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 The Writer's Tale
heralds a detailed, frank and insightful look at a year in the life of the
making of Doctor Who. It follows the
correspondence between Doctor Who
Head Writer and Executive Producer Russell
T. Davies, and journalist Benjamin
Cook, as they exchange emails, text messages and script extracts.
There are fifteen chapters in total, all of which deliver
page after page of banter that's just as exciting and suspenseful as the show
itself. At 500+ pages you would expect it to be a heavy read, but on the
contrary you feel like you could go on reading another 500 with ease - which is
partly down to the uniquely refreshing style in which the book itself is written.
In it, Davies is extremely candid about his workload, and
expresses in considerable detail the highs and lows of pulling Series Four of
the show together. In interviews and behind-the-scenes programmes, Davies
always comes across as quite confident, but off-screen, in this book, we see a
side to him that doubts and questions – and this is no bad thing! Something
that has been an annoyance to read in online articles and some internet forums,
is how Davies has ‘yes men’ - if anything, The
Writer’s Tale proves the opposite. Here we have a man of considerable power
in the UK Television Industry, allowing the world to see his every move over
the course of a year, with a respected journalist questioning, challenging and
motivating him – a brave and generous move that will surely silence any
doubters.
Cook’s fearless and
intelligent approach to asking questions, pave the way for some fantastic
responses as he manages to temper Davies fun, energetic and sometimes insecure
narrative with good solid and sometimes cheeky responses. Anyone who reads
Cook's articles and interviews in Doctor
Who Magazine will know how his journalistic style lends itself to some
truly great reading.
It was a genuine delight to watch the friendship between the
two develop over the course of the book, and how Davies’ trust for Cook grows
to the point that he even persuades him to change the ending of Series Four!
There are other little nuggets of information that will have fellow fans
salivating too - like the name of the companion that would have been if
Catherine (Tate) hadn't said yes. The alternative title for Voyage of the Damned, plus confirmation
of the 2008 Christmas Special title. There will be no spoiling in this review
though, just take it as one more reason to go out and get this book - (as if
you need one).
Some of Davies’ own drawings have even made it into the
book, and needless to say, writing isn’t the only avenue he excels in – The Captain Jack Harkness sketch on page 339
is terrific!
This is a book that will not only deliver as a
behind-the-scenes look at the making of a television series, but as a dialogue
that will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, and in doing so, prove
to be as timeless as Doctor Who
itself.
Rating: 
» Review by Doctor Who Online, Copyright 2008.
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