rough Elephant and Castle (London) streets of his youth, and his rapid delivery moves the text along smartly. His unaffected style conveys the charm and authenticity of a likable man who also happens to be a Hollywood legend. Caine's emotions sound genuine when his voice catches as he recounts the joys and tragedies of his incredible life and when he breaks into infectious laughter while telling amusing anecdotes. Listening to Michael Caine tell his own story more than compensates for missing the photos included in the print edition. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2011]