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Windswept & Interesting

My Autobiography

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Windswept & Interesting

By: Billy Connolly
Narrated by: Billy Connolly
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WINNER OF THE 2022 BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR: NON-FICTION

The funny, frank and full autobiography of the nation's favourite comedian.

'It's the first time I've done this. Other people have written about me - or for me - but this time it's just my own life in my own words'

In his first full-length autobiography, comedy legend and national treasure Billy Connolly reveals the truth behind his windswept and interesting life.

Born in a tenement flat in Glasgow in 1942, orphaned by the age of 4, and a survivor of appalling abuse at the hands of his own family, Billy's life is a remarkable story of success against all the odds.

Billy found his escape first as an apprentice welder in the shipyards of the River Clyde. Later he became a folk musician - a 'rambling man' - with a genuine talent for playing the banjo. But it was his ability to spin stories, tell jokes and hold an audience in the palm of his hand that truly set him apart.

As a young comedian Billy broke all the rules. He was fearless and outspoken - willing to call out hypocrisy wherever he saw it. But his stand-up was full of warmth, humility and silliness too. His startling, hairy 'glam-rock' stage appearance - wearing leotards, scissor suits and banana boots - only added to his appeal.

It was an appearance on Michael Parkinson's chat show in 1975 - and one outrageous story in particular - that catapulted Billy from cult hero to national star. TV shows, documentaries, international fame and award-winning Hollywood movies followed. Billy's pitch-perfect stand-up comedy kept coming too - for over 50 years, in fact - until a double diagnosis of cancer and Parkinson's Disease brought his remarkable live performances to an end. Since then he has continued making TV shows, creating extraordinary drawings... and writing.

Windswept and Interesting is Billy's story in his own words. It is joyfully funny - stuffed full of hard-earned wisdom as well as countless digressions on fishing, farting and the joys of dancing naked. It is an unforgettable, life-affirming story of a true comedy legend.

'I didn't know I was Windswept and Interesting until somebody told me. It was a friend who was startlingly exotic himself. He'd just come back from Kashmir and was all billowy shirt and Indian beads. I had long hair and a beard and was swishing around in electric blue flairs.
He said: "Look at you - all windswept and interesting!"
I just said: "Exactly!"
After that, I simply had to maintain my reputation...'

(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2021 Billy Connolly Entertainment & Celebrities Performing Arts Celebrity Comedy Biography Funny Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty
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Critic Reviews

Billy Connolly's long and vivid life makes for a joyous memoir
There are a lot of laughs and love in the book, but a great grimness to it as well.
This is everything a celebrity autobiography should be and more.
All stars
Most relevant
One of the best autobiographies I’ve ever read and even better with the Big Yin telling it in his amazing voice.
The flow perfectly matches his stage style, no overly constructed chapters, more a timeline of individual moments that ebb and flow back and forth to tell the whole story.
Captivating, an open door into Billy’s rise to fame, adversity and honest approach to his life, never compromising and adjusting to all that life has dealt him.
Warning - listen in private or you’ll find yourself laughing out loud in public, and if you find yourself in this situation just smile, knowing it’s exactly what Billy would want to happen.

Hilarious, Honest and Definitely Interesting

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Such a fabulous experience! It was like I was sitting in the living room with Billy listening to him tell his story. There is something in the way he brings magic into even the most everyday things. Billy is such an amazing story teller & to hear his life in his words & in his voice made this book so special. I laughed so much but also cried too.Such a treasure & will be listening again on my next road trip with my partner so he can enjoy it too.

Everything I expected & some more!

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The absolute pure joy, pleasure and good fortune to listen to Billy talk into my ears was exhilarating. Every time that I hear him speak I hang on his every word, even if it's a subject like farting! Now that's a skill... His unwavering originality and outlook on life is overwhelming inspiring. The Buddha Connolly!

If this audiobook was 100 hours longer, I would have devoured and savoured it just as much. Grateful to get the opportunity to hear the Big Yin's story in his own words. What a privilege. Worth many a repeat listen.

Pure Dead Brilliant

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Loved hearing Billy's words in his perfect scattered but jolly fashion. Just as it should be.

The chapters we needed

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Connolly is his brilliant self. The stories are poignant, funny and life-changing, such a joy to listen to throughout. So wonderful that Billy has finally told his story, in his own words and in his endearing Glaswegian accent. Enjoyed every moment of this journey, Thank you Billy :)

Brilliant!

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