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stevienlcf's review against another edition
3.0
Cumming makes clear that he does not intend to write a “my fabulous celebrity life” book and, with the exception of a funny bit about a spitting Patti Smith and Mary J. Bilge at a charity auction in Cannes, he sticks to his word. In 2010, Cumming is on the television show “Who Do You Think You Are?” and learns that his maternal grandfather, Tommy Darling, was a “fearless daredevil of war” who was severely wounded in one of the most frightening engagements of WWII and then had a major psychiatric episode that was white-washed because of the stigma attached to mental illness. Tommy took up a post in Malaya and died, at 35 years of age, of a gun shot wound. The mystery of why Tommy never rejoined his family is the subject of Cumming's televised quest. At that time that this story was unfolding on camera, the man whom Cummings believed was his father claimed that Cumming’s was not his biological son.
Cummings toggles back and forth between then and now. He depicts a philanderer father who was the head forester of a country estate on the east coast of Scotland. A seemingly idyllic childhood on thousands of acres of woodland was marred by his father’s physical and emotional abuse and constant humiliation. Neither Alan nor his older brother could recollect happy times as a family. Cumming recites harrowing descriptions of the atmospheric changes that preceded his father’s mood plunge into “irrationality, rage, and ultimately violence.” At 45, he tries to explain why the man from whom he had been estranged for almost two decades tormented him.
Readers seeking a celebrity "tell-all" will be disappointed, but Cumming pens a captivating tale about surviving childhood abuse.
Cummings toggles back and forth between then and now. He depicts a philanderer father who was the head forester of a country estate on the east coast of Scotland. A seemingly idyllic childhood on thousands of acres of woodland was marred by his father’s physical and emotional abuse and constant humiliation. Neither Alan nor his older brother could recollect happy times as a family. Cumming recites harrowing descriptions of the atmospheric changes that preceded his father’s mood plunge into “irrationality, rage, and ultimately violence.” At 45, he tries to explain why the man from whom he had been estranged for almost two decades tormented him.
Readers seeking a celebrity "tell-all" will be disappointed, but Cumming pens a captivating tale about surviving childhood abuse.
this_kiwi_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This memoir covered some dark stories of a very awful childhood. It was paced well and it was interesting to hear how Alan worked through and processed the trauma of his early years. The story around researching the life of his maternal grandfather was also very interesting.
I listened to the audio narration read by the author, which is my preference for memoirs. As expected from an accomplished actor, Alan Cummings narration was well paced and pleasant to listen too. It definitely added an extra special personal touch to the story.
I listened to the audio narration read by the author, which is my preference for memoirs. As expected from an accomplished actor, Alan Cummings narration was well paced and pleasant to listen too. It definitely added an extra special personal touch to the story.
rebeccalm's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this on audio-book and it was a great choice.
This was a beautifully narrated memoir from Alan Cuming about how he overcomes a tumultuous and violent childhood and learns to thrive and find joy in life. It's told with much honesty and sincerity, and the story flashes back and forth between memories and more present-day circumstances.
After reading this I've definitely grown quite fond of Alan, and it's inspiring to see the inner strength he's found in spite of and because of everything he's gone through.
This was a beautifully narrated memoir from Alan Cuming about how he overcomes a tumultuous and violent childhood and learns to thrive and find joy in life. It's told with much honesty and sincerity, and the story flashes back and forth between memories and more present-day circumstances.
After reading this I've definitely grown quite fond of Alan, and it's inspiring to see the inner strength he's found in spite of and because of everything he's gone through.
onuryasar's review against another edition
I’ve read this book in one go, it’s a real page-turner. Been on my list for a while but judging by its title I always thought it’d be yet another father-rejecting-gay-son type of biography. The story is far from that cliché.
beans1030's review against another edition
5.0
Great book! Love Alan Cumming, mostly from The Good Wife and couldn't wait to read this. It's a raw glimpse into his childhood and adulthood showing how much he's overcome to be such a talented, confident funny and gifted actor and person!
celareamon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Loved this book. He is a great story teller and has has an incredible life. Love seeing him in everything no.
ignimbrite's review against another edition
4.0
This is not your typical celebrity memoir. It is beautiful, sad, and ultimately hopeful, but not in a cloying or cliched way. I am lucky not to have experienced the family trauma Alan Cumming describes, but the way he tells his story gave me a new appreciation for what it means to grapple with such a complicated, traumatic history and to survive.
I listened to the audio book. Alan Cumming's narration is also very good.
I listened to the audio book. Alan Cumming's narration is also very good.