DVD Corner

Mary Poppins, She Wrote Book Review

“Mary Poppins, She Wrote” is a revealing biography.

With the recent Blu-ray release of “Mary Poppins,” the theatrical release of the touching “Saving Mr. Banks,” and now the paperback book release of “Mary Poppins, She Wrote,” it’s clear that “Mary Poppins” mania is in full swing once again. While there are, of course, chapters devoted to the titular character, author/journalist Valerie Lawson’s biography book is more centered around the creator of the iconic character (P.L. Travers).

Through 401 pages, 3 parts, and 16 chapters, Lawson details the life of the notoriously outspoken, opinionated, intelligent, and private author Pamela Lyndon (P.L. for short) Travers. We learn a great deal about her family, identity (she was born Helen Lyndon Goff), childhood, writing career, the personal nature of her work, “Mary Poppins,” her adopted son Camillus, inspirational people in her life (Alfred Richard Orage and George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff), literary friends, spirituality, locations that meant a great deal to her, her complicated working relationship with Walt Disney in getting ‘Poppins’ on the big screen, her final years, and the profound impact that her father had on her life.

While there are still mysteries about the author (as there should be), there’s no denying the fact that this bio is a thorough and exhaustively researched book that gives readers a better understanding of the artist’s life thanks to a plethora of facts, references, stories, quotes, and rare B&W photographs (16 pages worth to be exact). Of course, this book isn’t just comprised of mere facts about Travers. Lawson wisely infuses some of herself into this book which definitely helps give it a more personal tone. This storytelling approach may also help readers find something to connect with if they do not like Travers as a person. However you may feel about Travers, however, there’s no question that it’s important to learn about her life and her side of the story (even though she reportedly never wanted a biography to be written about her).  

Overall Thoughts: Not only is “Mary Poppins, She Wrote” a good read, but it makes a great companion piece to both “Mary Poppins” and “Saving Mr. Banks.” Recommended.

January 4, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers, Saving Mr. Banks, She Wrote Book Review