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Boy from the Valleys

My unexpected journey

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Boy from the Valleys

By: Luke Evans
Narrated by: Luke Evans
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

From his humble beginnings in a quaint Welsh mining village to the dazzling lights of Hollywood, much-loved star, Luke Evans takes us on a poignant and inspiring journey that spans from the heart of Wales to behind the scenes of the global stage.

Growing up in a small village in the Rhymney Valley, south Wales, Luke Evans’ early life was shaped by his Jehovah's Witness upbringing. While most children of his age spent their Saturday mornings watching Going Live on television, young Luke would dress in a suit and tie and join his parents to knock on doors to spread the word of his religion. From an early age, he felt different. This feeling of displacement was not limited to his faith, as he came to terms with his own sexuality, he also faced a difficult and uncertain path. In his poignant, tender and often humorous account, Luke shares his bold decision to leave home – and the religion – at seventeen to move to London where vibrant Soho scene captured his heart, invigorated his creative journey as an actor and opened a whole new world of opportunity.

In finding himself, Luke also discovered his passions of singing, acting and performing. Starring first on the West End stages in iconic productions like Miss Saigon, Avenue Q and Rent, he quickly captivated the hearts of audiences and caught the eye of Hollywood's elite, going on to secure roles in blockbuster films such as The Hobbit, Beauty and the Beast, Fast and Furious and Dracula Untold.

In this intimate memoir, Luke takes us behind the scenes of his career on the stage and screen. He writes beautifully of the relationship he now has with his family and the respect they all have for one another on their different paths. Luke's story is a powerful tale of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of finding a sense of belonging and identity, but mostly (and hopefully) a story of inspiration.

©2024 Luke Evans (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment & Celebrities Village Heartfelt Inspiring Witty Thought-Provoking

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An honest and inciteful story of Luke's life, not your stereotypical celeb autobiography. Refreshingly honest, really recommend.

Refreshingly Honest, and such a good listen

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I'm not normally one for autobiographies, but this one is a true gem. It covers so many struggles in a balanced, analytical, and charmingly witty way that gives you a glimpse at all sides, even if you ultimately can't get behind some of the people's choices and beliefs. Emotive, honest, open, harrowing at times, but ultimately hopeful and determined. This is a story of complex adversity, unwavering bravery, and of risking everything to become your true self in a world that often seems too small to hold the brilliance of your immutable soul.

Honest, witty, and brave.

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I love this story. I could not stop listening. The way Luke reads his own words is absolutely mesmerising. So interesting to hear about the life of a Jehovah’s Witness and the struggles that bought for him but how beautifully he overcame everything and turned into the wonderful actor he is now.

Luke’s beautiful voice and inspirational story

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Excellent listen. Luke Evans is an interesting and highly engaging person, coming across as a relatable narrator. I particularly enjoyed the early stories of life growing up in South Wales.

Loved it

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Luke’s difficult childhood & being gay telling his parents. Who sound lovely. I enjoyed every bit of Luke’s memoir. His determination to make it as an actor. Telling his mother he is gay. I would like to have known how he met Fran his current love interest. Maybe that is to come. Luke comes over as a caring gentle man. I’ve only just recently seen him in a couple of programmes this prompted me to want to know more. A lovely enjoyable memoir. Thank you Luke. Oh I mustn’t forget that beautiful singing voice.

A no holds barred memoir

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