Dear Fatty Audiobook By Dawn French cover art

Dear Fatty

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Dear Fatty

By: Dawn French
Narrated by: Liza Tarbuck
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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 Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Women Celebrity Funny Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring Witty Thought-Provoking

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)
Touching Personal Moments • Endearing Family Relationships • Excellent Narration • Humorous Personality
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very touching, and thoughtful. a realistic insight into someone's life. worth the time to listen

really like having a chat with Dawn French

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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 didn't even know you were famous

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loved how she wrote to those who shaped her life. Made her more real to me

loved the format of writing letters to people

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This is an entertaining listen. Ms.French lets her readers in on a lot and it's sometimes a bit sad, but mostly she's such fun and so funny! Thank you dear lady and PS I could listen to you read to me lots and lots.

Loved getting to know Dawn French in this story.

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Would you consider the audio edition of Dear Fatty to be better than the print version?

I have read Dear Fatty and enjoyed both. The advantage of the audible version is being able to continue doing whatever you need to vs. sitting down and reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dear Fatty?

Ms. French tells of a time when she was about 14 or 15 and was going to big party. A young boy, Mark, was going to be there and she had purchased a special outfit for the occassion hoping to catch his eye. Her father wanted to talk to her before she left (and she wanted to ask him if she could stay out later). What followed was so beautiful. The things he said to his daughter should be written down and handed to every father to be said to their daughters. What Ms French's dad gave her that night was such a precious gift. He let her know that she was valued and loved beyond measure. What a gift.

What does Liza Tarbuck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She sounds a bit like Dawn French, so it's not hard to imagine Ms. French reading it herself.

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

This book made me laugh and cry. Sometimes at the same time.

Any additional comments?

This book is well worth a listen. Especially if you are a fan of French & Saunders, The Vicar of Dilby, and Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Laughter and Tears: Two of my Favorite Emotions

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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.

I wish Dawn had narrated it but I understand...

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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.

Thouroughly enjoyable, compassionate & funny

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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.

Heartfelt. touching and humorous. Lovely

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This book is brilliant, both story and narration. 100% recommend this gem. What a funny and great writer. Please more!!!

What a woman

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I'd never heard of Dawn French but I certainly enjoyed getting to know her. She's clever, funny, and very entertaining. I wish more of her books were available in the United States.

Lots of Fun!

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