Like many, my introduction to Mark Twain was through a classroom study of one of his books. If I recall, the first one I encountered was "Tom Sawyer" with "Huckleberry Finn" soon after. Other than his riverboat and western adventures, not sure I really knew much about him as a person, however, aside from his involvement in the writing and publication of Grant's memoir.
As a result, I felt like I learned quite a bit about him as a person, friend, and writer/publisher. Not all of it positive, either, in a sense. I won't go into great detail but came away feeling that his supposed friends must have frequently felt like they were pulled toward and then shoved away, most frequently perhaps finding out in his published criticisms. Even his support of Grant, which I'd always admired, perhaps had some selfish motivation as we find out Twain's frequent need for money and how desperately he depended on the success of the memoir to promote his own business needs as a publisher. I certainly didn't come away disliking Twain but was definitely reminded that beneath the myth was a very human man.
Bottom line, while I came away from the book having learned a great deal about the man, it wasn't always the easiest read. Maybe it was just my own mind-set of the time but it seemed to jump around a bit, from one example of his writing to a discussion of his friendships, to, well, a multitude of things. All added to the big picture but made it a bit of a difficult read for me. Hence, a tough ratings call as I'd say a 5 star for info while a 3 for not being an easy read for me, hence my 4 rating. Don't let my reaction stop you from picking this one up to read, however, especially if you're a fan. The inclusion of many of his writings and thoughts pulled from various sources means you're getting a good picture of who he really was and the writing style may be right for you. Thanks #GlobePequet for allowing me this early peek into the complicated life of a man whose name many of us have known for years. It was illuminating to get a glimpse behind the scenes, so to speak.
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