Size Matters Not: My Extraordinary Life and Career

• 17th Nov 2011

Author: Warwick Davis

I’m not going to lie, when us reviewers were offered Warwick Davis’ memoirs to read and give opinion on, no one jumped at the chance. To put it more accurately there was an unusual silence. Myself included. My theory on this is that like the actor himself, the chance to read his memoir was overlooked:   he’s there but not important enough to pay close attention to. But when you actually take time to think about it Warwick Davis is a British legend. He has been in so many iconic movies, Star Wars, Willow and Harry Potter just to name a few and he has become one of the most recognised small actors in the world. So why was no one interested in reading about his life?

Having now read the memoirs I remain mystified as to why this review wasn’t fought over. Warwick’s recollection of growing up with his condition, getting his part in Star Wars and the consequences which followed on from this are a hugely enjoyable read, one which I finished within a few days. The man even has a foreword from the great beardy, no chin one himself!

What comes across first and foremost with this memoir is that Warwick is just a really, really nice guy. His writing is littered with nostalgic references to growing up in the 70s and 80s so, if you are one of those generations, reading this book does feel like listening to a mate chatting away over a pint and cannot help but make you smile. Admittedly you could say he tries a bit too hard to drop in little jokes (in both senses) and the use of footnotes to aid with tangents which may be considered a love or hate technique. Whatever your impression he remains endearing.

What I particularly noted about the way in which Warwick shares his life is that you never really get the intimate details but still a sense of his views and emotions towards events. The struggles his wife and himself faced with the birth of their children is just heartbreaking but done with such honesty and (dare I say it) love you never feel pity just a strong sense of compassion. Again, just as if it was a friend going through something painful.

The memoirs could be approached in three different ways: the inside knowledge about great films and actors, the life of an actor and then the life experiences of someone who is just three foot six. Warwick has taken it upon himself to unashamedly talk about his height and the sometimes ridiculous circumstances he can get into because the world is built for taller folks. I found this aspect of the book fascinating, a truly interesting insight into how people who are physically different live their lives.

I honestly couldn’t recommend this book more. It’s not life changing nor a big revelation but it was simply a pleasure to spend a few evenings reading and coming away from this book. While I will probably watch his new comedy show, I will most definitely be watching Leprechaun.

Lauren Cracknell