Attitude’s Book of the Year Award: Alan Cumming
By Ben Kelly
In his near 35 year career, Alan Cumming has won an Olivier Award, a Tony Award, and a GLAAD Media Award, among countless others, but this year Attitude is honouring him not for his acting, but for his literary effort, Not My Father’s Son – a compelling memoir exploring his strained relationship with his father which is our Book of the Year.
The backdrop of the book sees Alan filming his Who Do You Think You Are episode for BBC, which sets out to discover the story of his maternal grandfather, who disappeared to the Far East after the Second World War. But in the midst of filming, Alan is contacted by his estranged father, who throws doubt on his very paternity, provoking a double voyage of self discovery. Alan attempts to solve one family mystery on screen, while unlocking an even more earth shattering one in his real life.
In frequent flashbacks, Alan frankly recalls anecdotes from his troubled Scottish upbringing about his father’s infidelity, the physical abuse he inflicted on his son, or the psychological torture he exerted over Alan’s mother. It’s a hard read, but as the adult Alan attempts to restructure his feelings, the reader shares in his bravery, and celebrates quietly in his private triumph.
Speaking to Attitude around the book’s release, Alan said, “One of the great things I’ve realised since it came out is that it’s quite an inspiring story. People in situations they feel they may not be able to overcome can realise that it is always possible. It’s all about your own belief and using your moral compass.”
Read more from Alan and all our Award winners in the new issue of Attitude, in shops today (October 15). You can download the digital version of the mag from attitudedigital.co.uk and order a print copy from newsstand.co.uk/Attitude.
