Not My Father’s Son, by Alan Cumming (Audiobook, read by author)

I checked this out of the library for the rather shallow reason of enjoying Cumming’s natural Scottish accent, under the impression that it was a memoir about his showbiz career and the title referred to his career path.

It’s actually a fairly intense memoir about his childhood with a physically and verbally abusive father, and how that came back to haunt him when he did a show where they researched his genealogy. While Cumming became fascinated with a relative on his mother’s side, a war hero who died under mysterious circumstances, he also found out some complicated secrets involving his father. The result was basically Alan Cumming’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Summer: Family Secrets Edition.

It’s well-written and Cumming comes across as very honest and likable. The story is interesting, though some parts start feeling a bit repetitive. It does talk about show business, but that’s more in the background than the foreground; it’s much more about difficult family issues, coming to terms with your past, and child abuse recovery. It’s a solid book and his voice is indeed lovely, though I’m still left wanting to know his thoughts on Cabaret.

Not My Father's Son: A Memoir by Alan Cumming Audio CD