Since I was eighteen and was blown away on my first listen to Ommadawn, I've discovered and rediscovered Mike Oldfield's music for twenty years. I enjoy different styles of music and various artists, but - at this point in my life - I could be quite happy stranded on an island with only Mike's albums.
He goes into a lot of detail in regards to his childhood, teen years, and early adulthood. In overcoming a good deal of his angst, he reveals that he lost the force that "turbocharged" his music. This isn't a 'look at what a great guy I am' kind of book. Mike shares his insecurities and regrets. This may not please some who see Mike as a 'god', but - in these acknowledgments - he shows a lot of maturity and courage. There are accounts of drug use and alcohol dependency, and I was glad to see that he treated his love life decorously. In fact, I don't recall sex being mentioned at all. Although I was fascinated throughout, my favorite part is the last chapter where we hear Mike's take on where he stands now, on life, on music, and on the future.
I never expected to see an autobiography. I figured Mike would just remain a mystery to me, and that was fine. After reading this book, however, I am very grateful. The main focus of the book is on the pre-1980s, and there are still mysteries, but it's satisfying to know a little more about the motivations behind the man who makes such amazing music.
