Review: Elisabeth Sladen - The Autobiography

With its origins way back in 2009, Doctor Who fans everywhere were eagerly awaiting the release of the much-loved Elisabeth Sladen's autobiography. After her unfortunate and untimely death in April 2011, the prospect became unheard of, until a few months ago, when we were told that the posthumous autobiography was going to be released in November.

Although at first I had slight doubts about the book, the prologue alone dispelled any and every concern. In it, David Tennant reminisces on his first day at work where he met Elisabeth Sladen, and the absolute awe he had for her, saying that the scenes they shared were "the most thrilling [he] had on Doctor Who."

Throughout the book, a similar feeling of awe resonated in me, and I am sure, in every reader too. Elisabeth's effortless introspective narrative shifted between her time on The Sarah Jane Adventures, and her time on Doctor Who, reflecting the similar importance she had of both.

Between the illustrious and heart-warming memories Elisabeth shares with us is a selection of photographs, highlighting key moments in Elisabeth's life. It was interesting to see the various newspaper clippings from her personal collection, including photos of her time with various Doctors. Most interesting was a Midsummer's Night Dream programme, a production which starred Helen Mirren! "In a toss up between me and Helen Mirren, I was voted 'Most Likely to Succeed!'" she remarked.

Elisabeth's witty and detailed anecdotes on her time as Sarah Jane Smith gives a real insight into the mind of such a talented actress, someone who has achieved so much and experienced a lot too. Whilst reading the autobiography, it almost felt as if Elisabeth's warm voice was pouring over every word: her endearing sighs at bygone disappointments, her surprised tones at shocking discoveries and her gentle laughter at the humorous memories.

Brian and Sadie Miller's epilogue really summed up why Elisabeth Sladen was so fantastic both on-screen and off. Her passion and devotion to both her work and her family paid off and she will be forever remembered as the hard-working and appreciative actress whose presence was like a glimmering hope and whose death shall always be regarded as one of the most heartbreaking of them all.

10/10

Thanks to Aurum