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Not My Father's Son

A Family Memoir
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( 46,868 ratings, 5,331 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Not My Father's Son is a poignant memoir by Alan Cumming, reflecting on his turbulent childhood and the impact of his father's abusive behaviour. The narrative intertwines his personal journey of self-discovery with a gripping family mystery, exploring themes of identity, forgiveness, and resilience. As Cumming uncovers family secrets, he navigates the complexities of his past, finding strength and clarity in unexpected places.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2600
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$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this heartfelt memoir if you're interested in a deeply personal and candid exploration of family secrets, identity, and self-discovery. The author shares poignant and often humorous stories from his life, revealing the challenges and triumphs that have shaped him. This book may appeal to readers who appreciate emotionally resonant narratives that offer insight into the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth.

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'One of the most memorable, heart-stopping autobiographies I have ever read' - Stephen Fry

Alan Cumming's compelling and moving memoir about his childhood and a thrilling family mystery. SHORTLISTED FOR THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB SLIGHTLY FOXED BEST FIRST BIOGRAPHY PRIZE

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

I learned something about myself that night. When I get really shocking news, my entire body tries to get the hell away as quickly as possible. The repercussions of this bombshell would reverberate in my life for a long time to come.

A beloved star of stage and screen, Alan Cumming's life and career have been shaped by a complex and dark family past - full of troubled memories, kept buried away. But then an unexpected phone call from his long-estranged father brought the pain of the past hurtling back into the present, and unravelled everything he thought he knew about himself.

Not My Father's Son is the story of his journey of discovery, both a memoir of his childhood in Scotland, and an investigation into his family history which would change him forever.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Alan Cumming's memoir offers a gripping, emotional account of his tumultuous relationship with his father and his journey of self-discovery. Reviews highlight the book's powerful storytelling, combining mystery and autobiography, while praising Cumming’s ability to balance raw honesty with unexpected humour. Critics commend Cumming's courageous and eloquent writing, noting that the memoir is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781782115465

Publisher: Canongate Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 May 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Canongate Books

Edition: Main

Illustration: integrated b&w illustrations throughout

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 205g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Alan Cumming is an award-winning actor, singer, writer, producer and director. He recently starred in an acclaimed one-man staging of Macbeth on Broadway, and appears on the Emmy Award-winning television show The Good Wife. He won a Tony Award for his portrayal of the Emcee in the Broadway musical Cabaret, a role he has reprised in 2014. He hosts PBS Masterpiece Mystery and has appeared in numerous films, including Spy Kids, Titus, X2: X-Men United, The Anniversary Party, Any Day Now and Eyes Wide Shut. He is also the author of a novel, Tommy's Tale. Not My Father's Son has been shortlisted for The Biographers' Club Slightly Foxed Best First Biography prize. Follow @Alancumming on Twitter Join the discussion #NotMyFathersSon www.alancumming.com

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