Not My Father's Son

A Memoir

By: Alan Cumming

Narrated by: Alan Cumming

*Read by Alan Cumming himself*

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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—“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, his experiences today as a film, television, and theater star, and the shocking revelations uncovered while investigating his family’s past. Equal parts memoir, family mystery, and tale of resilience, Not My Father’s Son is at times suspenseful, deeply moving, and wickedly funny—sure to make readers laugh even as it breaks their hearts.

An Amazing Storyteller

I can't get over how good this book is - so insightful, brave, witty, and honest. There was no doubt Cumming the narrator would be amazing, but Cumming the author is just as talented, as this moving memoir proves time and time again. One of the best I've ever heard.

A Fine Memoir

I don't read a lot of biographies and memoirs, particularly contemporary ones. But I've always liked Scottish actor Alan Cumming, and the blurb sounded interesting, so I thought I would give this one a try. I'm very glad that I did.

In 2010, Cumming was asked to be the focus of the Brit version of the TV reality show "Who Do You Think you Are?" He hoped to learn more about his maternal grandfather; pretty much all he knew was that Tom Darling went off to World War II and never returned, later dying in Malaysia in a gun cleaning accident. Cumming uses this search as the framework for a story that goes much further and brings him to examine more closely his complex relationship with his abusive father. It's a sad story, but Cumming's gentle humor and the interweaving of happier stories make it not only bearable but engaging. And it has made me admire him even more.

I strongly recommend listening to this book on audio (read by Cumming) as I did. And if you are interested in his search for the truth about his grandfather, you can watch Cumming's episode on YouTube.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I hated when I had to actually pay attention to my job and pull out the ear buds. My husband wanted to chitchat and I wasn't very receptive. I wanted to know what happened next!

Any additional comments?

From a confusing, injurious childhood to a man who knows himself and is comfortable with what he knows, Alan Cumming takes us on a roller coaster ride. (And the wonderful accent doesn't hurt either!) I'm still interested in buying the hardcover version because I'm hoping there are pictures. I wouldn't pick one over the other . . . both are must haves!

Powerful, heartbreaking story

This is a powerful story told with great compassion by the author. At times it will break your heart but Alan Cummings adds a redemptive quality to what could simply be story of a very evil and sick man.
This is a beautifully told with great insight and sensitivity. It is tough to listen to at times but in the end it is a great story of empathy, compassion, and the redemption of the human spirit. This is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to. It is in my top 5 of all time.

Breathtaking

This memoir. It is absolutely incredible. It is humorous, heart-wrenching, warm, suspenseful, and more than I ever expected, even from someone as intriguing and fabulous as Alan Cumming. Of all audiobooks I have ever listened to, this is by far my favorite. Alan – Thank you for sharing your story. I will remember it always.