Simply More (Cynthia Erivo): Audio Book Review

I have a confession, I have never seen Wicked. Not at the theatre, nor the cinema; I seem to travel in a completely different orbit. However, when I saw the high praise for this memoir, I knew it was a must-read. Using my BookBeat trial (thanks Chapter25!) I was ready to dive into the story behind the woman

the world couldn't stop talking about.

I haven't listened to an autobiography before, so I'm not sure how often the author narrates the book, but hearing Cynthia's words in her own voice had a profound impact on me. Sharing her experiences, Cynthia takes us on a journey through her life, imparting wisdom and support along the way.

A book of Lessons, Not Just a Life Story

There is a duality to this book which I found incredibly appealing, even though we are listening to Cynthia's highs and lows, she always returns to the lesson she hopes to share with her readers. Each chapter ends with a reflection on what her experience taught her, and how you can incorporate it into your own life.

Whilst we may not share the same path as Cynthia, she translates these lessons into something we can all relate to, whether it is being undervalued at work or underestimated because of perceived weakness.

Breaking Down Barriers

Cynthia's intersectionality gave me a wider perspective on the barriers she needed to break down in order to succeed. Whilst we are close in age and both grew up in London, I was naïve to assume she was without limits in such a multicultural city. Cynthia discusses her experience of sexism, racism and classism in her pursuit of an acting career.

A skill that fundamentally (should) be recognised on talent alone was not enough to catapult her to her dream roles.

The sheer grit and determination she put into her schooling, almost leading to total burnout, is just as critical to her journey as her phenomenal abilities.

Who should listen to this book?

I was so moved by the time I reached the end of this book, I was recommending it to friends, parents, teachers – anyone who would listen! I think this makes a fabulous coming-of-age title, not just for performing arts students but for any young people who will surely encounter challenges on their path into adulthood. It was a really insightful look into the world of theatre and how it operates, and I don't feel like you need to be a performer yourself to find it fascinating.

The audiobook running time was approximately 3 hours, so I highly recommend it as companionable listening, whether you are on a commute or carrying out duties at work or home.

---

Written by: Heather

Heather joined Chapter 25 in 2024 when she discovered a club in her small town. After meeting many like-minded readers, she was invited to host the Bonus Chapter clubs for her favourite genres: fantasy and romance. Using her knowledge of book trends and keen eye for spotting the next big thing, she hopes to share books that will excite and thrill Chapter 25 members.