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

The book, Not My Father's Son: A Memoir, by Alan Cumming describes a childhood of physical abuse by his father. Alan signs up for British TV show, Who Do You Think You Are? to find out more about his Mother's father Tommy Darling. He had left his grandmother after World War II and died in Malaysia under mysterious circumstances. While filming the show Alan's father drops a bombshell that calls into question his own paternity.

Alan's biography bounces between then and now and also follows along the journey of discovery to resolve the mystery of his grandfather. If you can listen to his audio book, I highly recommend it as Alan does the narration.

I listened to this book to understand how an abusive parent can affect the lives of his spouse and the children. In Alan's case it made it difficult for him to deal with the possibility of being a father with his first wife. It also resulted in an mild eating disorder and antisocial behavior. He was very successful but unable to fully enjoy it. Playing the emotionally draining part of Hamlet did not help. 

My Father was the exact opposite of Alan's Father. He was kind, loving and supportive. I feel fortunate to be granted that gift. Alan received his gift learning about his grandfather and confronting his own father with the truth. The book is an emotionally draining roller coaster but worth the ride.

Studio Q interview with Alan Cumming - 20 min. 

Discovering the legacy of Tommy Darling - 3 min. 

Alan Cummings childhood memoir - 9 min.