Just Ignore Him

For years we have enjoyed Alan Davies in shows such as Jonathan Creek and as the regular panellist on QI where he is known for his laconic humour and quick wit. However reading this memoir about his childhood provides a graphic and horrifying depiction of his early years.

Alan was six when his mother died. His brother was eight and his sister was three. It was therefore left to his father to bring up the three young children. Generally people felt sorry for the man left with this difficult task. Unfortunately Alan's childhood was anything but happy as he suffered both physical and sexual abuse at the hands of his father. He was, of course, told not to tell anyone. The father seemed to leave the other children alone. Alan got along well with his father's brother, Uncle Pat, but the uncle did not know what his brother was doing. Alan had little support from other family members.  

In 2017 Alan's step-mother gave him a folder of pornography that his father had down-loaded from the internet. There were also some photos taken by his father. Looking through this material caused Alan to understand the extent of his father's sexual interests, particularly with boys, and also better understand his father. It led Alan to review the events of his early life and record them in this memoir. 

This is not a chronology of Alan's childhood but instead each chapter deals with everyday topics such as Gardens, Lanterns, Animals, Buses, Stamps etc allowing Alan to recall events and feelings at the time in order to better understand his past. Consequently there is some repetition in the book as memories are recalled. Alan did go to the police with the folder his step-mother had given him and a case was prepared, however his father was too old and infirm to stand trial.

Although this is a grim account of childhood assaul,t it is told with strands of humour, especially when Alan recalls some of his other exploits as a child causing adults to use the phrase, 'Just ignore him', on numerous occasions. Alan will never forget the abuse he suffered and the fear that his father may also have shown interest in other boys. Despite this he has survived to have a successful career entertaining others and also has his own family to now care for.