Dear Fatty by Dawn French: A Review

Dawn French's book, "Dear Fatty," arrived via Royal mail a few days ago. I rarely go out of my way to read celebrity autobiographies or memoirs--Dear Fatty is, unless my memory fails me, the first celebrity memoir I have read in over twenty years. I am glad I broke my not-reading-any-celebrity-books cycle and read this book.

Lest the title throw you, I must tell you that Fatty is Dawn French's pet name for her comedy partner, Jennifer Saunders. This book arrives just as French and Saunders are finishing a tour, bidding farewell to over two decades of comedy sketches.

"Dear Fatty" takes the reader on an intimate journey through Dawn French's life. Written as a series of letters to several people--her father, her husband, her brother, Jennifer Saunders, and Madonna, just to name a few--French easily draws the reader in with crisp prose, natural wit, and emotional depth. In this book, you'll catch (that's catch, not cop) an honest feel for life, love, and Madonna, as seen through Dawn French's eyes.

I found myself cheering French on during many passages, laughing aloud at other times, and I was also, frequently, deeply moved.

The letters that amused me most are those to "Fatty" and one letter that is on behalf of Kathy Burke. Those that moved me most are letters French writes to her father, who committed suicide when Dawn was still a teen. You will learn how she, and others around her, coped with this tragedy.

In the course of this book, readers also find out, among many other things, how Dawn French feels about her status as a famous person, and her views on celebrity status in general. This was particularly interesting for me.

Dawn French's fans will appreciate her even more after reading this book. However, readers do not need to be familiar with Dawn French's long-running and wonderful comedy career to benefit from reading this. I recommend "Dear Fatty" to anyone, young or old. There are priceless gems of wisdom throughout.

Furthermore, "Dear Fatty" is very real and grounded. It is witty, honest and poignant. No flashy, insincere offal here. In that respect, and many others, Dear Fatty is refreshing to the heart, the mind, and the soul.

"Dear Fatty" will be available in the U.S. in November, 2008 (November 25, give or take a few days). If you do not wish to wait, consider ordering it earlier from online book dealers based in the U.K. (it is available right this moment).

One more thing:

The hardback edition contains many wonderful photos--many in color--of Dawn French through various stages of her life, as well as photos of her husband, other family members and friends. French & Saunders fans will be happy to know that included in the photos are several of Dawn French with Jennifer Saunders.

Yet another one more thing:

I nearly forgot to say...

Dear Dawn French, I was amused to discover (from reading your book) I am not the only one who feels the exhausting responsibility of keeping a plane in the air through sheer force of will. Thank you. I wish you many wonderful years ahead.