Just Ignore Him

I’ve always loved Alan Davies, BUT you don’t need any prior knowledge of his works as an actor or comedian to be able to find this memoir incredibly moving and thoughtful.

His is a story of a survivor of child sex abuse at the hands of his father; of a lonely boy grappling with grief over the loss of his mother (whose fatal illness and eventual death were shrouded with lies, secrecy and a perhaps well-meant but nonetheless unmistakable absence of respect). Of a man navigating trauma and its impacts on his life, and finally setting out to seek answers and share his story with honesty and sensitivity (but not without his signature dry humour) in the hope that one day, as he writes towards the end, “you will feel able to tell someone what they dont know about you”, and be believed.

Yet it is also so much more than to which the sensationalised headlines are so quick to reduce. It is about resilience, hope, and above all, the profound and redemptive love he finds as he becomes a parent.

Go get your copy, electronic or physical, and read it. I wouldn’t say it is an “enjoyable” experience as such, with the trauma he detailed being too painful to take in at times; but it will stay with you and make you reflect on what you thought you knew about the subject matter.

This is a wonderfully written book by Alan Davies. It’s about him growing up after his mum dies when he was six. Theres a lot odd sadness in the story & the relationship with his dad is revealed. I read the book in one sitting .it is well written but some of the subject matter Is very sad & hard to take. I am glad Alan survived his childhood & turned into the man he now is. I love his shows on TV. I hope he remains happy in his life…

This is a brave autobiography, written by Alan Davies who, if his television appearances as the longest serving member of the QI panel is anything to go by has to be a someone one would like to spend a day with. The candour of his descriptions of his childhood, the loss of his mother, his relationships with his father and siblings are enough to make you weep. This book is a testament to overcoming those challenges of childhood that all too many experience. Bravo, Alan and thank you for letting us in to your life !

Although repetitive and painful and after all why not because the subject is repetitive and painful, I enjoyed this book. It shocked me at times with its frankness, made me reassess A.Davies the comedian – and also caused me to revisit the sexual molestation of my own childhood. Why on earth do victims remain so silent for so long?

Every memory and episode he relates rings true. There is nothing self-serving in his account, rather, he tells his story of abuse in order to encourage others to share their stories. He is a remarkable man.

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