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Just Ignore Him

A BBC Two Between the Covers book club pick

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Just Ignore Him

Written by: Alan Davies
Narrated by: Alan Davies
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About this listen

'A simply astonishing achievement. The quality, depth, emotional power and terrifying honesty of Alan Davies's story-telling take the breath away' Stephen Fry

'This hugely affecting book is brave, insightful and, at times, funny about things it is hard to be funny about' Jo Brand

The story of a life built on sand. In the rain.

In this compelling memoir, comedian and actor Alan Davies recalls his boyhood with vivid insight and devastating humour. Shifting between his 1970s upbringing and his life today, Davies moves poignantly from innocence to experience to the clarity of hindsight, always with a keen sense of the absurd.

From sibling dynamics, to his voiceless, misunderstood progression through school, sexuality and humiliating 'accidents', Davies inhabits his younger mind with spectacular accuracy, sharply evoking an era when Green Shield Stamps, Bob-a-Job week and Whizzer & Chips loomed large, a bus fare was 2p - and children had little power in the face of adult motivation. Here, there are often exquisitely tender recollections of the mother he lost at six years old, of a bereaved family struggling to find its way, and the kicks and confusion of adolescence.

Through even the joyous and innocent memories, the pain of Davies's lifelong grief and profound betrayal is unfiltered, searing and beautifully articulated. Just Ignore Him is not only an autobiography, it is a testament to a survivor's resilience and courage.©2020 Alan Davies (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK
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What the critics say

A simply astonishing achievement. The quality, depth, emotional power and terrifying honesty of Alan Davies's story-telling take the breath away. And what a story he has to tell. What a writer he is. Alternately funny, sad, frightening, sweet, savage and tender, Just Ignore Him will never leave you. I always knew that the dumb bewildered puppy persona that Alan so brilliantly projects was a mask for an acute, sensitive, powerfully intelligent and insightful mind, but nothing prepared me for such a tour de force of writing, for what is destined to become an instant classic. Not a klaxon but a peal of church bells and a twenty-one gun salute. Just Adore Him
Tender, funny and unusually inspiring (David Sedaris)
One oft repeated speculation about comedians is that their "otherness", as children, led them to take on the mantle of class clown in order to deflect bullying. In truth, the reality is so much more difficult to unravel. In this book Alan Davies explores the complexity of events in his childhood whilst maintaining his trademark sardonic humour, warmth and intelligence. It's very, very sad at times, but a fascinating look at how childhood tragedy and trauma were treated in that era and how, leavened with humour, one individual/stand-up comic tries to make his way from the dark to the light (Jo Brand)
A heart breaking but also uplifting memoir written with wit, wisdom and great humanity (Ben Elton)
The book is written extremely well . . . There have always been many reasons to admire Alan Davies. Now we can add extraordinary courage (Jake Kerridge)
Davies explores the complexity of his youth with warmth, intelligence and at times even humour. The narrative shifts seamlessly between the 1970s and the present day . . . important and insightful (Emma-Lee Potter)

What listeners say about Just Ignore Him

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Heartwrenching story, beautifully written and read

It was a privilege to hear Alan Davies' read his own words. Sprinkled with dark humour befitting the dark story of his childhood experiences. This is a book worth both reading and hearing, and I recommend both paper and audio versions unreservedly. Carefully crafted prose bristling with emotion. Great insights into the difficulty of accessing memories. Avoids bathos and melodrama while making clear the damage done by a person in a position of trust who could not be trusted. My heart went out to the boy Alan was, and the man he is..

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Heartbreakingly and beautifully written

I could not stop listening, which I guess is the audiobook version of “I could not put it down.”

There is humour, sadness, compassion, and clarity all wrapped up in this story of a little boy who just wanted to be seen and loved. There were times I wished I could reach into the past and give that little boy a hug, and listen to what he had to say.

I enjoy Alan Davies as a comedian/actor and while I had a heads up of what this book is about I was not prepared for his prose - which I now account as some of the best I have read (or heard) in quite awhile. I do hope he considers writing more, and not necessarily autobiographical either. It would be interesting to read fiction written by him too.

All the stars. 11/10 would recommend.

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Undeniably Heartbreaking

Throughout this entire book, I wish I could reach back in time and save this little boy from a monster who was not unlike my own maternal grandfather, from what I’ve been told. This book will rip your heart out. The author’s comedic talents are second to none. He’s one of my favourite comedians, and now I have an entirely new appreciation for his character, his strength, and his perseverance.

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Honest, introspective & raw

Wonderful read. I could listen to his voice for hours… i did! Perhaps next time he can read the phone book So i could get some sleep… I’d pay for that 🤗
Couldn’t put it down! Charming, touching and cathartic… can’t ignore him.

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You cant ignore his story.

I loved this book, especially the audio version. i dont believe this story would have been as powerful without Alan's voice itself. it is very well written, articulate and emotional. Thank you for breaking the silence.

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Simply fantastic

A new look on Alan Davies. What a terrible childhood that formed such a wonderful man.

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I couldn’t take anymore

Oh Alan, this is too heartbreaking. I stopped, I had to. The injustice , the cruelty, it explains a lot to me about you, but I cannot listen to anymore. It’s good you told it, you had to finally. But I always hope that people understand children, and what life offers to them in the beginning is everything- the most important time. I cannot listen to anymore abuse. This abuse breaks my heart, takes me down, and makes me feel so so sad, sorry, upset. I had to stop. I wish he had a chance at a new childhood. He deserves better, as do all children. I cannot give stars, even though I know it’s important… but I don’t want to recommend that anyone listens to this abuse. It had to be said, and he said it well, but we need to stop.

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