New Zealand Listener

A tale of two stars

Almost 16 years ago, I wrote a review of a memoir written by the English comedian and sometimes film star Russell Brand. The book was scandalous, libidinous and often very funny. Brand discussed his heroin addiction, his sex addiction and his crazed pursuit of fame.

The anecdotes he told were a universe apart from the usual celebrity fare: sordid and full of a piercing insight into

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