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  • Windswept & Interesting

  • My Autobiography
  • Written by: Billy Connolly
  • Narrated by: Billy Connolly
  • Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (104 ratings)

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Windswept & Interesting

Written by: Billy Connolly
Narrated by: Billy Connolly
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Publisher's Summary

WINNER OF THE 2022 BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR: NON-FICTION

The funny, frank and full autobiography of the nation's favourite comedian.

It's the first time I've done this. Other people have written about me - or for me - but this time, it's just my own life in my own words.

In his first full-length autobiography, comedy legend and national treasure Billy Connolly reveals the truth behind his windswept and interesting life.

Born in a tenement flat in Glasgow in 1942, orphaned by the age of four and a survivor of appalling abuse at the hands of his own family, Billy's life is a remarkable story of success against all the odds.

Billy found his escape first as an apprentice welder in the shipyards of the River Clyde. Later he became a folk musician - a 'rambling man' - with a genuine talent for playing the banjo. But it was his ability to spin stories, tell jokes and hold an audience in the palm of his hand that truly set him apart.

As a young comedian, Billy broke all the rules. He was fearless and outspoken - willing to call out hypocrisy wherever he saw it. But his stand-up was full of warmth, humility and silliness, too. His startling hairy 'glam-rock' stage appearance - wearing leotards, scissor suits and banana boots - only added to his appeal.

It was an appearance on Michael Parkinson's chat show in 1975 - and one outrageous story in particular - that catapulted Billy from cult hero to national star. TV shows, documentaries, international fame and award-winning Hollywood movies followed. Billy's pitch-perfect stand-up comedy kept coming, too - for over 50 years, in fact - until a double diagnosis of cancer and Parkinson's disease brought his remarkable live performances to an end. Since then he has continued making TV shows, creating extraordinary drawings...and writing.

Windswept & Interesting is Billy's story in his own words. It is joyfully funny - stuffed full of hard-earned wisdom as well as countless digressions on fishing, farting and the joys of dancing naked. It is an unforgettable, life-affirming story of a true comedy legend.

I didn't know I was windswept and interesting until somebody told me. It was a friend who was startlingly exotic himself. He'd just come back from Kashmir and was all billowy shirt and Indian beads. I had long hair and a beard and was swishing around in electric blue flairs.

He said: 'Look at you - all windswept and interesting!'

I just said: 'Exactly!'

After that, I simply had to maintain my reputation....

©2021 Billy Connolly (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
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What listeners say about Windswept & Interesting

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Don’t listen whilst driving

If you grew up listening to Billy on LP’s, you’ll love this book.

There were times I had to stop listening to it in my car because I there was a huge chance I was going to crash due to the tears streaming down my face from laughing.
A great man and a great comedian ❤️

10/10

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He’s most definitely windswept and interesting! So matter of fact.

Billy is not an “actor”. Not really, even though he’s done film and television. I think he’s just basically played himself in roles. Or maybe it’s age and a careless what ya think attitude. I found his narration one note, but I still enjoyed his tellings. Mind you I’m coming off Mrs Sally Field who is well a phenomenal narrator.
I was surprised by some of Billy’s life. He brings just the right amount of humour, feels like you’re visiting your uncle and he’s meandering through memories and family stories.
Don’t get annoyed at Billy’s great ability to completely ramble, just love him for being windswept and interesting 💜

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great book

loved it. loved BC narrating. almost cried and definitely laughed out loud a bunch.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Terrific

I was born in Glasgow - my dad was born in Motherwell and my mum Townhead - she’s still with us at 88-yrs young - has a memory like Billy - she remembers everything about her youth - she is the youngest of 12 kids. …. I so enjoyed your book Billy. You’re a treasure.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Funny and sometimes Sad

Billy bares his Soul in this funny poignant book.
my husband was recently diagnosis with Parkinsons. We have both been great fans of Billy' since the Humble Bum days.. Billy has really inspired Bob on how to cope with this disease

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Very Billy

Funny and honest. Typical Connelly fare serious without being maudlin and funny as expected. A very comfortable read.

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Listened to the whole book in 1 day!

Very emotional, heartfelt and so well done. Once I started listening, I couldn’t stop. I felt like I was sitting in the same room as Billy. Well done! Billy Connolly fans will not be disappointed. Get to know The Big Yin like never before.

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Great Listen

Big Yin is amazing in this great listen. He really is a great story teller and amazing to hear about his early life. Loved every minute of it and sad to finish.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I liked it

It was a good autobiography. Billy seems like a really good and honest guy. I enjoyed listening to the book and I was sad when it was over.

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Beautiful, daring and honest.

Fantastic beautiful account of an exsquisite life lived. This is now my favorite book. well done Yin.

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