BOOK REVIEW: Blood And Circuses, An Irresponsible Memoir – by Lex Marinos

BOOK REVIEW: Blood And Circuses, An Irresponsible Memoir – by Lex Marinos
Allen & Unwin, rrp $32.99
25 June 2014
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
8.5/10

With Blood And Circuses Lex Marinos reminds us that you don’t need to be the biggest star in the world to have had a fascinating life, and he delivers a detailed reminisce through his own that is bold and honest, self-deprecating and charming, interesting and frequently very funny.

Crucially, Marinos admits his mistakes – many, in his eyes. He also credits much of his success to luck, which is a little disingenuous as he has been gainfully employed over the past 40 years as an actor, director, writer, TV panellist, sports commentator and much more besides.

One gets the sense from reading Blood And Circuses that the man who brought Ted Bulpitt’s son-in-law to life on sitcom Kingswood Country and more recently starred as patriarch Manolis in ABC’s The Slap, is a man for whom growing up was never the highest priority, but by bouncing around the country on stage and screen, following opportunities in TV and movies and theatre, partying all night and smoking dope, drinking scotch and having a great time all the while, he learnt the secret to a happy life: Blood.

Family is of paramount importance to Marinos, and as he finds his sweetheart and they watch their kids grow into adults alongside their careers less ordinary, the book really takes on a life of its own.

Along the way there’s plenty of interest by way of a near-history of Australian theatre and arts – how Marinos can remember so many details with all the partying that was involved I don’t know, but it’s a captivating story from start to finish.

Category: Book Reviews