“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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I opened it the first time to read for a few minutes and unwind before getting some sleep, as I had to get up early the next day. I finally forced myself to close it when I had only four hours left before I needed to get up. I finished it the next day. Great writing, fascinating (autobiographical non-fiction) story, compelling writing.
Surprising how your parents affect your lives.
The book was well written. It takes you through the authors life and how he overcame growing up with an abusive parent.
A very moving and revealing personal life account spoken from a young boy’s memory,
I like biographies and I was shocked by what this actor I new from The Good Wife and Masterpiece Theater experienced as a child.
Good interesting ending
I enjoy seeing him on PBS Mystery and he will have his own tv show soon! I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy reading his biography but as it turns out I found it quite interesting.
Much more interesting than I thought it would be. I like the mystery unfolding throughout the tale. Definitely a different take on an autobiography.
As a fan of Alan Cumming I felt the sadness of his early life and how he was terrorized ny one of his parents but lucky to have had the love of his mother and brother. His early life clearly has shaped who he is and what he has contributed to his craft. Well told.
So interesting.
Mildly interesting.
Very well written account of the challenges that Alan Cumming faced while growing up with an abusive father. He touched my heart. Interesting account of how the program « Who Do You Think You Are? » is produced.
This book and story so completely engaged me that I read it in two sittings. Alan’s story about his father and also his story about the search for his genealogical background made for a gripping read. I highly recommend this book.
While I was reading this book I was very engrossed by it. I found it hard to believe his father was such a mean person. You never know what is going through somebody else’s mind until you’ve “walked” in their shoes. I’m thrilled to know that the author survived so well.
Heart wrenching personal story
Well-written and illuminating of a very complicated father-son relationship, dovetailed with the story of his long-dead grandfather. Not a show-biz memoir, but personal and affecting.
Awesome read great look into his life
True account of actor/author Cumming’s life and roots of his personal identity – and the tragically human twist that left his true origins uncertain. Cumming’s own talent and skill with stories lets him simply, truly share what happened, and let the intrigues and melodrama take precedence over dramatic arts. A fine example of how the personal experience can be basis for universal relating. I listened to the audiobook version read by author – Wonderful!
I’m sorry, this book was not for me. Although I sympathize with the author with regard to his unhappy childhood, after about 4 chapters all I could think of was what is he going to whine about next? Okay, yes, he had a terrible father figure in his life. He had major unfairness in his life. Maybe had I read further, Mr. Cummings might have described a turning point in his life where he described a happier outlook. I just couldn’t make myself read any longer.
Interesting story, but needed a good edit.