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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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Summary

 '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 Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Funny Comedy Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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)
Raw and compelling
Suffused with Davies's trademark dry humour, balancing heartbreak and hope with a steady hand
Surely the bravest memoir of the year
An intimate, open-hearted book
Required reading . . . fantastic (Graham Norton)
A sad, brave and beautifully written memoir
All stars
Most relevant
Just finished listening and I need some time - I just want to hug Alan 🙏 and exterminate his father

Heartbreaking

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I had no idea of what one of my favourite comedians had been through in the process of growing up. I now have the utmost respect for his speaking up, his strength and allowing others to have voice through using his. A brilliant, emotional journey.

Heartbreakingly honest

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Alan has accomplished what he set out to do. He has shared parts of himself that most of his fans would never guess at or expect. On one hand this is a love letter to his Mum, full of boyish longing for what could have been. On the other, a searingly honest holding to account of his father and the life long impacts his molesting caused. Whilst the topic is often challenging it is surprisingly gentle in it’s approach and I am so glad that Alan narrated this himself. Thanks Alan, I have no doubt that others, dealing with hidden sexual abuse, will be brave enough to tell their stories after hearing yours.

A difficult but beautiful read

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Amazing human story, tackled with bravery and kindness. What great leadership - may we all look to others gently and quietly telling our story and simply asking to be believed.

Brave and kind

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I used to think Alan Davies was amusing, but also fortunate to have a long term gig on the panel show he is a regular on.
I can’t apologise enough. Alan has finally found his peace in his immediate family and friends and through writing this book. It pays never to prejudge on little knowledge. This book is a warning to all not to prejudge and also points out that we don’t know what people carry through their life. Things that form their decisions. Thanks Alan. I won’t forget your honesty and humour. Everyone should hear this story.

I’ve changed my mind. Thanks Alan

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