Thursday, February 5, 2015

Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming

The very charming and delightful Alan Cumming wrote a heart-felt, honest memoir detailing the parallels of his own life and the life of his maternal grandfather as he - during the filming of a BBC television series called Who Do You Think You Are - unraveled the mysteries surrounding his grandfather's death.  And while Mr. Cumming melted down while telling his story, I melted down with him as I discovered my own parallels. 
It is difficult to turn horrific memories and brutal - truly brutal - honesties into a story people would want to read.  To turn your pain into something beautiful.  To turn raw emotion into beautiful art.
It is difficult.
This was a very sad story and my heart went out to Alan Cumming.  And to a little girl I used to know. 
Not My Father's Son will leave you feeling somber, to say the least, but I would still recommend reading it as Cumming is such an alluring character and his honesty, while raw and painful, is refreshing and delightful.  There are times when I feel I am too vague about my own suffering and because of that I am appreciative of those who can take their pain and turn it into something positive.
Alan Cumming remains a favorite for me .... and I wish I could give him a hug.

2 comments:

Maggie said...

Bec, somehow I lost my link to your blog, and today I feel like I've missed out on so much by not staying connected! You're back in my RSS Feed. Welcome home!

I don't have the courage to read Mr. Cummings book. I'd need more hints about what the pain involves to say for sure, but I think my heart would bleed too much. It already bled just a bit reading your post. I want to hug you both! xoxox

I am a huge fan of your writing. What are you reading now?

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