Book review: Harpo Speaks! by Harpo Marx with Rowland Barber
Autobiographies are usually enjoyable for one of two reasons. The author can possess an engaging style that piques the reader’s interest regardless of the material. On the other hand, the author may have led such an interesting life that the subject matter is fascinating despite their ability to spin a good yarn. Fortunately, in the case of Harpo Speaks! both conditions are satisfied, creating a well-written, intriguing look at one of the more interesting characters of the first half of the Twentieth Century.
Harpo Marx was famous for being the silent clown who never uttered a word during any of the dozen or so Marx Brothers movies. However, his story is quite a fascinating one. I’ll admit to being slightly surprised at exactly how engaging the prose style of this book was. Having no idea what he sounded like, even in scripted movie conversation, I was curious as to how he’d come across in print. Fortunately, either he or his co-author, journalist Rowland Barber, was quite good at the art of storytelling. The reader really feels close to the action, as though one were really there. It’s a simple and straightforward style, but it’s one that is quite effective.
As I mentioned, the events of Harpo’s life were extraordinary in themselves. Quite literally a rags-to-riches story about a group of vaudeville brothers who…
