'Dear Fatty' by Dawn French | Now to Love

Fans of the TV shows French and Saunders and The Vicar of Dibley will be delighted to find this in their Christmas stocking, I guarantee it.

I’ve loved Dawn French and her comedy partner Jennifer Saunders for as long as I can remember. I knew she was married to Lenny Henry, I knew she forgave him when he was caught cheating on her, I knew they had adopted a little girl, but what struck me while reading this book was how much I didn’t know.

one of two children in a very loving and close-knit family, Dawn was shattered when her father committed suicide when she was 19. obviously this had a devastating impact on her but, less obviously, perhaps, is the fact that the faith her father always had in her had already sealed Dawn’s fate before depression got the better of him. Always told she could do whatever she wanted to do and be whoever she wanted to be, Dawn went on to do and be just that.

Very comfortable in her own skin, despite how much fabric it might take to cover it, she’s written the book as a series of letters to a wide range of people, including Jennifer Saunders, the Fatty of the title. Some are serious, some will have you in stitches. When you read about her ancient great aunts and their unique “informative” dance routine” involving many unravelling layers of crocheted costume, it’s clear where Dawn French’s sense of humour comes from. Her letters to Madonna alone are worth the purchase price.

A good, surprising, sad and funny read. And if you’re looking for something for a gift for the man of the house, consider Michael Parkinson’s autobiography, Parky (Hodder & Stoughton, $59.99). This other iconic British entertainer looks back on more than 40 years in the media and tells many a lovely story about the rich and famous who have crossed his path. The day Posh called Becks “Goldenballs”, the day oeg Ryan dispelled the America’s sweetheart myth, the day he turned down going to dinner and a jazz club with Clint Eastwood it’s all here.