Graham Norton: Laid Bare

There is not yet any autobiography of Graham Norton, nor any authorised biography. This book is limited by the fact that it was not written in co-operation with its author. This does not mean it is critical of him, quite the reverse, it is almost hagiographic. However it does give us a clear picture of the man and his life story. The sources are limited - the latter part of his career is documented from press cuttings and photo's, whereas the early part of his life is cobbled together from interviews with a very small number of friends and other sources. It is usually possible to tell where every quote originates (for example the description of Norton's home town Bandon as a lush and green can only have come from the Bandon tourist office, credited at the front of the book). The book does benefit from candid interviews with two of Graham's former boyfriends, and it is to Norton's credit that he is held in high esteem by these peopele even after the break-up of these relationships. There are quite a few basic grammatical errors, (which could be considered the editor's fault rather than Bowyer's), and Bandon Grammar School is referred to as a Grammer school. Careless mistakes aside, this is very easy to read and gives a few interesting insights into the private life of this very public man.