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Just Ignore Him

A BBC Two Between the Covers book club pick

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

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
I have listened to this twice. This is an astonishing piece of work. I am happy for Alan that he succeeded in unlocking his story.

Profound

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I have always liked Alan both as a comedian and actor but this book has made me see him in a whole new light. His courage to write about his childhood experiences is to be applauded. An incredible read.

What an amazing man

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I’ve recommended this to everyone I possible could. I wasn’t expecting to fall so deeply into this book as I have. The mixture of sadness, empowerment, love and strength is extraordinarily beautiful. The type of life story that will break your heart and heal it all in one go. Truly amazing.

Incredibly Wonderful

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I’ve been totally engrossed in this story, made so much more real hearing the lovely voice of Alan. I could not believe the openness and frankness he revealed. I was completely moved by it, I really hope that by writing and performing this harrowing memoir that he has gained some comfort in the process. Many thanks for sharing your story Alan, it must have been very difficult at times.

Amazing, poignant and heartbreaking story

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There were times when I questioned whether to keep listening to this. I'm glad I kept going.
This is a traumatic story. Not a fluffy celeb life story. It's troubling and uplifting in equal measure. How he keeps us laughing in his day job, after the events of his childhood, is beyond me.
To have come out of his childhood and still be remotely sane is an achievement.

Not for the feint hearted

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