Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman
From his breakout role in Die Hard to his outstanding, multifaceted performances in the Harry Potter films, Galaxy Quest, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and more, Alan Rickman cemented his legacy as a world-class actor. His air of dignity, his sonorous voice, and the knowing wit he brought to each role continue to captivate audiences today.
But Rickman’s ability to breathe life into projects wasn't confined to just his performances. As you'll find, Rickman's diaries detail the extraordinary and the ordinary, flitting between worldly and witty and gossipy, while remaining utterly candid throughout. He takes us inside his home, on trips with friends across the globe, and on the sets of films and plays ranging from Sense and Sensibility, to Noël Coward's Private Lives, to the final film he directed, A Little Chaos.
Running from 1993 to his death in 2016, the diaries provide singular insight into Rickman's public and private life. Reading them is like listening to Rickman chatting to a close companion. Meet Rickman the consummate professional actor, but also the friend, the traveler, the fan, the director, the enthusiast; in short, the man beyond the icon.
- Pages
- 480
- First published
- January 1, 2022
Shelved by 2 Litcadians
Reviews
Finished November 11, 2025
4 stars (because I don't feel right giving someone's literal diary anything less) This is such a strange book to rate. It feels wrong to judge something so personal; his private thoughts, written with no audience in mind. I love Alan Rickman and would happily read anything connected to him, but a lot of this just feels like everyday notes and to-do lists. It makes me wonder if he ever really wanted these pages published. Even though it’s said he planned to share them someday, it still comes across as something that should’ve stayed private. I think I would’ve preferred a biography with diary snippets, rather than his full, unedited thoughts. That said, I did get a real sense of who he was; kind, loyal, and deeply caring. He spent time with friends, went to so many funerals, and clearly loved his family. There are flashes of his dry humor and sharp opinions throughout, which made it feel like he was still here for a moment. As the book neared the end, the awareness of what was coming hit me hard, and I got choked up at the suddenness of his last entry. It was intimate, heartbreaking, and like saying goodbye all over again. Rest in peace, Alan Rickman.
Started November 10, 2025 · Finished November 25, 2025
I love Alan Rickman. I've admired him for years and loved so many of his acting roles. I was excited to read this because it was his book. However. I didn't understand what the concept of the book was fully until I started it. Personally, the format wasn't for me. I finished the book, and felt there were some interesting bits in there, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.