I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the movie version "Auntie Mame" starring Rosalind Russell. I also saw the version starring Lucille Ball. However, in my opinion the original book is much better.
When he brother dies Patrick Dennis her son goes to live with his aunt Mame. Mame was a socialite of the roaring twenties and had her own ideas about how to raise children. Her brother had contrary ideas and said that if he died and Patrice went to live with Mame, the she had to abide by the decisions made by his lawyer until Patrick came of age. The book tells of their love for one another and of their complicated relationship. If you have seen either movie version, you have a surprise coming. Some of the things in the book were left out of the movies, sometimes for good reasons at the time. If you want to read a book about an interesting relationship and an unusually strong yet vulnerable woman you will enjoy this book. This book also contains an introductory section by a literary professional and an afterword by Patrick Dennis' son.
"Auntie Mame..." is a timeless classic. Mame is a real character. Her actions and the things that happen to her are truly entertaining to read. I liked the way each chapter opens with the narrator talking about a an old, unbelievable lady in an article he's reading. This causes him to reminisce about a related story starring his Auntie Mame. In the end, the Patrick stops the reminiscing and brings the story to the present.
