Dear Fatty

By: Dawn French

Narrated by: Liza Tarbuck

Brought to you by Penguin.

A SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER

The hilarious and heartwarming memoir from one of Britain's best-loved comedians and Women's Prize longlisted author, Dawn French.

Dawn French is one of the greatest comedians of our time with a career that has spanned nearly four decades. Loved for her irreverent humour, Dawn has achieved massive mainstream success while continuing to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. Here, she describes the journey that would eventually establish her as a perhaps unlikely, but nevertheless genuine, national treasure.

As part of the much loved duo French and Saunders, Dawn helped create a repertoire of brilliantly observed characters, impersonating everything from Madonna and Harry Potter to The Exorcist. Dawn's iconic role in the Vicar of Dibley showcased not only her talent but also her ability to take a controversial and topical issue and make it mainstream - and very funny.

From her early years as an RAF child and her flat-sharing antics with Jennifer Saunders, to her outspoken views on sizism and her marriage to Lenny Henry, Dear Fatty chronicles the extraordinary and hilarious rise of a complex, dynamic and unstoppable woman.

©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.

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.