Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

  

Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming
Genre: Biography
Release: October 7, 2014
Hardcover:  480 Pages
Publisher: It Books
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

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 life and career

A beloved star of stage, television, and film, 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.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

I generally find memoirs (especially of famous people) to fall a little flat.  I WANT to enjoy them, but they just don't do anything for me.  But, I like Alan Cumming and I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I gave it a go.  I ended up really enjoying it.  It isn't a typical memoir where he tells a bunch of stories about all the famous people he knows (although there is a little bit of that).  Instead, he interweaves his past and present together to tell a very compelling story about the painful past of his childhood and of his grandfather's post-WWII life.

Alan grew up in a very abusive household with his brother, mother and alcoholic father.  His father had a lot of anger issues and took it out on the other members of the house.  Alan was deeply affected by his troubled childhood and had cut off contact with his father for many years.  He is invited to be apart of a genealogy show that is exploring the mystery of his grandfather's disappearance and death.  But a lot of secrets come out and Alan is brought back in contact with his father.

I liked that there was a clear narrative and a true storyline, which is what I think a lot of memoirs lack.  Alan's history runs a lot of parallel's to his grandfather's history and there were quite a few surprisingly revelations.  What I enjoyed most though was how Alan took those revelations and found some peace and closure in them.  The memoir is very moving and well-written.

Overall, a very good memoir.  I really recommend it!

Disclosure:  I reviewed a copy free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.