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David Mitchell: Back Story
- Narrated by: David Mitchell
- Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Entertainment & Performing Arts
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Publisher's Summary
Shortlisted for: Biography/Autobiography of the Year - Specsavers National Book Awards 2012
David Mitchell, who you may know for his inappropriate anger on every TV panel show except Never Mind the Buzzcocks, his look of permanent discomfort on C4 sex comedy Peep Show, his online commenter-baiting in The Observer or just for wearing a stick-on moustache in That Mitchell and Webb Look, has written a book about his life.
As well as giving a specific account of every single time he's scored some smack, this disgusting memoir also details:
- The singular, pit bull-infested charm of the FRP (‘Flat Roofed Pub’)
- The curious French habit of injecting everyone in the arse rather than the arm
- Why, by the time he got to Cambridge, he really, really needed a drink
- The pain of being denied a childhood birthday party at McDonalds
- The satisfaction of writing jokes about suicide
- How doing quite a lot of walking around London helps with his sciatica
- Trying to pretend he isn’t a total **** at Robert Webb’s wedding
- That he has fallen in love a LOT, but rarely done anything about it
- Why it would be worse to bump into Michael Palin than Hitler on holiday
- That he’s not David Mitchell the novelist, despite what David Miliband might think
What listeners say about David Mitchell: Back Story
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Anonymous User
- 07-06-2020
Disappointed
I found this book difficult to listen to. I have been a long time fan of David Mitchell's but found the content of this book up to the 5/6 chapter made me sad. His classist attitudes that I figured were all a part of the act, are sadly confirmed to be as much a part of the real David Michell as mich as the stage David Michell. There is also a very uncomfortable, old english man, section about men in dresses and non passing "transsexuals" being funny.
5 people found this helpful
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- Tristan Butler
- 20-06-2018
Funny, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable
I wish there were more audiobooks by David Mitchell. I think I would happily listen to him
narrate War and Peace, but hearing him read his own book with all its dry and sometimes acerbic wit is a delight. A decent number of laugh out loud moments set against a backdrop of steady, smile-inducing humour.
5 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 27-03-2022
A story of perseverance
Marvellous, charming and down to Earth whilst also revealing a great man's humanity. Additionally, you could not ask for a better narrator.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 13-11-2021
Thoroughly enjoyed
At times frustrating (just get your driver's licence!) but a lovely, sharing of a story in a life with a joyful and satisfying ending.
1 person found this helpful
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- Micah
- 27-10-2021
Funny man. Uninteresting life
David Mitchell is objectively funny. His life is not a great story though. Middle class white British people might enjoy this. The general aura of
Pessimism wore me down too.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 08-09-2021
Fan squeel
Best narrator.
Loved the openness and pacing.
Binged it as much as possible and will re listen again soon.
1 person found this helpful
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- Emmy
- 12-07-2021
Loved every minute
I loved every minute of this. It was so honestly written and delivered. I related so much to his thoughts and experiences especially in childhood and it was fascinating to learn about his life and career. Absolutely brilliant.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 22-07-2019
Laughs and insight
I loved this book and will listen to it again and again I’m a big fan of David’s work. A normal life told in an extraordinary way
1 person found this helpful
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- Kylie
- 17-12-2018
Totally enjoyed worth a listen
A meander worth taking. Laughed out loud in the first 4 minutes and knew i would enjoy this one. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 25-11-2018
Sometimes hilarious, always funny. Delightful.
If you already like David Mitchell, you owe it to yourself to listen to his delightful autobiography. If you are only vaguely familiar with him, you will be converted to a huge fan.
It was hilarious, earnest, interesting, very sweet and at times inspirational.
Classic comedy written by one of the greats.
1 person found this helpful
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- Delia
- 30-08-2013
One of the Funniest, Clever Brits around
I admit, I already went into this book a little prejudiced in its favour, as I became somewhat addicted to watching David Mitchell on various British Panel Shows. This book did not disappoint. I prefer my comedians to be clever, with witty remarks about interesting subjects, current events etc. I am not really a fan of the Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Adam Sandler style of humour and this is so far off that style as to be in a different category altogether.
Mitchell is just so likeable, currently being one of the most popular comedians in Britain. Even when being critical of whatever subject he is currently on a rant about, that you can't help but chuckle, whether you agree or not with his views. I also love his self-mocking admissions of what he sells as his faults, vulnerabilities and weaknesses. He plays up the whole nerd, or dysfunctional loser persona, but in actuality he really isn't at all. He also sometimes pretends to be an arrogant know-it-all, and yet he can't maintain that with a straight face for long, so you know it's all just a funny act. He is such a gentleman, even if he does drop the odd "F" bomb, it comes across more as charming, rather than crass, but even so, you won't find that sort of thing in this book.
If you are undecided on whether his style would suit your taste, check him out on Youtube with some episodes of "Would I Lie to You" or "QI" and that will give you a good idea of the humour in this audiobook. Or check out his podcasts "David Mitchell's Soapbox." He also has a couple of other series, The Mitchell And Webb show, which is a comedy variety type show and another series called Peep Show, which while funny, is a little darker, with ruder language and situations. Those two shows are a little less indicative of the style of this book and might not be to everyone's taste.
This book is a mix of biography and just his ramblings on all manner of subjects, told in a very different style, as we are taken on a walk with him around his neighbourhood. It's narrated as though you are out for a walk and a chat with him.
My only problem with this audiobok was that the few times I listened to it in public on my iphone and headphones, I couldn't help grinning like an idiot, or even laughing out loud, which did cause a few strange looks my way.
18 people found this helpful
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- Joshua
- 15-08-2014
Hilarious, honest and a bit touching
I love the way David Mitchell's mind works. This book is heavily peppered with extremely clever observations, turns of phrase, and all the dry wit that David Mitchell is known for.
I enjoyed every bit of this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of British comedy.
4 people found this helpful
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- Erica N Flynn
- 21-06-2013
David Mitchell is David Mitchell by David Mitchell
I'm not British & therefore only know who David Mitchell is because of Netflix. He is the sort of person I thought he would be, based on his characters in Peep Show & That Mitchell & Webb look: nerdy, neurotic, & a bit stuck-up at times. What I didn't expect is that he made the decision to go in to comedy at such a young age & that once this decision was made it was final (if I had imagined David Mitchell's back story would have guessed that his life-long dream of becoming an accountant was cut short when a BBC exec saw some posh twit being hit in the face with a pie & decided to give him a show). Back Story is a tale of someone who is normal, but just happens to be famous. David Mitchell went to school, he drank too much, he was awkward with girls, he was an ass to some people, some people were asses to him, he made friends, he drank too much again, and at the end of it all, he grew a beard. Also it's funny. Really funny. Funny in a not-too-British-y way, so it's easy for those of us in the States to enjoy & share with friends without having to apologize for recommending it because someone you recommended it to didn't like it & you're then left secretly thinking that person isn't very smart because they don't get dry British humor, causing the friendship to fall apart, which may not be that bad because when it's all over & done you still get to feel superior because you are obviously the more intelligent one. Not that kind of funny at all. Mostly not.
9 people found this helpful
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- Ben
- 31-10-2013
Mark Corrigan Tells It Like It Is
Would you consider the audio edition of David Mitchell: Back Story to be better than the print version?
If you're familiar with Mitchell's work, you know that his deadpan voice is a big part of his appeal. Listening to him read his own words definitely gives the cynicism a really humorous edge that doesn't come across as well in text unless you're already quite familiar with him as a performer.
Any additional comments?
If you're considering this title, it's probably because you're already acquainted with Mitchell either through Peep Show or That Mitchell & Webb Sound/Look/etc. So speaking as one of these fans, the book delivered exactly what I was hoping it would. Genuinely funny in several places, and just as often thoroughly entertaining.
3 people found this helpful
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- Patty McGee
- 21-10-2012
Extremely entertaining, a Real RollerCoaster*
What did you love best about David Mitchell: Back Story?
I thoroughly enjoyed the overall honesty of the book. I am being asked what I 'loved best' about the book and now after investing near 10 hours listening to it, it is that. I enjoyed so many parts of this book, but the candid nature of the book was most(dare I say) refreshing. It was. *Read book
What other book might you compare David Mitchell: Back Story to and why?
The other book I would most compare w/David Mitchell's 'David Mitchell: Back Story'(I am being asked this) would have to be 'Bossypants' by Tina Fey. This is because of obvious similarities in age and industry, along with the fact they are both biographies. My first thought was Outliers by Gladwell. Simply because David Mitchell would fall into the category of an 'outlier' who invested the time over time to become excellent in a field. And be where necessary to benefit from time invested.
What does David Mitchell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
I was grateful to have been read the book by the author as opposed to any other talent and least likely myself. Nothing to take away from anyone who narrates their own books, but this man is a performer and has already mastered the art of saying things others find funny.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
(I am now being asked to make a tag line for a film made out of the book)If you thought he was bookish, unsure around women and wears a 'Hitler' haircut, you might be right about some of those things.
Any additional comments?
I found out about Mitchell and Webb just over a month ago from a friend who I am writing comedy with as to something we could strive towards for our own sketches. I immediately became a fan with 'baddies' and have seen half the series, 'Magicians'(Yes, A funny film, as suggested by the author) and twenty minutes of 'Peep Show'. Such a small preview before I watched 'Magicians', not a reflection of the show. I now know more about that first episode and plan to watch more. In case the reader was concerned. All that said, I have become a fan. Of the work certainly and now the journey as expressed by the author. I don't write reviews much, but felt it important to write this one. Especially because I'm certain the author will read it and I would really want to thank him for making all those sketches. 'That Mitchell and Webb Look' is really fantastic and I enjoyed your book as much. Cheers.
3 people found this helpful
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- Kim
- 11-11-2013
I like David Mitchell
What was one of the most memorable moments of David Mitchell: Back Story?
The lobster story. It was both hilarious and awful.
What does David Mitchell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
He says things in certain ways, and when he read the Robert Webb bit it did not sound like the way Robert Webb would have said that at all. Which is fine, but a perfect example of why it's fun to have the author also read the book to you. You get their intention and emphasis that you wouldn't necessarily get with a professional voice actor.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Yes. I thought it was extremely funny. Especially his childhood. I love British humour.
Any additional comments?
I was actually surprised at what a regular guy David Mitchell is. I thought he would be very fussy and very conservative, and maybe that's because I watched a lot of Peep Show and got him confused with his character Mark, but I really wasn't expecting to relate to him so much. His explanation of why he's agnostic, for example, rings true for me.
2 people found this helpful
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- Melissa
- 17-07-2013
I really loved this booked- listened to it 3 times
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
David Mitchell is funny and the book is touching.
What was one of the most memorable moments of David Mitchell: Back Story?
When he talks about falling in love, it was beautiful.
Which character – as performed by David Mitchell – was your favorite?
N/A
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, and listened to it over and over again.
Any additional comments?
I didn't expect to love this book, the preview didn't grab me, but I just loved it.
2 people found this helpful
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- Steve
- 29-01-2013
brilliant
I like david mitchell, i like his cleverness, i like his wit and timing, i like his honesty and his ranting on a myriad of subjects. His voice can be a bit grating but is minor compared to the rest. I also like the way he weaved his story around his walk around London.
2 people found this helpful
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- DJ
- 07-08-2018
Lovely story
I always enjoyed David Mitchell, and this was excellent! Funny all the way through, except the ending, which was heartfelt instead. I wish there were more David Mitchell selections available! This was awesome!
1 person found this helpful
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- KSP
- 12-03-2018
Great!
I have been a fan of almost everything Mitchell and Webb for years, and was thrilled to read David Mitchell's book. He is a truly lovely man, and his book was lovely, as well. I was literally in tears at one point. A humorous and touching book!
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 14-11-2012
Really enjoyable
One of my favourite audiobooks so far. The book has a nice balance - part biography, part comic asides, structured around a wander around London. It's perhaps a little shy in places, and I suspect there are some warts left uncovered, but fair enough. DM is refreshingly candid about his desire for success and his pleasure in enjoying it, and if I ever met him it would be nice to clap him on the back and say "well done you". Except he would find that mortifying, and I would be mortified at having mortified him, and he would feel bad about my feeling bad, etc.
Anyway, the bit about why we should be grateful we don't live in a meritocracy nearly resulted in spittle on the windscreen.
33 people found this helpful
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- Stan
- 17-10-2012
A Total Joy
Sometimes, just sometimes, you scan the 'New Releases' section on Audible and you see something pop up that you immediately know that you are going to buy, that you are going to love and that you are going to bang on about to your friends.... immediately!
This has happened only twice to me - once with the Alan Partridge autobiography, and again with this title. Both are unabridged readings of an original work that you want to read,, read by the only person that you would allow or trust to read the material out loud to you.
If you like David Mitchell and his style of verbose wit and dry humour, which often manages to be both down to earth and surrealistic at the same time, then you will love this, not least for the fact that he delivers it like he does all of his material - in a natural and fluid monologue.
My only criticism is that you must be fully awake to appreciate it all, because his delivery is so fast and rich, that you will miss a lot if you are either tired or not paying enough attention, but this is the listener's issue really - not David's.
I won't spoil any of the fun by discussing the content because that's why you will buy this book, but I will say that you might want to be careful listening to it on public transport, unless you have no qualms about sounding like and looking like a gibbering idiot to people who happen to either be looking your way or within earshot of you.
I was on a packed commuter train to Leeds when David started talking to me about the vagaries and consistencies of Agatha Christie's characters; Poirot and Hastings, and I had to stop because I was starting to shudder and cry. When he gets your funny bone, he REALLY gets your funny bone.
Personally, I do not care how revealing or non-revealing David Mitchell is about his personal life, I just love listening to him talk and rant, because he is better at it than I am, and I tend to agree with 99% of what he says.
Guilty pleasures? (listen to the book and you will find out.)
62 people found this helpful
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- Narny
- 04-02-2013
A funny and honest listen.
This is another example I think where listening to an audiobook being read, particularly by the author, is far superior than reading it from a book.
David Mitchell is both very funny and very self-efacing. Not a hint of smugness that some may have expected. He is certainly not complacement and is very quick to say how lucky he is to be where he is.
However it is the chapter on his now wife Victoria that is particularly poignant. He is so much in love and it is very nice to hear how two very well-suited people got together.
Oh, and have a streetmap of London handy if you can.
Another great listen from a funny man.
13 people found this helpful
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- Amanda Launchbury-Rainey
- 27-05-2019
Funny and moving
David Mitchell reads his own life story as if on a walk around London, clever in itself. I loved the way he describes his relationships with his parents, his friends and Victoria (had a good blub during that chapter - so romantic). I have completely altered my ideas about the person I thought he was from his on screen and radio persona. I like him all the more. A great listen from a lovely human being.
5 people found this helpful
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- Mr. S. J. Tilston
- 14-10-2012
Superb
Mitchell is an incredibly witty man, his misery cheers me up. His book is narrated by himself and is very well read.
17 people found this helpful
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- ulla
- 04-04-2017
I may be committed and it might've been worth it.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I listened to this book in a day. And while I am an excellent binger of stories, listening to an entire 9,5 hour book in a day pays a huge compliment to the author (And I even went for a run, which was barely painful at all since I was distracted by one of David's very funny recountings but I think I startled some other people on the track by laughing alound at apparently nothing. Oh dear.)
4 people found this helpful
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- mr
- 10-12-2015
Drag
V good, but went into too much detail about Cambridge university. As people's names who weren't that relevant. It just gets confusing.
4 people found this helpful
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- Toby
- 30-08-2013
Honest and Heartfelt
Would you consider the audio edition of David Mitchell: Back Story to be better than the print version?
Extremely well read by a man of more depth than his public persona permits you to see, a absolute joy to listen to.
Any additional comments?
Engaging from start to finish, the final chapter was especially moving in his comments about 'Victoria' - now what I expected, an altogether funny, moving and insightful audiobook.
8 people found this helpful
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- Andrew
- 29-11-2012
superb read / listen
an insight into the world of a comedy genius and his odd goings on. He's not so different to you and me, apparently
8 people found this helpful
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- Semer 57
- 30-11-2012
I loved this!!
I have never seen Peep Show, but have enjoyed David Mitchell's dry wit on lots of panel shows. I was so glad that he was reading this as you cannot imagine anyone else. I listen in the car and he cheered me on my journeys. Also his paean of love to Victoria Coren was so touching. They seem to be a perfect match. Thank you David.
10 people found this helpful
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