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  • Dear Fatty

  • By: Dawn French
  • Narrated by: Liza Tarbuck
  • Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (221 ratings)

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Dear Fatty cover art

Dear Fatty

By: Dawn French
Narrated by: Liza Tarbuck
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Publisher's Summary

Winner of Best Audiobook of the Year, 2009
Shortlisted for the British Book Awards, Biography of the Year, 2009.

Dear Fatty is read by Liza Tarbuck at the request of the author. With an introduction from Dawn French.

With a sharp eye for comic detail and a wicked ear for the absurdities of life, Dawn French shows just how an RAF girl from the West Country with dreams of becoming a ballerina/bridesmaid/thief rose to become one of the best-loved comedy actresses of our time.

Here Dawn French invites us into her most personal relationships with, among others, her mum and dad, her husband, her daughter and her friend Jennifer.

Dawn reveals the people, experiences and obsessions that have influenced her and that helped shape her comedy creations - including dogs, grandmas, teenage angst, school, stealing and David Cassidy. She is as open about her fears and sorrows as she is about her delights and joys, and for the first time shares the experience of losing her beloved dad and later finding a tip-topmost chap in Lenny Henry.

From raging about class and celebrity to describing the highs and lows of motherhood and friendship, Dear Fatty reveals the surprising life behind the smile.

©2008 Dawn French (P)2008 Random House Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

"Something of a revelation. Because in among the the gags and photos of her bare bosom, there is intellectual rigour and real emotional intelligence ... heavens, she's a funny lady. I can't remember the last time a book made me laugh so much."( Sunday Telegraph)
"A national treasure ... Loyal, self-deprecating and garrulous ¿ this is an original book, and will delight her fans and, indeed anyone with a sense of humour."( Mail on Sunday)
"Self-deprecating yet never self-pitying, irreverent yet never truly cynical, she comes across as a woman genuinely at ease with herself ... French is engaging company, and at her best she writes about heartbreak and elation with such grace that her book is impossible to dislike." ( Boston Standard)

What listeners say about Dear Fatty

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  • Overall
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Dawn's love

There's a lot of love in this book. It's really warm, tender, vulnerable, and very, very honest.

Although at first I was a bit cross it wasn't being read by Dawn French herself, but I understood why, because Liza Tarbuck does such a good job eventually I forgot it wasn't Dawn.

For listening on one's phone app it would have been better if each letter had it's own chapter, rather than a bunch of letters making one long chapter. Really only a technical problem in an otherwise lovely book.

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Immerse yourself in Dawn French’s world

I enjoyed the way the memoir is presented. Most of the stories were funny and enthralling, while some were very emotional.

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Great work Dawn xx

Great funny and sad stories from Dawn You Sagacious
Wonder Woman.
I need more of you.

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An absolutely brilliant memoir

I cannot believe I’ve waited so long to read this book. I’ve been a fan of Dawn French’s since my early teens (I’m now 50). Well, thank goodness I finally got around to reading it! It’s a delightful memoir; equal parts funny and touching. And the epistolary format allows Dawn to detail important parts of her life, including some tragic moments, in a heartfelt, touching way. I recommend this memoir to everyone, whether you’re a fan of Dawn French or not.

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You can not beat a bit of French

Loved it. My face hurts from laughing. Purchased my next Dawn French book before this one finished.

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Bloody marvellous

Thrilling and sad listen. Insightful and endearing. What a woman, what a life, what a book!

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it made me laugh, it made me sad, loved it!

listened to this book in record time! I really, really enjoyed the reality of her story and the format Dawn used. Thank you for sharing not only the really funny bits, but the very personal insights as well. highly reccomend!

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absolutely loved it

I loved this book! It is incredibly funny and delightful. Liza Tarbuck did a wonderful job, I could listen to her all day. This book is filled with beautiful, honest, and somewhat familiar stories which I could easily relate to. Thanks Dawn for sharing this intimate part of your life with me.

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Great read!

Such a fabulous book to listen too. Tears, laughter and fantastic stories. If you love Dawn French you will love this book. Beautifully read by Lisa Tarbuck.

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Dear Reader, get ready for a fabulous journey

Personal and respectful. Loved the letter writing structure. French allows us to feel what she feels and to love what she loves. Laugh and cry. This book will make you do all.

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