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)

What listeners say about Dear Fatty

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another lovely book by Dawn French

I hope she continues to write! This one made me think more about the people in my life that I have loved. It made me want to tell them in detail why I love them.
Loved it!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One forgets Dawn is not reading to you.

I was initially disappointed that Dawn would not be reading her book herself, but 15 minutes in, her humor, tone, and personality saturated every word read by Liza. Several times I forgot who was reading.
The letters are beautifully personal and paint vivid images of her childhood from her point of view. She illustrates the dynamics that are unique but common in every family, reminding me of many occasions within my own.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant

this book was all stumbled upon by my browsing audiobook. this book is beautifully done. I laughed alot, and felt the pain as well. I absolutely adore Dawn French and wish we were friends and I am not sure why I have never heard of her writing.
best book for me in 2023 and the reader her friend did an amazing job

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

It was a touching peek inside with humor.

My only exposure to Dawn French thus far was in the series, the Vicar of Dibley. I now wish I had seen more of her work & will be looking for her. She approached the story if her life in a unique & interesting way. I really did like it and was a bit surprised. The stories drew you in and tge narration was great. I do recommend it.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

*Colonel Bogey March*

This audio-book, even in its most complex mosmemts is stunningly cathartic & meaningful, a worthy addition to Our Library.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

If you like Dawn French - You will love this book!

I love to read or listen to auto-biographies and biographies but usually prefer auto-bios (unless historical figures, of course, and I still like the biographer to use as much of the figures own writing, etc.). As a fan of Dawn French, British humor, Absoluteley Fabulous and the Vicar of Dibley - I suspected I would like this book but really knew nothing about Dawn French other than the TV shows (how she started, her family, her association with Jennifer Saunders, etc.) I learned all about those things and more. What made this particularly interesting is the format she wrote this in. Each chapter/section was a letter to various people - her deceased dad, her husband, daughter, friends, etc. She creatively used the letter to explain her relationships, thoughts, advice - you name it. It was so interesting - funny and sad in parts - touching and honest throughout. The only negative part (and it isn't really negative) is that she sometimes refers to stars, star scandals and other matters that are apparently well known in England (but not in USA - Well, she does live in England and this was undoubtedly primarily targeted for the Britich reader.) All that said, great listen. While she did not read it, the person who did read it sounded just like her. If you didn't know it was her - you'd swear it was. Just listening to her letter to her father in relation to his death (by suicide) is a lesson on forgiveness and love and worth the price of admission. Thanks for bringing this to us Audible.

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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Thank you, Dawn!!!

Dawn French covers many, many topics as she writes letters to friends, family and the dearly departed. Her correspondence to them creates a memoir that is vivid, funny and insightful. Wish she would have narrated, but understood why she didn't. Liza does a good job with it though. Highly recommended, especially if you are in need of some humor.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Entertaining, thoughtful & funny telling of the authors life.

Great narration- it's not Dawn, but someone who sounds very much like her.

Lovely bio for someone as tender and lovely as she is funny.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting and sometimes mildly amusing

What made the experience of listening to Dear Fatty the most enjoyable?

The very endearing relationship between Dawn and her closest family and friends are so touching at times it reminds you of the true value of relationships

Have you listened to any of Liza Tarbuck’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never heard Liza before and often had to remind myself that it was Dawn herself reading the book as her voice is so like Dawn's.

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

The very touching and personal moments between Dawn and her father did make me cry as it reminds me so much of my own relationship with my father - how very special.

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DEAR FATTY - YOU ARE FABULOUS

This book is one of the best I've read/listened to in a while. Full of humor, emotion and wonderful insight, Dawn French has written her story with compassion and imagination. A great listen. Liza Tarbuck, you were phenomenal .

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