Dear Fatty

By: Dawn French

Narrated by: Liza Tarbuck

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Dear Fatty is read by Liza Tarbuck at the request of the author. With an introduction from Dawn French.

With a sharp eye for comic detail and a wicked ear for the absurdities of life, Dawn French shows just how an RAF girl from the west country with dreams of becoming a ballerina/bridesmaid/thief rose to become one of the best-loved comedy actresses of our time.

Here Dawn French invites us into her most personal relationships with, among others, her mum and dad, her husband, her daughter and her friend Jennifer.

Dawn reveals the people, experiences and obsessions that have influenced her and that helped shape her comedy creations - including dogs, grandmas, teenage angst, school, stealing and David Cassidy. She is as open about her fears and sorrows as she is about her delights and joys, and for the first time shares the experience of losing her beloved dad and later finding a tip-topmost chap in Lenny Henry.

From raging about class and celebrity to describing the highs and lows of motherhood and friendship, Dear Fatty reveals the surprising life behind the smile.

©2008 Dawn French (P)2008 Random House Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Something of a revelation. Because in among the the gags and photos of her bare bosom, there is intellectual rigour and real emotional intelligence ... heavens, she's a funny lady. I can't remember the last time a book made me laugh so much."( Sunday Telegraph)
"A national treasure ... Loyal, self-deprecating and garrulous ¿ this is an original book, and will delight her fans and, indeed anyone with a sense of humour."( Mail on Sunday)
"Self-deprecating yet never self-pitying, irreverent yet never truly cynical, she comes across as a woman genuinely at ease with herself ... French is engaging company, and at her best she writes about heartbreak and elation with such grace that her book is impossible to dislike." ( Boston Standard)

really like having a chat with Dawn French

very touching, and thoughtful. a realistic insight into someone's life. worth the time to listen

I didn't even know you were famous

what a fantastic memoir. I laughed, and cried. I thought about new ways to see things. I secretly wished my childhood and parents were as sweet as yours. I mourned with you, and felt your joy. I now know you are famous, doesn't change anything for the fact that I think you're a fantastic human. Thank you Dawn.

loved the format of writing letters to people

loved how she wrote to those who shaped her life. Made her more real to me

Loved getting to know Dawn French in this story.

This is an entertaining listen. Ms.French lets her readers in on a lot and it's sometimes a bit sad, but mostly she's such fun and so funny! Thank you dear lady and PS I could listen to you read to me lots and lots.

Laughter and Tears: Two of my Favorite Emotions

Would you consider the audio edition of Dear Fatty to be better than the print version?

I have read Dear Fatty and enjoyed both. The advantage of the audible version is being able to continue doing whatever you need to vs. sitting down and reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dear Fatty?

Ms. French tells of a time when she was about 14 or 15 and was going to big party. A young boy, Mark, was going to be there and she had purchased a special outfit for the occassion hoping to catch his eye. Her father wanted to talk to her before she left (and she wanted to ask him if she could stay out later). What followed was so beautiful. The things he said to his daughter should be written down and handed to every father to be said to their daughters. What Ms French's dad gave her that night was such a precious gift. He let her know that she was valued and loved beyond measure. What a gift.

What does Liza Tarbuck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She sounds a bit like Dawn French, so it's not hard to imagine Ms. French reading it herself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh and cry. Sometimes at the same time.

Any additional comments?

This book is well worth a listen. Especially if you are a fan of French & Saunders, The Vicar of Dilby, and Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban.

I wish Dawn had narrated it but I understand...

I loved hearing Dawn talk about her life. I cried at work listening to some parts and also laughed a lot. I forgot that she wasn't narrating often. She chose an interesting way to write this book; through letters to her loved ones. I would recommend this to any fan of Dawn French's.

Thouroughly enjoyable, compassionate & funny

I loved the way Dawn wrote letters to her loved ones and friends to give an insight into her life, love, friendships and fellow comedians.

Dawn certainly has a way of making you laugh out loud at her "experiences" throughout her life and feel her sadness in parts.

The narrator did a wonderful job, sounded very similar to Dawn herself, well done.

I would recommend to anyone who has enjoyed watching Dawn's career unfold.

Heartfelt. touching and humorous. Lovely

A life well lived. Especially moving tribute to her dad and a touching thank you to her husband


Would have loved it in her voice but Liza Tarbuck was great.

Dear Fatty

I am a big fan of Dawn and I loved being a part of her story. (A listener of course). She is so genuine and I could listen to her speak all day. Although the narrative wasn't done by her the speaker was so much like her it was hard to tell at times.
Keep writing Dawn, I will keep reading and listening.

shouldn't expect any less from dawn

loved it from the begging to end. and the voice of liza i barley even noticed it wasn't dawn at all.o.o she did the aduible justices