DEN BROWNE – PADLOCKS: LIVING WITH SID AND NANCY
BACKSTAGE BOOKS
BOOK REVIEW BY VICTORIA LOVE-RAINBOW
Padlocks: Living with Sid and Nancy is a unique glimpse into the intimate relationship of Nancy Spungen and Sid Vicious through the eyes of a friend. Den Browne gives a candid account of his relationship with the troubled couple, who took up residence by accident in his flat for three months. The accidental meeting on account of a shared drug habit, which provided a deeper understanding of the often-scrutinised couple and more specifically the vilified Nancy, is indeed misdirected.
From the start, Browne acknowledges the intense relationship that existed between the couple, more notably highlighting that, in fact, Nancy, by todayβs standards, would have been classified as a victim of domestic violence. Browne is apparent in his intent and lays down the rules of engagement early, setting a distinct trajectory of where this story will take us. Although Nancy would by no means consider herself a victim, she wasnβt the villain.
The protagonist is clear: Nancy. Browne conveys a respectful insight into the depths of her character; honestly, it’s devastating. As Den and Nancy grew closer in friendship, Sid and Nancy’s relationship seemed to deteriorate, marked by Sid’s obsession with knives and their frequent arguments, which, at times, turned violent. Equally jarring was the guilt felt and indeed articulated by Browne, βIt’s like all the times I’d pull some stroke to get my drugs, half an hour’s pleasure followed by thirty years of guilt β just as that afternoon’s haunted me ever since.β
The closing pages of Padlocks: Living with Sid and Nancy unpacked some of Browne’s more personal moments, outside of the Sid and Nancy chaos, which is notable and utterly truthful in his perspective on the selfishness of addiction, βIt’s all part of the reductive, brutalising effect of addiction, and the narrowing down of thoughts and feelings to a pragmatic and selfish journey view.β Taking responsibility for the 12 years of addiction without romanticising the habit. Equally fascinating is the enduring friendship; Browne relives moments in his dreams, affecting him still, leaving the reader sad and sympathetic to his loss.
This remarkable memoir invites the reader to witness the intimate details of a moment in Browneβs life. The writing is clear, engaging, and respectful of the people and events that shaped the author’s journey. Browne has a distinctive voice that conveys honesty, emotion, and insight. Padlocks: Living with Sid and Nancy is a compelling and authentic read, and I am compelled to seek more from Den Browne.
ISBN: 9781739477912
PURCHASE PADLOCKS: LIVING WITH SID AND NANCYΒ VIA
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