Dawn French is one of the greatest comedy actresses of our time, with a career spanning nearly three decades and encompassing a vast and brilliant ...
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May 31, 2011
Alex
rated it: 
3 days before Christmas found me standing in Smiths, with zero inspiration, looking at the bestsellers shelves - and wondering why the hell I would I want to read any of them. Katy Price, Jonathan Ross, Chris Evans...celebrity "auto" biographies... blah, blah blah. Then in post Christmas desperation I picked up Dear Fatty from the shelves at home...and half way through I was still wondering why I was bothering. Now, I like Dawn French, I love F&S, and the Vicar of Dibley, she is very,
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Jan 04, 2009
Kirsty
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I love watching Dawn French on TV and so I naturally had to have her book when it was released.
The book takes the less-used form of a collection of letters written to various people in her life. Through the letters she communicates her most prominent memories of experiences in her life.
Dawn definitely has a way with words. The writing flows well and it's made all the better by the fact that she's written it herself instead of having a ghost writer do it for her. The lett More...
The book takes the less-used form of a collection of letters written to various people in her life. Through the letters she communicates her most prominent memories of experiences in her life.
Dawn definitely has a way with words. The writing flows well and it's made all the better by the fact that she's written it herself instead of having a ghost writer do it for her. The lett More...
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Nov 26, 2011
Louise
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I've recently started to listen to audiobooks in the car on my short commute to work. And I'm really enjoying them. This was my second one. I was initially disappointed that Dawn wasn't reading it herself, but she does a short section at the beginning saying she felt some of it too personal and difficult to have attempted to read herself. Ok, fair enough. She enlisted a friend, Liza Tarbuck, to do the reading, and she does a great job. Liza sounds quite a bit like Dawn actually. The book is writ
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Jul 08, 2011
Martin
rated it: 
This autobiography is very slight. In the first half Dawn reminisces about her grandmothers, her brother, her school friends. I was bored to pieces. Later it picks up as Dawn almost marries, and then loses a loved one. Toward the end we get a bit of her early friendship with Jennifer Saunders and their time in The Comic Strip. A bit of Lenny Henry and issues surrounding race in Britain. She says a lot of nice things to her husband but they were probably seriously talking about divorce when
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Aug 02, 2010
David
rated it:
Dawn French (one half of the British comedy duo, French and Saunders) may be one of the funniest women alive today. The other funniest woman alive today is Jennifer Saunders, the other half of French and Saunders. For those not familiar with either, they have had a successful run at BBC with their variety show, French and Saunders; Dawn French may be best known for her role in The Vicar of Dibley; Jennifer Saunders is probably best know for her role as Edina in Absolutely Fabulous; both have als
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Jun 07, 2010
Debbie
rated it: 
This is an autobiography of sorts from Dawn French, but told in a unique style of letters to important people in her life. The majority of the letters are addressed to her Dad, who died when she was just 19.
It's an interesting format that gives us vivid little vignettes of particular moments in Dawn's life but leaves whole chunks uncharted. Because she is writing the letters to the people she has addressed them to rather than the person reading the book there's almost a feeling of e More...
It's an interesting format that gives us vivid little vignettes of particular moments in Dawn's life but leaves whole chunks uncharted. Because she is writing the letters to the people she has addressed them to rather than the person reading the book there's almost a feeling of e More...
Jan 03, 2010
Adele
rated it: 
I really enjoyed this book. Dawn writes her autobiography in the form of letters to friends and family, live and deceased. She shares memories, gives thanks, they are witty and heartbreaking in places. It isn't a side splittingly funny book, but it's not supposed to be. I was amazed at how much she's been through and how she's managed to channel her experiences in such a positive way - she's an inspiration. I've always been a huge fan of French and Saunders, especially their movie parodies,
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Aug 19, 2009
Jules
rated it:
I enjoyed reading this book and, as autobiographies go, found that in the end I had gained in my knowledge about the witty and rather gregarious lady that is Dawn French. I liked the style of writing in the book, however edited, and French does go into some detail about various aspects and stages of her life. Moments of the book are laugh out loud funny but moreover the book is sensitive and nostalgic about subjects such as childhood, school, friends, (and especially) family, etc. You do get the
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May 15, 2009
Cait
rated it:
I'm not normally a fan of celebrity autobiography, and I have an aversion to books promoted at Christmas as a matter of principle. So I got this one as an audiobook from Audible last month and have had the lovely Lisa Tarbuck reading Dawn French's words to me over the last week and a bit. Now, either Dawn French is tremendously clever and has created a character for herself AND has stayed in character throughout the book; someone else wrote it; or Dawn French IS tremendously clever and also genu
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Mar 31, 2011
Julie
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Nov 05, 2011
Shelleyrae
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Having just recently read Dawn French's first foray into fiction, A Tiny Bit Marvellous I picked up this memoir by the comedienne when it caught my eye at the library despite usually avoiding celebrity biographies.
Dear Fatty is presented as a series of letters ostensibly directed at the significant people in Dawn French's life including her father who committed suicide when she was nineteen, her best friend and comedy partner "Fatty" also known as Jennifer Saunders, and her (now More...
Dear Fatty is presented as a series of letters ostensibly directed at the significant people in Dawn French's life including her father who committed suicide when she was nineteen, her best friend and comedy partner "Fatty" also known as Jennifer Saunders, and her (now More...
Jul 28, 2011
Jane
rated it:
I found this book very interesting, and had been looking forward to the possibilty of "Moo" writing her biography for a long time as she has such character!
At first I found the format of this book daunting but then as I read on I found the effect of letter writing worked very well and was very touching specifically the letters that were written to her father (the last letter specifically got me).
I loved how she told the stories of different stages of her life such as meeting the Queen More...
At first I found the format of this book daunting but then as I read on I found the effect of letter writing worked very well and was very touching specifically the letters that were written to her father (the last letter specifically got me).
I loved how she told the stories of different stages of her life such as meeting the Queen More...
Dec 21, 2010
Cass
rated it:
Not only do I love this woman on the big and little screen I absolutely adore her in the written word. "Dear Fatty," is a book of memoirs - or better yet - a book of letters ABOUT her memoirs to the important people that either starred or have some sort of importance attached to them.
And LORD is the woman honest and hilarious throughout. There are letters to The Monkees, to David Cassidy, a strange (maybe once HIP) band called The Fannys and .. my favorite
Maddonna More...
And LORD is the woman honest and hilarious throughout. There are letters to The Monkees, to David Cassidy, a strange (maybe once HIP) band called The Fannys and .. my favorite
Maddonna More...
Jul 24, 2010
Carin
rated it:
I seem to be drawn to biographies and travel memoirs to read on my daily commute. My theory is that they’re easy to pick up and put down and there’s no gripping scenes that will have you miss your stop.
Dear Fatty was good, but I always knew when it was my stop.
Dawn French has written her autobiography as a series of letters to various people (in case you didn’t know, ‘Fatty’ is Jennifer Saunders of Absolutely Fabulous fame). It’s not strictly linear, jumping back and fort More...
Dear Fatty was good, but I always knew when it was my stop.
Dawn French has written her autobiography as a series of letters to various people (in case you didn’t know, ‘Fatty’ is Jennifer Saunders of Absolutely Fabulous fame). It’s not strictly linear, jumping back and fort More...
May 17, 2009
Stuart
rated it:
As most people will realize, this is not my usual type of book. Indeed I dont think I have ever read an autobiography before - ever! However I do find Dawn French very funny and I saw her on TV talking about her book and the title was eye-catching (actually refers to Jennifer Saunders not Dawn!)
Did I enjoy it? Ok in parts. Quite an eye-opener for people to talk publicly about very private and intimate times in their lives. Her father's suicide when she was 19 was very momentous in her life More...
Did I enjoy it? Ok in parts. Quite an eye-opener for people to talk publicly about very private and intimate times in their lives. Her father's suicide when she was 19 was very momentous in her life More...
Jun 04, 2011
Lizz
rated it:
Thanks to my lovely friend Cynthia, I am reading lots of funny lady autobiographies.
NOt entirely satisfying as an autobiography, but a satisfying read. Written as letters to various folks in her life ranging from celebrity crushes (really, her letter from her teen self to David Cassidy is PURE GOLD!) to family and friends, this breeze through French's life needs many more chapters and stories told. French does an excellent job of balancing moods; one minute you are laughing your arse o More...
NOt entirely satisfying as an autobiography, but a satisfying read. Written as letters to various folks in her life ranging from celebrity crushes (really, her letter from her teen self to David Cassidy is PURE GOLD!) to family and friends, this breeze through French's life needs many more chapters and stories told. French does an excellent job of balancing moods; one minute you are laughing your arse o More...
Jan 18, 2011
Corrie
rated it:
Dawn French is a hilarious actress and comedian. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her in French and Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley, Jam and Jerusalem and Larkrise to Candleford. I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of her autobiography/memoir, Dear Fatty.
The style is different in that she writes a series of letters to different people in her life from her father, who passed away when she was only 19, to her best friend Jennifer Saunders (Fatty) to Madonna and the Monkeys. Some of the letters ar More...
The style is different in that she writes a series of letters to different people in her life from her father, who passed away when she was only 19, to her best friend Jennifer Saunders (Fatty) to Madonna and the Monkeys. Some of the letters ar More...
Jun 06, 2011
I could definitely read more celeb memoirs like this. Dawn French is so down-to-earth/funny/unpretentious that this was a total joy to read. The book is made up of letters to the people she loves, detailing her exploits with (or without) them and there's such tenderness and warmth in these pages. It's also such a nod to everyone who has supported her and guided her and helped her to find her way. Actually, I think that's the thing I like about this book best--she gives credit where credit is
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May 30, 2011
Juliajuliah
rated it:
My lovely Aunt lent me her copy of “Dear Fatty” by Dawn French. It is an autobiography written in the form of letters to her friends and family (and Madonna.) She is a funny lady and I was expecting a funny read. I was ready to laugh out loud and giggle as I read about Dawn French’s life.
We assume so much about people. We think that strong people are never weak, popular people are never lonely and funny people are never sad. So it came as a shock to read about Dawn’s experience of t More...
We assume so much about people. We think that strong people are never weak, popular people are never lonely and funny people are never sad. So it came as a shock to read about Dawn’s experience of t More...
Aug 03, 2011
Katie
rated it:
I have trouble with autobiographies, before reading Dawn French's I had only ever read one other autobiography which was Frank Skinners. I can now add another one to my list I successfully read and really enjoyed this book.
I found that I really enjoyed the style the autobiography was written in. Using letters was a fantastic touch because you felt like you were a part of the fantastic army of family and friends Dawn has.
I loved the humorous stories about her youth especia More...
I found that I really enjoyed the style the autobiography was written in. Using letters was a fantastic touch because you felt like you were a part of the fantastic army of family and friends Dawn has.
I loved the humorous stories about her youth especia More...
Jul 17, 2009
Shona
rated it:
This was a refreshing book by a celebrity. Instead of focusing on the bad points in life and particularly stating how many things have gone wrong in life and how they turned life round for the better, this book is mainly focused on all the good people in Dawn's life and what a cheerful person she is. It does have some sad parts but even those are riddled with laughter.
It was perhaps not as hilarious as I had anticipated but it certainly had me giggling in parts. The way it is written More...
It was perhaps not as hilarious as I had anticipated but it certainly had me giggling in parts. The way it is written More...
Aug 15, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
Really good book, very funny. Liked the idea of the letters compiled to make the story. Different approach. Had a tear in my eye during some of the 'Dear Dad' letters, and the 'Dear Scotty' letter. Laughed like crazy at some of the 'Dear Fatty' letters, and some of the other ones.
I think F&S should carry on doing their double act, but maybe as only comic relief sketches, and/or Christmas 'take the piss out of movies' sketches, as these were always hilarious.
I missed out on seeing them live one More...
I think F&S should carry on doing their double act, but maybe as only comic relief sketches, and/or Christmas 'take the piss out of movies' sketches, as these were always hilarious.
I missed out on seeing them live one More...
Jan 17, 2012
Kori
rated it:
Certainly not what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it very much. I think the format was very interesting and helped the book along instead of hindering it. Some letters where dearly heartfelt (the ones to her mom, daughter, and especially her dad), some where just plain silly (all the ones to Madonna and all but one written to "Fatty" Saunders), and the rest fell somewhere in the middle. They all had that little spark of hilarity that is Dawn French and the ones to her closest friend
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Feb 18, 2011
Yvonne
rated it:
I was really looking forward to listening to this book,but I met my first disappointment about 1 minute in. Alas, Dawn does not narrate her own book. The lady who does, whose name escapes me,does do an admirable job of capturing Dawns voice Buford not quite the same thing, however, I do understand why Dawn could not face narrating the book, there are some painful memories revealed. This is not an autobiography, nor even a memoir, but a collection of letters to various people reliving memories fr
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Aug 02, 2011
What a lovely lady! 'Celebrity' books don't usually do much for me but this was an impulse buy in Tescos. We all know her as a very funny person but this dealt with all aspects of her life in a very frank and down to earth way. There were huge amounts of laugh out loud prose but she was at her most eloquent in dealing with her father's suicide and her tribute to Lenny Henry. The pages about her father's death were some of the most powerful passages I have ever read. The structure of the autobiog
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Aug 01, 2011
Karen
rated it:
An immensely enjoyable book that I wish I'd read a year ago, for two reasons.
One is that she achieves a style, so brilliantly, so effortlessly, that makes me want to hit 'delete' on the half of my own 'blography' I've already completed and just abandon the half I'm still working on.
The other is that, just a few days into reading, Dawn and Lenny Henry announced their split, after 25 years together. Not that I'm suggesting these two events are in any way connected, but it's still spooky. And fro More...
One is that she achieves a style, so brilliantly, so effortlessly, that makes me want to hit 'delete' on the half of my own 'blography' I've already completed and just abandon the half I'm still working on.
The other is that, just a few days into reading, Dawn and Lenny Henry announced their split, after 25 years together. Not that I'm suggesting these two events are in any way connected, but it's still spooky. And fro More...
Aug 03, 2009
Chrissie
rated it:
This is one of THE best books I've ever read. Dawn French is a fantastic writer, but, what's side-splittingly obvious from the word go, such a bliddy funny woman. I swear, I was guffawing my head off, lying in bed reading this book at gone midnight, worrying I was going to wake the entire household up with my raucousness. And yet there are parts of the autobiography that are desperately sad. And then there are the letters to Madonna...OH. MY. DAYS! ha ha ha ha ha ha!
She would More...
She would More...
May 22, 2009
Beejay
rated it:
Dawn French is such a delightful character, and most of her book is a delight. The pity is that there is just too much of it.
While for the most part the book is witty and entertaining - which of course a life cannot always be - there are times when the letters begin to ramble, to just simply bang on too much, or even to become a tad maudlin. When you are 50 or so pages from finishing a book and you just wish that it would hurry up and end, or get to the punchline, then you know t More...
While for the most part the book is witty and entertaining - which of course a life cannot always be - there are times when the letters begin to ramble, to just simply bang on too much, or even to become a tad maudlin. When you are 50 or so pages from finishing a book and you just wish that it would hurry up and end, or get to the punchline, then you know t More...
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Sep 05, 2011
Tania
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I liked this book. I just didn't love it as much as I wanted to or expected I would. French really is a very funny woman. As someone who always loved French and Saunders, it was interesting to read how her career developed. There are some wonderful passages in the book. Some of it, though, was a bit long and even a tad boring. I also can't say I really understand the author more now than I did prior to reading the book. With the exception of a few letters, it all felt a bit on the shallow side,
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