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The absolutely fabulous Joanna Lumley opens her private albums for this illustrated memoir. The real-life scrapbook of the woman known as Ab Fab's Patsy Stone, this is an intimate memoir of one of Britain's undisputed national treasures. A former model and Bond girl, her distinctive voice has been supplied for animated characters, film narration, and AOL's "You've got mail" notification in the UK. She discusses speaking out as a human rights activist for Survival International and the recent Gurkha Justice Campaign for which she is now considered a "national treasure" of Nepal because of her support. She has won two BAFTA awards, but it is the sheer diversity of her life that makes her story so compelling; early years in Kashmir and Malaya, growing up in Kent, then a photographic model before becoming an actress, appearing in a huge range of roles.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
176 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Lumley
79 books38 followersJoanna Lamond Lumley, OBE, FRGS is a British actress, presenter, former model, author, television producer, and activist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 13, 2021
Lumley is understandably one of the UK's national treasures, but I almost relegated this to the dnf pile. The initial part of the book is full of mutual back patting amongst the glitterati of Lumley's modelling and acting career, which I found extremely boring. But then we started a new chapter and the book changed completely.
She talked about her family's experiences in Kashmir, and describes a glorious and rather scary journey she made back there. She also discusses briefly the journey she made as a television presenter to track down the source of the Nile. Even more interestingly she describes very poignantly her involvement with the Gurkhas and fighting for their rights in the UK. The Gurkhas, who have fought so brilliantly and loyally for the British over the years, were not allowed to come and settle and work here, as Nepal is not a Commonwealth country.......but very much with Lumley's involvement, this ruling was overturned.
All in all, and with regret, I found this book a poor read. I think she has written two or three other memoirs, and for me this book felt like a scraping together of left over memorabilia, both in terms of the pictures and the writing. I'm sorry Lumley - I think you're a wonderfully principled human being and your acting has given me huge pleasure over the years, but this didn't hit the spot.
She talked about her family's experiences in Kashmir, and describes a glorious and rather scary journey she made back there. She also discusses briefly the journey she made as a television presenter to track down the source of the Nile. Even more interestingly she describes very poignantly her involvement with the Gurkhas and fighting for their rights in the UK. The Gurkhas, who have fought so brilliantly and loyally for the British over the years, were not allowed to come and settle and work here, as Nepal is not a Commonwealth country.......but very much with Lumley's involvement, this ruling was overturned.
All in all, and with regret, I found this book a poor read. I think she has written two or three other memoirs, and for me this book felt like a scraping together of left over memorabilia, both in terms of the pictures and the writing. I'm sorry Lumley - I think you're a wonderfully principled human being and your acting has given me huge pleasure over the years, but this didn't hit the spot.
December 27, 2016
Way back in October 1976, at the age of 12, I saw a brand new TV series celled The New Avengers. The first episode had great action, humour, a gripping plot & the gorgeous Joanna Lumley as Purdey. Now, forty years later, I picked up this wonderful book by the lady herself. Lumley has kept huge amounts of photographs from her career as model, actress, & documentary maker. There is some imformative text, but the book's main focus are her photographs & these are a delight. She's been in plenty of things, but The New Avengers, Sapphire & Steel & On Her Majesty's Secret Service are still my favourites & probably always will be.
September 11, 2018
I’ve been a fan of Joanna Lumley since she began her stint as Purdey on THE NEW AVENGERS. I had previously read and enjoyed her books, NO ROOM FOR SECRETS and STARE BACK AND SMILE: MEMOIRS, so I knew a fair amount about her life when beginning this one.
The draw of ABSOLUTELY: A MEMOIR was its distinctly different approach. This one centers around photographs and memorabilia that she has collected. It is laid out as if you were sitting with her while she sorted through the various items, pulling out special ones to share and comment about. The format is chronological, so there is no need to fear becoming “unstuck in time.” Unfortunately, there also isn’t much depth.
The majority of memories focus on growing up in Malaya and coming to England, and her support of various charitable institutions. A fair amount is also shared regarding her modeling years. However, if the Reader is particularly interested in her television, movie and stage work, there’s not a lot to find here.
On the whole, I see it as a “fill in the blanks” book to use in conjunction with the other two. Even so, despite the sparse details, her commentary is fun and vibrant. It is a nice way to pass the afternoon.
The draw of ABSOLUTELY: A MEMOIR was its distinctly different approach. This one centers around photographs and memorabilia that she has collected. It is laid out as if you were sitting with her while she sorted through the various items, pulling out special ones to share and comment about. The format is chronological, so there is no need to fear becoming “unstuck in time.” Unfortunately, there also isn’t much depth.
The majority of memories focus on growing up in Malaya and coming to England, and her support of various charitable institutions. A fair amount is also shared regarding her modeling years. However, if the Reader is particularly interested in her television, movie and stage work, there’s not a lot to find here.
On the whole, I see it as a “fill in the blanks” book to use in conjunction with the other two. Even so, despite the sparse details, her commentary is fun and vibrant. It is a nice way to pass the afternoon.
July 15, 2022
This is both a photographic journey, autobiography and memoir rolled into one. Like looking through someone's personal scrapbook while they tell you about the circumstances of the pictures and tell stories about their life. Lumley has had a fascinating life from a childhood in India and Tibet to an international modelling career to an actress of stage, screen, television, radio and travel documentaries, all accompanied by a dazzling array of photographs. - BH.
February 6, 2025
This is a lovely biography by this wonderful actress. In it, she covers her long career, detailing many of the projects she has been a part of. But she begins with discussing her origins of being born to British parents in India. It is clear she is very proud and very fond of her birthplace, and she describes her childhood as being magical.
As well as her illustrious career, Dame Joanna writes proudly of her campaign with the Gurkhas to gain the same rights for them that are afforded to other members of the British Services. (Why they didn't have them all along is beyond me.) Proudest, though, is when she writes of her son, Jamie, and her granddaughters. Clearly, they are her world, along with her husband Stephen (who she affectionately refers to as Stevie at one point).
It was inspiring to read about the things that haven't worked for her, about plays and TV shows that flopped, because it reminds us that we should never give up on our dreams. Hard work and determination count a lot for obtaining what we desire. And, if that doesn't work, then we adapt and turn what we have into gold dust. That is exactly what Joanna has done.
I loved the brief section on 'Absolutely Fabulous.' She wrote so warmly of all the actors she worked with. I especially loved how she thought Jennifer didn't like her at first, and she even thought she had blown her chance of getting the role of Patsy because Jennifer didn't really speak to her. It turned out, Jennifer is just the quiet type who it takes a while for her to open up with new people. Also, she thinks a lot. That's just who she is. I think I would have been very intimidated if I had been in Joanna's position.
All in all, this is a lovely read. It didn't delve deeply into her childhood, and actually, most of her life experiences are mentioned, but not really deeply looked at. It's more of a record of what she has achieved (and failed at). But it's nice. I enjoyed it very much. I came away thinking I'd quite like Joanna as a friend.
As well as her illustrious career, Dame Joanna writes proudly of her campaign with the Gurkhas to gain the same rights for them that are afforded to other members of the British Services. (Why they didn't have them all along is beyond me.) Proudest, though, is when she writes of her son, Jamie, and her granddaughters. Clearly, they are her world, along with her husband Stephen (who she affectionately refers to as Stevie at one point).
It was inspiring to read about the things that haven't worked for her, about plays and TV shows that flopped, because it reminds us that we should never give up on our dreams. Hard work and determination count a lot for obtaining what we desire. And, if that doesn't work, then we adapt and turn what we have into gold dust. That is exactly what Joanna has done.
I loved the brief section on 'Absolutely Fabulous.' She wrote so warmly of all the actors she worked with. I especially loved how she thought Jennifer didn't like her at first, and she even thought she had blown her chance of getting the role of Patsy because Jennifer didn't really speak to her. It turned out, Jennifer is just the quiet type who it takes a while for her to open up with new people. Also, she thinks a lot. That's just who she is. I think I would have been very intimidated if I had been in Joanna's position.
All in all, this is a lovely read. It didn't delve deeply into her childhood, and actually, most of her life experiences are mentioned, but not really deeply looked at. It's more of a record of what she has achieved (and failed at). But it's nice. I enjoyed it very much. I came away thinking I'd quite like Joanna as a friend.
May 16, 2024
If you like Joanna L then you will love this book, I found out lots about her from when she was little to now and from all aspects of her life, I learned a lot!
May 31, 2024
a really nice, quick read and an interesting life!
February 24, 2025
A fascinating person who has lived an extraordinary life. The adventures described were jaw dropping.
July 24, 2024
Mid. But charming.
June 10, 2024
boring
sometimes, people shouldn’t write a book just for the sake of it
sometimes, people shouldn’t write a book just for the sake of it
June 18, 2017
This is a lovely book full of photographs which briefly tells the story of Joanna's life so far. In fact, it is composed mostly of photographs, which are displayed across the pages as in a scrapbook. It is divided into eleven sections, each of which explores a different period or aspect of Joanna's life. I particularly enjoyed reading about her early years in India, her work on the iconic TV show "Absolutely Fabulous," and finally, her travel adventures in the section titled, "From Here to Kingdom Come."
August 7, 2016
If you're looking for an in depth and frank autobiography this is not the book for you. This is a brief overview of Joanna Lumley's life and achievements with some stunning photographs. There are a few fleeting insights into her real character and personality but blink and you will miss them. Joanna Lumley has become a National Treasure; as such, this book gives her fans something to treasure.
November 7, 2016
As a memoir it deserves no more than 3 stars - some fun & interesting stories but not a lot of depth. But it is presented as somewhat of a scrapbook, and earns a 4th star for the abundance of wonderful photographs, which is why I bought it to begin with. And Patsy Stone is probably my favorite tv character ever, so it was fabulous to get some insight into her creation.
August 13, 2015
I enjoyed the book the pictures make the book even better I particularly enjoyed the bits regarding her travelling. An interesting read but would have preferred a little more writing to go with the pictures
February 27, 2016
Lots of fab pictures. Would have liked a little more text about her interactions with her costars in The New Avengers and Sapphire and Steel.
January 4, 2017
You can almost hear Joanna Lumley's voice in this scrapbook style memoir.
June 2, 2024
Joanna Lumley (2011) ABSOLUTELY (AUDIOBOOK)
Spotify - Orion Publishing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
Spotify writes, "Joanna Lumley is one of Britain's undisputed national treasures. A single mum, iconic actress, voiceover artist and author, best known for her roles in ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and THE NEW AVENGERS, she is a former model and Bond girl, a human rights activist for Survival International and the Gurkha Justice Campaign, and is now considered a 'national treasure' of Nepal as well as the UK.
She has won two BAFTA awards, but it is the sheer diversity of her life that has made her so compelling a personality - early years in Kashmir and Malaya, growing up in Kent, then a photographic model before becoming an actress, appearing in a huge range of roles, and many documentaries including those on on the Northern Lights, Bhutan and the Nile."
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Absolutely fabulous!
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#JoannaLumley #Absolutely #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #Spotify
Spotify - Orion Publishing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
Spotify writes, "Joanna Lumley is one of Britain's undisputed national treasures. A single mum, iconic actress, voiceover artist and author, best known for her roles in ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and THE NEW AVENGERS, she is a former model and Bond girl, a human rights activist for Survival International and the Gurkha Justice Campaign, and is now considered a 'national treasure' of Nepal as well as the UK.
She has won two BAFTA awards, but it is the sheer diversity of her life that has made her so compelling a personality - early years in Kashmir and Malaya, growing up in Kent, then a photographic model before becoming an actress, appearing in a huge range of roles, and many documentaries including those on on the Northern Lights, Bhutan and the Nile."
=====
Absolutely fabulous!
=====
#JoannaLumley #Absolutely #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #Spotify
December 30, 2021
I read this book straight after Joanna Lumley's 'No Room for Secrets'. It was a perfect mix. In 'No Room...' she cleverly combines a tour of her house, which is full of interesting stuff collected by her and her family, with chat about her amazingly varied life and experiences. It is literally a chat with an anonymous guest, Q, who comments and asks questions. It's very entertaining.
'Absolutely' is the perfect follow-up to this, as it's full of photos from Joanna's early life, modelling career, acting roles and her travel documentaries. She expands on many of the things she discusses in 'No Room...' as well as introducing new material, and the photos perfectly complement the text. I loved it.
As a long-time fan of Joanna Lumley I would definitely recommend these two very entertaining books by a thoroughly interesting, energetic, ethical and thoughtful woman.
'Absolutely' is the perfect follow-up to this, as it's full of photos from Joanna's early life, modelling career, acting roles and her travel documentaries. She expands on many of the things she discusses in 'No Room...' as well as introducing new material, and the photos perfectly complement the text. I loved it.
As a long-time fan of Joanna Lumley I would definitely recommend these two very entertaining books by a thoroughly interesting, energetic, ethical and thoughtful woman.
May 15, 2021
A potpourri of reminiscences
This book spans an array of topics ; from the lives of Joana's grandparents in Asia, to her school days in England, through her varied career, to her recent travel documentaries. Joanna writes in the same style as she presents; there is a touch of wonder, an awareness of beauty, an eloquence with words and a warmth that is tangible.
Unfortunately, the transfer from print to Kindle is uneven. At one stage, after viewing some photos, we resume the narrative seemingly half-way through a paragraph. Reference to a photo on page 170 is meaningless when they are no pages. The spacing between the last few chapters was non-existent, giving a rushed feeling to the ending of this book.
This book spans an array of topics ; from the lives of Joana's grandparents in Asia, to her school days in England, through her varied career, to her recent travel documentaries. Joanna writes in the same style as she presents; there is a touch of wonder, an awareness of beauty, an eloquence with words and a warmth that is tangible.
Unfortunately, the transfer from print to Kindle is uneven. At one stage, after viewing some photos, we resume the narrative seemingly half-way through a paragraph. Reference to a photo on page 170 is meaningless when they are no pages. The spacing between the last few chapters was non-existent, giving a rushed feeling to the ending of this book.
June 23, 2023
I remember a scene from a road-trip through Asia by her, sitting on a couch looking out a window to a large crossroad crawling with loads of pedestrians, cars and whatnot... In Japan, in her British accent she comments about it stating that she could watch all day but they were only allowed to film a short time for another film-crew was waiting for their chance to film...
I hoped to feel the same British humor with this book. I got some. But I kept on reading and enjoying her stories and pictures. It showed a journey through her live to where she is now. I was not late returning my copy to the library.
I hoped to feel the same British humor with this book. I got some. But I kept on reading and enjoying her stories and pictures. It showed a journey through her live to where she is now. I was not late returning my copy to the library.
November 25, 2024
I listened to the audio book. I loved Patsy in absolutely fabulous and always a fan of Joanna but never really knew a lot of her work so this was a treat and in that fabulous accent too!
I don’t have a lot of spare time to read books right now so I loved the length of a few hours and found the way she describes her career highlights and upbringing etc to be entertaining.
Great story teller. As an artist I took notes. I know it’s hard to summarise a long and successful career and this was well done.
I know there are other memoirs too!
I’ll be rewatching about fab soon. One of my favourite British comedies of all time!
I don’t have a lot of spare time to read books right now so I loved the length of a few hours and found the way she describes her career highlights and upbringing etc to be entertaining.
Great story teller. As an artist I took notes. I know it’s hard to summarise a long and successful career and this was well done.
I know there are other memoirs too!
I’ll be rewatching about fab soon. One of my favourite British comedies of all time!
May 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! I've always thought Joanna Lumley seems to be a really lovely, genuine person and that's exactly how she comes across. The book is packed with photos telling the fascinating story of her life. She is such an inspiring person. She is always happy to have a go at whatever opportunities come her way and has consequently had a really exciting life. An outlook that I try to follow myself too when I can! I was almost in tears at the end of the book where she talks about winning rights for the gurkhas to reside in the UK. Absolutely fabulous!!
November 13, 2024
Enjoyable read
The book is easy and enjoyable to read. Joanna Lumley is well travelled and comes across as very genuine. I didn't realise that she is so knowledgeable about conservation. I knew about the connection to the Gurkha cause and the efforts she made on their behalf. This book mentions a lot of famous people but Joanna does not come across as a braggart. I admire her tremendously.
The book is easy and enjoyable to read. Joanna Lumley is well travelled and comes across as very genuine. I didn't realise that she is so knowledgeable about conservation. I knew about the connection to the Gurkha cause and the efforts she made on their behalf. This book mentions a lot of famous people but Joanna does not come across as a braggart. I admire her tremendously.
January 14, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version on Spotify. Loved the content and delivery, but I thought there was a lot covered for one book. I would have loved more detail into a handful of the eras/life-stages covered rather than a brief touch on the wide array included. Just when I was engaging with a new chapter, we moved on too quickly. Super entertaining and well-read though.
May 11, 2025
Been a big fan of Joanna Lumley in AbFab and grew up watching British comedy. And in adulthood have enjoyed Lumley’s travel documentaries and admired her passion for travel, adventure and the people she meets. This was a quick read and loved her narration, she has lived such an exciting, adventure filled life. Really enjoyed this read.
August 18, 2025
A brief but entertaining auto-biography of a national treasure.
It tells from her early life in India to international stardom on TV & films.
She has had an extraordinary life often being in the right place and time.
She is as well known for her Travel adventures as her acting and she covers both in this book.
An enjoyable listen.
It tells from her early life in India to international stardom on TV & films.
She has had an extraordinary life often being in the right place and time.
She is as well known for her Travel adventures as her acting and she covers both in this book.
An enjoyable listen.
December 28, 2019
I have always been a fan of Joanna Lumley, and am of an age where I have seen a lot of her tv shows. This book was fabulous. When I read it I read it, I could hear her voice. An interesting, eventful life, with more to come
August 16, 2020
Of course, I loved this pictorial biography. Fun to read about her life and see pictures from each part. Really surprised by her youth and her ancestry. Love all the pics. More actresses should do this. I'd buy those books too.
October 6, 2020
A really enjoyable book, beautifully and eloquently told, as you'd expect from someone with such a rich command of the English language. She's such a likeable woman and her passion for her subject matter shines through.
April 30, 2024
I did the audiobook version of this book, which was narrated by Joanna herself. I loved hearing stories from her long and fabulous life. This is a very short memoir, so don't go in expecting her full life story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews