I've seen Alan Cumming on a couple of chat shows and found him to be amusing but really don't know anything much about him. I picked this up thinking that it would be about his acting career but it's really not and it was a pleasant surprise.
Instead it's an engaging and honest story that deals with past and present.
The past deals with Alan's Scottish childhood and his terrible relationship with his abusive Father.
The present day finds Alan participating in a British television program about ancestry, researching the story of his maternal Grandfather, a war hero who never returned home from the Far East who died in mysterious circumstances. With the film crew Alan uncovers the true story of his Grandfather and his death. Alan recounts this interesting tale in such a way that it is enthralling, just as he wants to discover the truth so does the reader.
I found this to be a rewarding and brave book. It's entertaining and even though the subject matter is difficult Alan's humor and intelligence shines through. I'm looking forward to the (hopeful) next installment all about him and his career.
Recommended.
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