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Just Ignore Him

A BBC Two Between the Covers book club pick

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Just Ignore Him

By: Alan Davies
Narrated by: Alan Davies
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About this listen

 'A simply astonishing achievement. The quality, depth, emotional power and terrifying honesty of Alan Davies's story-telling take the breath away' Stephen Fry

'This hugely affecting book is brave, insightful and, at times, funny about things it is hard to be funny about' Jo Brand

The story of a life built on sand. In the rain.

In this compelling memoir, comedian and actor Alan Davies recalls his boyhood with vivid insight and devastating humour. Shifting between his 1970s upbringing and his life today, Davies moves poignantly from innocence to experience to the clarity of hindsight, always with a keen sense of the absurd.

From sibling dynamics, to his voiceless, misunderstood progression through school, sexuality and humiliating 'accidents', Davies inhabits his younger mind with spectacular accuracy, sharply evoking an era when Green Shield Stamps, Bob-a-Job week and Whizzer & Chips loomed large, a bus fare was 2p - and children had little power in the face of adult motivation. Here, there are often exquisitely tender recollections of the mother he lost at six years old, of a bereaved family struggling to find its way, and the kicks and confusion of adolescence.

Through even the joyous and innocent memories, the pain of Davies's lifelong grief and profound betrayal is unfiltered, searing and beautifully articulated. Just Ignore Him is not only an autobiography, it is a testament to a survivor's resilience and courage.©2020 Alan Davies (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Funny Comedy Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty

Critic Reviews

A simply astonishing achievement. The quality, depth, emotional power and terrifying honesty of Alan Davies's story-telling take the breath away. And what a story he has to tell. What a writer he is. Alternately funny, sad, frightening, sweet, savage and tender, Just Ignore Him will never leave you. I always knew that the dumb bewildered puppy persona that Alan so brilliantly projects was a mask for an acute, sensitive, powerfully intelligent and insightful mind, but nothing prepared me for such a tour de force of writing, for what is destined to become an instant classic. Not a klaxon but a peal of church bells and a twenty-one gun salute. Just Adore Him
Tender, funny and unusually inspiring (David Sedaris)
One oft repeated speculation about comedians is that their "otherness", as children, led them to take on the mantle of class clown in order to deflect bullying. In truth, the reality is so much more difficult to unravel. In this book Alan Davies explores the complexity of events in his childhood whilst maintaining his trademark sardonic humour, warmth and intelligence. It's very, very sad at times, but a fascinating look at how childhood tragedy and trauma were treated in that era and how, leavened with humour, one individual/stand-up comic tries to make his way from the dark to the light (Jo Brand)
A heart breaking but also uplifting memoir written with wit, wisdom and great humanity (Ben Elton)
The book is written extremely well . . . There have always been many reasons to admire Alan Davies. Now we can add extraordinary courage (Jake Kerridge)
Davies explores the complexity of his youth with warmth, intelligence and at times even humour. The narrative shifts seamlessly between the 1970s and the present day . . . important and insightful (Emma-Lee Potter)
All stars
Most relevant  
Thank you Alan Davies. I laughed & cried. A wonderful memoir. Maybe because you read it yourself. Blessings to you.

Powerful

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I am very pleased to have listened to this beautifully written as read book. So honest and raw thank you Alan. I am a better person having listened to your story.

Raw and Thought provoking

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I'm 55, on NYE 1974 my mum died. I was 9yrs 3mths. This book vividly brought back memories and some pain from when I was a boy; an angry boy, the class clown, then the needy teenager. The "look at me" boy. However, I was blessed with a wonderful father. This book brilliantly brings to life Alan's pain and lays it bare. It is probably the bravest book I have read/heard. Thank you you brave man. I know part of your pain and I'm crying as I write this.

Brilliantly heartbreaking!

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well written and engaging. insightful in regards to the psychological behaviour of abused and abuser. heartfelt story.

insightful

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Beautifully written and read by Alan himself. Couldn't stop listening! Always been a fan of Alan's, he certainly met his goal of telling a story about himself we didn't know.

Heartbreaking story

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It covered every emotion! I had to go back and re-read parts. It was a very moving and personal story with the usual Alan humour thrown in. Thoroughly enjoyed it and thank you!

I didn't want this to end...

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Beautifully written, deeply emotional and at times difficult to hear, but genuine.
A remarkable book that took courage.

Raw, illuminating, powerful truth.

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Hard, compelling, I kept stopping thinking that’s enough I can’t take any more, but just had to follow the life that this much loved celebrity has had and survived. I hope Allan found it cathartic.

We can’t ignore him!

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So cleverly written & such a treat to be read by Alan himself. I feel so honoured he shared his story.

Incredible

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Thank you Alan Davies... Brilliantly written and shared. Your voice is important and greatly appreciated.

I believe you

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