Just Ignore Him: A BBC Two Between the Covers book club pick

Reviews

Jackie McLaughlin

This man deserves so much more credit than he receives because not only is this book incredibly well written and articulate, but for the courage that it takes to share such events. His life is harrowing, as not only did he lose his mother at a young age, but he also suffered abuse from the one person who is supposed to keep him safe. I listened to the audiobook, as Alan narrated it himself, and it will certainly be an experience I will not forget.

Lo

I listened to this book on Audible, it was unabridged and 8 hours 44 mins in length and read by Alan Davies himself. I think he has done amazingly well to turn into the decent human being that he has and I believe his Mum would be proud. I have always liked Alan Davies as a presenter and comedian, most notably in his role on QI.

E. Nigma

This is a memoir about his childhood, of growing up in the seventies in the South of England, and how the trauma he experienced as a boy shaped him into the man he is today. There are a few brief moments of levity, but these aren’t numerous (as is to be expected given the subject matter). This book has brought a whole new level of respect for a man who has risen above a very troubled childhood. I found he had a very easy to listen to voice and manner.

A very brave account of a tortured childhood. Just Ignore Him by Alan Davies⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5Alan Davies is my favourite comedian and the star of one of my favourite shows, Jonathan Creek. I loved the simplicity of the writing and telling of the story. This is not a book you can say you “enjoyed”, dealing as it does with Alan’s childhood traumas of the death of his mother and subsequent abuse by his father.

It is however well written and moving. Although he talks about tough topics in this book, he uses his wit and dark humour to bring a comedic approach to the traumatising experiences he has endeavoured. This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, you will feel anger, frustration and resentment, but you'll also have an overwhelming feeling of pride for this wonderfully ordinary man who has found the strength to tell his story.