“Equal parts memoir, whodunit, and manual for living . . . a beautifully written, honest look at the forces of blood and bone that make us who we are, and how we make ourselves.” –Neil Gaiman
In his unique and engaging voice, the acclaimed actor of stage and screen shares the emotional story of his complicated relationship with his father and the deeply buried family secrets that shaped his … secrets that shaped his life and career.
A beloved star of stage, television, and film—“one of the most fun people in show business” (Time magazine)—Alan Cumming is a successful artist whose diversity and fearlessness is unparalleled. His success masks a painful childhood growing up under the heavy rule of an emotionally and physically abusive father—a relationship that tormented him long into adulthood.
When television producers in the UK approached him to appear on a popular celebrity genealogy show in 2010, Alan enthusiastically agreed. He hoped the show would solve a family mystery involving his maternal grandfather, a celebrated WWII hero who disappeared in the Far East. But as the truth of his family ancestors revealed itself, Alan learned far more than he bargained for about himself, his past, and his own father.
With ribald humor, wit, and incredible insight, Alan seamlessly moves back and forth in time, integrating stories from his childhood in Scotland and his experiences today as a film, television, and theater star. At times suspenseful, deeply moving, and wickedly funny, Not My Father’s Son will make readers laugh even as it breaks their hearts.
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A fascinating memoir, a tragic story about a dysfunctional family, and a testament to a resilient personality!
I liked this memoir so much I bought two copies to send to friends.
The author’s honesty and humanity shines throughout.
It is heart warming to see how he overcame his abusive early life. It is wonderfully well written and I recommend it highly.
Very honest, I felt like Alan was sharing his story like telling a friend. His dad was a real piece of work.
Book was very boring
Some people look at other people and think, “oh, he’s got a dream life or look at him, such an easy life, no worries.” So along comes talented, photogenic, actor on tv, movies and plays, Alan Cumming to set the record straight on his life.
Alan starts off with a bang, describing his childhood, relationships with his mom, brother and dad. Then lets you in as he is being filmed for a series about his geneology….his mom’s dad and his mysterious death and at the same time Alan is worried about what might be brought up about his dad. The title should give you pause…..would you want this man to be your dad ….would you prefer to believe you are not his son?
This is a wrenching look at how Alex, the dad, treated Alan as he grew up. And it shows how his mother and brother tried to keep a “family” ……this trio hang on and remain so close and loving.
Alan proves to be a remarkable person, full of love, living to the fullest, appreciating childhood games he never could play as a youth. This biography shows how to survive abuse and not become bitter. Alan shows you the inside of acting, being famous, and still deal with family pain. Alan is grounded and pragmatic and the real reason he has so many different hair styles and colors is described in detail …a hellish moment in time …..with his dad.
His mom, Mary Darling, has always wondered about her father and why he never came home after the war. Alan does the show “Who do you think you are?” to find the answers for his mother.
Once you start this book, you won’t put it down. An in depth look at his childhood and his family, a terrific biography with heart!!
This is a wonderfully written book on how Allen Cummings overcame a childhood of abuse. I’m not usually interested in actors writting books but this one is different.
The writing will keep you wanting to read more. I won’t spoil the end but to me his courage put this book at the top of anylist.