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A harrowing read at times but lightened by Alan's amazing sense of humour throughout. I live in Dundee, not far from where Alan grew up so was familiar with a lot of the places mentioned in the book. I would highly recommend watching Alan's episode of Who Do You Think You Are once you've finished he book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This was a good buy. Was unable to source it (author signed) for the same cost anywhere else. It was a Christmas present and the new owner was more than pleased.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Very sad but uplifting. Good always triumphs over evil. Well worth reading.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great conditiom as advertised , arrived promtly
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a very readable and compelling little memoir. It concerns events that came to a head during the making of Cumming’s episode of "Who do you think you are?" The book is written episodically, it jumps from childhood to time present and back again, however as the writings specifically focus on Cumming's physically and emotionally abusive father, this makes an effective device, as too long a chapters about this sadistic brute of a man would have been overwhelming – after an episode with Cumming senior we need the relief of Alan’s happier and successful time present. Credit is also due to Cumming for his psychologically insight into how the past impacted on his adult development and time present. Sometimes the stress of what he is having to deal with is wholly palpable. As well as contemporary and shocking revelations made about and by the father there is also the unravelling of his grandfather's life (and death) that also present some fairly startling revelations and touching conclusions. Though Cumming reveals some of the narcissistic egotism that seem necessary criteria for being a "star", and I personally found him banging on about his "happiness" with his "husband" tedious, (since the "husband", is completely irrelevant to the story) if found the book, as a whole, deeply moving and for anyone who had a difficult childhood very resonating. If ever there was an argument for heterosexual men needing licences before they were allowed to breed this was it. Sadly the episode of "Who do you think you are?" was removed from youtube 2 days before I finished the last page, and though I have little interest in that sort of reality TV, that episode I passionately want to hear and see after this read, (they should have sold the book with the accompanying DVD) .Read full review