Who Do I Think I Am? cover art

Who Do I Think I Am?

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About this listen

Comedian Mark Steel's hilarious and heartbreaking exploration of his own adoption.

Growing up in humdrum Swanley in Kent with loving parents, Mark Steel had never been bothered about being an adopted child. But in later life, established as a successful comedian and writer, he decided to search for his biological parents.

What he uncovered was a story so strange, a cast of characters so eccentric and far-fetched that he was transported to social and cultural divides that spanned half the world. His mother had at first refused to have Mark adopted, while his father later went on to become a key player in Mayfair’s Clermont gambling club and reached the pinnacle of high society. What happened when Mark finally contacted both his parents is as moving as it was entirely unexpected.

As well as his own story, told in his uniquely endearing and hilarious voice, Mark delves into the more serious aspects of adoption, single motherhood and the brutality of the social attitudes of the time. He surveys the testimony of mothers and those adopted and tries to find reasons for his own mother’s crucial and agonising decision. Who Do I Think I Am is one of the funniest, most heart-breaking stories you’ll ever encounter.

©2021 Mark Steel (P)2021 Audible, Ltd Funny Witty Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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a fascinating story narrated with passion and humour by the author himself. Brilliant. Mark Steel is passionate and funny as always.

Brilliant

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This chap is funny and super intelligent.
The story he tells is quite remarkable and he has a well grounded, insightful attitude to the events portrayed.
Mark left me wishing he was one of my mates. I'm certain in the knowledge that I could sit with him for hours, debating and agreeing with him regardless of differing political views.
To be left with a feeling like that at the end of a book means the boy done good.
Very bloody good.

Outstanding!

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I’m a big Mark Steele fan, so picked this book to learn more about him. I could never have predicted moments when I gasped out loud through a dropped jaw!! It’s a wonderful story! I’ll listen again sometime to understand more about 20th Century history, but for now, I’m content to enjoy the joyous warm-heartedness of the man!

Nature vs nurture debated compulsively

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I’d heard the radio version of the original stage show a few years ago, the book is just so much better. Far more details, but also a real look at how society made young women give up their children in the 1950’s & 60’s.

The story is amazing & Mark can always make to laugh so hard … I spat tea over myself during this one.

Simply Brilliant

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well voiced up , of the story which changed Mark's life and all around him. With what grows into a story you could not make up. crossing continents and class divides. A very good listen, which makes you think and stays with you.

A very sad story of society and it's failures

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