Interesting, informative but ...

Don McCullin is an incredible photographer ... the creator of numerous iconic photos of war and conflict, tragedy and trauma, people and their environment. This autobiography takes the reader through his remarkable life and vast array of experiences in so many of the world's most troubled settings: he has portrayed and revealed to us shell-shocked soldiers, point-blank assassination, massacres in refugee camps, starvation, poverty, HIV/AIDS (South Africa, Zambia, Botswana), and so much more.

His autobiography chronicles these impressive achievements (photos, prizes, exhibitions, awards) as well as some of the difficulties of working in such settings. He also takes us through the impact of his work on his personal and family life, the newspaper industry in the UK and his relationships with journalists, photographers and editors.

Interesting and evocative, it nevertheless stopped somewhat short of deeply engaging the reader in contemplating being at the site of evil, cruelty, community demise, wonderment or joy - and holding some responsibility for communicating this to the world. He does not really push us, the readers, to consider the challenges and dilemmas faced behind the lines or on the front line; the ethics of witnessing; the difficulties of communicating stories of pain, suffering and resilience, or even how images are selected given the role of the market and politics. We get glimpses of these issues through his words but somehow so much more is left unsaid. The images tell it all, however.

[[Audible should work on facilitating the display of images alongside audio in some of its books....(yes, I know there would be copyright issues...). How wonderful it would have been to have the text accompanied by photographs, and to glimpse some of McCullin's other great photographic projects - people in India, ancient monuments in Syria, African and Amazonian people struggling for continuity of culture and language...]]

10 people found this helpful

Possibly my favourite audiobook ever

I'm not exaggerating.

I found this book interesting and occasionally very gripping, from start to finish. Johnathan Keeble reads it extremely well, and maintains consistency over the 13+ hours of the story. McCullin has led an extraordinary life; one that few of us would ever want to have lived ourselves, yet he's able to write about it with that blend of dispassionate observer and compassionate participant that makes for the kind of story that would, in great part, make a best-selling thriller in its own right.

On the day I finished listening to this audiobook, the news came that McCullin had been awarded a knighthood in the 2017 New Year Honours. Very appropriate.

7 people found this helpful

Absolutely brilliant

This had been in my library for a while but thankfully I finally decided to listen to it. I knew a couple of McCullin's photos but nothing of the man.

It turns out his story makes for a great read combining boys own adventure with humility and introspection. It's very well written. The narrator is great too - his voice suits the story perfectly.

My lasting opinion is that given what McCullin has witnessed, it's a wonder he's stayed sane. If you have any interest in photography, current affairs, history or derring-do then give this a whirl.

4 people found this helpful

Magnificent

Wonderful autobiography of a fascinating man whose photos are so important to understanding how mad humanity can be at times. Really enjoy Jonathan Keeble's style. Had just finished Chav's the same narrator and find his voice very enjoyable.

2 people found this helpful

A wonderful book about a man living on the edge.

What did you like most about Unreasonable Behaviour?

I saw an exhibition of Don McCullins photographic work in Bath while on a visit a few years ago. His images have stayed with me. He has worked in many of the world war zones in recent years, and escaped many dangerous situations. A very interesting book, excellently read by one of my favourite narrators, Jonathan Keeble.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent and better than the first edition by far

What made the experience of listening to Unreasonable Behaviour the most enjoyable?

The narration is first class and though this isn't Don McCullin you can visualise him in the narration as if he were reading the book himself.

What did you like best about this story?

It is unerring and he isn't worried about writing about the bad experiences.

What does Jonathan Keeble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He is an excellent narrater.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

no idea

Any additional comments?

First class read

2 people found this helpful

Perfect long haul material

Being a keen photographer and having seen Don's documentary a while ago I found this book impossible to turn off from. The vivid details of places and people flung together against a backdrop of such horrors is impossible to imagine and how he's lived though all his experiences is beyond me. A must read if you want to experience the truths and different points of view about the horrors of war and a life after it.

1 person found this helpful

A great listen

Where does Unreasonable Behaviour rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I loved listening to this book - It is a perfect audiobook as his life story really came alive; I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much in book form.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well there's only one - and what a crazy life he has led. Mind boggling Boy's own stuff!

What about Jonathan Keeble’s performance did you like?

The narrator was first class and I really felt it was Don speaking. 10/10

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes - it kept me awake with the horror stories of his near death escapes! And his life story and love life meant it was more than just a war book.

Any additional comments?

Really brings the horrors of war home. Highly recommended.

1 person found this helpful

Good but overly long memoir

Overall I liked the book and listened to almost all of it. Don has had a unique life as a war photographer with national newspapers. He has visited many places at times when they are most vulnerable. We get a bit of background story which helps reveal his character, but then we follow individual exploits in different countries. Some of these stories are more interesting than others and the structure gives a disjointed feel to the memoir. The narrator was fantastic. He has the right tone for such a serious subject and doesn't seem to rush. I just felt the book was a bit too long, and because of the structure, there is no incentive to keep going until the end.

1 person found this helpful

A generation apart

I was bound to like this. Mccullin is part of that 60s working class set that broke into the media and changed everything. I remember looking at his incredible photos in The Sunday Times magazine as a kid.
Still, he didn't live the 60s lifestyle like his mate David Bailey. He risked his life many times, and here he tries to explain why. It's fairly chronological but each tale of risk is a brutal adventure. Bravery or just some kind of addiction? You decide.