Not My Father's Son: A Memoir
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Not My Father's Son: A Memoir
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Narrated by:
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Alan Cumming
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Written by:
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Alan Cumming
About this listen
Audie Award, Autobiography/Memoir, 2015
Dark, painful memories can be like a cage. Or, in the case of Alan Cumming, they can be packed away in a box, stuck in the attic to be forgotten. Until one day the box explodes and all the memories flood back in horrible detail. Alan Cumming grew up in the grip of a man who held his family hostage, someone who meted out violence with a frightening ease, who waged a silent war with himself that sometimes spilled over onto everyone around him. That man was Alex Cumming, Alan's father.
When television producers approached Alan to appear on a popular celebrity genealogy show in 2010, he enthusiastically agreed. He hoped to solve a mystery that had long cast a shadow over his family. His maternal grandfather, Tommy Darling, had disappeared into the Far East after WWII. Alan's mother knew very little about him - he had been a courier, carrying information between battalions on his motorbike. The last time she saw her father, Alan's mother was eight years old. When she was 13, the family was informed that he had died by his own hand, an accidental shooting.
But this was not the only mystery laid before Alan's feet. His father, whom Alan had not seen or spoken to for more than a decade, reconnected just before filming for Who Do You Think You Are? began. He had a secret he had to share, one that would shock his son to his very core and set into motion a journey that would change Alan's life forever.
With ribald humor, wit, and incredible insight, Alan seamlessly moves back and forth in time, integrating stories from his childhood in Scotland and his experiences today as the celebrated actor of film, television, and stage. At times suspenseful, at times deeply moving, but always incredibly brave and honest, Not My Father's Son is a powerful story of embracing the best aspects of the past and triumphantly pushing the darkness aside.
©2014 Alan Cumming (P)2014 HarperCollins PublishersYou may also enjoy...
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The Life and Loves of a He Devil
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- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 145
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 132
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 130
One of our best-loved actors, Michael Caine has starred in over 100 films in his six-decade career, spanning classic movies like Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the book title) to playing Alfred opposite Christian Bale's Batman in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster Dark Knight trilogy. Caine has excelled in every kind of role - with a skill that's made it look easy. As he says, "Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it."
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Wonderful
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Written by: Michael Caine
-
So, Anyway...
- Written by: John Cleese
- Narrated by: John Cleese
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 199
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 173
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 170
The legendary writer and performer of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers fame takes listeners on a grand tour of his ascent in the entertainment world John Cleese’s huge comedic influence has stretched across generations; his sharp irreverent eye and the unique brand of physical comedy he perfected now seem written into comedy’s DNA. In this rollicking memoir, Cleese recalls his humble beginnings in a sleepy English town, his early comedic days at Cambridge University (with future Python partner Graham Chapman), and the founding of the landmark comedy troupe.
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5 out of 5 stars
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excellent, as expected.
- By Zenith VCR on 2019-11-13
Written by: John Cleese
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This Much Is True
- Written by: Miriam Margolyes
- Narrated by: Miriam Margolyes
- Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 140
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 119
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 118
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- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 105
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 86
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Story5 out of 5 stars 84
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What listeners say about Not My Father's Son: A Memoir
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- boots74
- 2021-01-13
Loved this book!
Great easy listen! Alan’s sense of humour, love of his mother and clear story telling lets you imagine along with him. The scottish accent didnt hurt either.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Candice
- 2019-01-13
Excellent!!
Once the story began I didn't want to stop listening. The bravery and courage it took to tell such an unimaginable story will help so many others. You are an inspiration, thank you.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- K. Moore
- 2021-08-08
Wow!
I absolutely loved this book. As someone who struggles with her relationship with her Father, I did at times found it re-traumatizing. I could relate to a lot of the moments he very clearly described. That being said, I couldn't stop listening! He really helped me through the difficult feelings I was going through. If you're looking for complete heartbreak to a complete triumph, this book is for you. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2020-11-05
Sensitive and raw account
The author shares his thoughtful journey and impact analysis of growing up with an abusive father. The reading is brilliant and touching, showcasing his talent in expressive arts. Insights grow along with his age and cumulate to a healthy understanding and acceptance. His ability to hold onto the love that was consistently shared between his brother and mother reinforce hope of the buffering effect families can provide when trauma is incurred. A lovely and engaging story. Note, I listened to this without knowing the magnitude of Alan Cumming's fame.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2021-01-09
More enjoyable than I could have imagined
What a gripping, well-told life story. I’ve always enjoyed his acting, but, as is to be expected, we never really know what happens behind closed doors . I can relate to a great deal of his upbringing and with the DNA experience. I am so glad this was my first audible book....makes me want more.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Barrett Morrison
- 2021-03-07
Spectacular.
Deep, heartfelt, and emotional. An incredible story narrated beautifully by the author themself. Thank you, Alan for this vulnerable story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Debra Williamson
- 2021-02-17
Amazing
Loved your story Alan Cumming, I cried and laughed, I highly recommend listening to this audio book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- George
- 2022-08-28
Touching
What beautiful story!
Alan Cumming writes a sad but uplifting memoir of his childhood. Congratulations on having the courage to overcome what I can only think of as “pure TORTURE “. You truly are a wonderful person and I might add, a fabulous actor!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Connie Wiseman
- 2022-01-07
Loved it!
I love that Alan narrates his own books! He has a great voice and a great story to share.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stace
- 2020-08-11
three days
Three days is all it took to finish. I just couldn't stop listening. Both heartbreaking, and heartwarming... Bravo Mr Cumming. thank you for putting yourself, and your less than Hollywood story, into the world.
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