Dear Fatty

It's become a cliché in Britain to call somebody in the entertainment field a national institution -- but that's exactly what Dawn French is. As both comedienne and actress (the latter in both comedy and straight parts), she has become one of the best loved entertainers in the country. Her range is not wide (unlike her dimensions -- and that's the sort of joke she'd crack), but she is utterly winning in everything he does. And that quality continues in Dear Fatty, a truly entertaining memoir of an event-packed life.

The form of the book is a series of letters by French, conjuring her transformation from a West Country RAF girl to a star of the cult alternative comedy group The Comic Strip. This was followed by the groundbreaking all-female Girls on Top (which did much to establish the position of women in British comedy), the astonishing success of the TV series French and Saunders (with French's equally talented friend Jennifer Saunders) and the sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, where French's wickedly sardonic touch keeps the tweeness of the basic situation -- female vicar in a rustic town -- at bay.

For French, early dreams of becoming a ballerina or an air hostess came to nothing, but the loss to the worlds of dance and aviation was a gain for TV audiences. All of that, of course, is covered in this frequently hilarious and often moving collection. We are invited into her most personal relationships with (among others) her mother and father, her husband (fellow comedian Lenny Henry), and, of course, her most important comedic ally, Jennifer Saunders. Everything French describes -- from the agonies of being a teenager to the death of her father -- and (of course) the way in which society defines her by her generous size -- is treated with a highly diverting insight. Fans of Dawn French's TV appearances will lap it up, but Dear Fatty has a lot more to offer, even to those only vaguely familiar with her. But is anyone in Britain only vaguely familiar with Dawn French? --Barry Forshaw

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View books by Dawn French.

Two Words : Inspirational and moving - Rated
I needn't say a lot - the book itself speaks volumes.

Dawn is a true icon, a role model to all women and through this book she allows you access to her personal life whilst maintaining modesty, dignity and her infectious good nature.

I saw in Dawn and her experiences my own mum and someone I want to become when I have my own family.

Every page I had tears in my eyes from either tears of joy, of laughter or of pure sadness but never pity. She shares her personal up's and down's; her life is there for you to read.

Dawn is and will always be an inspiration to all. Her personality shines through every word and every time you put the book down you're left with a swelling heart full of admiration and respect for a woman so strong, so loving and so honest.

I now have two hero's in my life; my mum and Dawn French.

Full recommendations and full marks for this, the masterpiece of memoirs for one of England's best loved and appreciated celebrities in the true sense.

Absolutely Fabulous - Rated
It might be a cliche but I really couldn't put this book down. It's written in a very easy to read style with short letters taking you through Dawn's life. There is a lot unwritten and she at times seems guarded but I enjoyed every single page. Definitely a laugh out loud book but still some very personal, sad times. The book takes you on a journey and it's one that I can thoroughly recommend. A+++

Queen of comedy - Rated
It's said that a good review is detailed and specific. I've never been 'normal' and followed rules, so here is my view of Dawn's book 'Dear Fatty'.

I just 'snagged' boyfriend's credit card to buy my daughter a copy to enjoy as well. Great, fantastic, down to earth, one of us - That's what I think of Dawn. Just when I thought I couldn't get more entertained, she wrote this book. Luv it!!!!


Collection of Tails: Read, Learn and Colour

Dawn French: The Unauthorized Biography

Dear Fatty - Rated
I went into Waterstones with the intent of not buying another book to my already large group of currently awaiting books to be read. But within 3 seconds of announcing this to my daughter I held the book that was looking right at me and was there at the counter paying my money. I totally enjoyed the book, it shows Dawn as the truely rounded person she is (sorry for the pun Dawn). I liked the way she wrote it, letters to everyone and it was actually a good idea considering she had never written a book before. Madonna lost out as she couldn't possible compete with the comedy diva's of French and Saunders we have in Britain. That's probably why she always turned you down. Your talent shines through and so does the love you have for your family and friends. It would of been nice if you had told others about the time you took Alison by surprise and turned up at her concert at the NEC in Birmingham with a custard pie. I didn't know she could swear so much but it had to be one of the best concerts I ever attended. Maybe next time eh? Thank you for letting us into your world and sharing it with us. Good luck to Dawn, Len and Billie.

Real Life - Rated
Dear Fatty has made me smile, made me laugh, made me cry and made me reflect on my own life. It was a great way for Dawn to "talk to" her friends and family and to share her life story (to date) with everyone. I loved the way it was written and the fact that I can almost hear her speaking. Great book!