Review: Rebel Rising by Rebel Wilson

More than a memoir of an Aussie who made it in Hollywood, Rebel Rising is a story of how Rebel Wilson, a proud non-conformist (in the best way,) refused to give in to other people's expectations or to give up when the going got tough. Rebel Wilson shares her life story, from growing up in a bogan family in Sydney, to graduating dux at her exclusive private girls school, to a year in South Africa to moving to Hollywood and much, much more in between. 

I very much enjoyed this one. The memoir is written in a conversational style and parts of it almost feel as though the author is sitting down and chatting with the reader at the kitchen table over a drink or a cuppa. Of particular interest to me was her account of a gap year spent in South Africa--and what a year that was, involving a hijacking and malaria. There is a lot of inside stories about what it is like to work in Hollywood, though not in a cruel or gossipy way--more it tells of the realities of being an actor in a cut-throat and demanding industry, which I found quite interesting. (Don't ever let anyone persuade you that actors do not work hard--they do.) And I loved the mentions of Disneyland, and the happier parts of her family life, her relationship with her mum and her wife Ramona. Of course, there is a lot more in the book besides, some things happy, some sad. She's lived a very full life.

One thing I do need to address is that there was a lot of controversy over Rebel's memoir and its withdrawal and eventual publication in Australia--with an entire chapter blocked out for legal reasons. My copy was purchased over the counter at a bookstore in the United States, meaning that I was able to read the book in full--and Chapter 23 is certainly compelling reading. (In the exceptionally unlikely event that Rebel Wilson reads this review, I also stick my finger up every time I pass the home of the man who bothered me, and I totally support you in this course of action.) 

Overall, an entertaining read from a talented actor who always does things her way.

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