Dawn French has been responsible for many laughs from me in her time – my favourite of her work being The Vicar of Dibbley, which I still re-watch when I’m at a low ebb. But I also enjoy her podcast, Titting About, which she has recorded for six years with Jennifer Saunders, her friend and co-conspirator in comedy. So when I was looking for something a bit funny, but also with some relatable moments and a boost of encouragement, this seemed like the perfect choice.
This book is sort of a memoir, sort of a selection of comedy, but also – and mostly – a collection of stories in which Dawn French was a complete twat. I loved the structure of this book, because it’s such a great way to cut through to the heart of any matter, share some important truth, but also take a moment to laugh out loud at the many foibles that accompany being human – even when you’re famous.
There are stories in here I’ve heard before (French is not one to stand quietly in a corner, and she will exploit anything for humour – even her own life), but also many I haven’t. In some of them she is, in fact, a twat. But in most she’s just delightfully real, she’s making the same kind of mistakes we all make through our lives – mistakes we feel like an idiot for making, mistakes we wish we could take back, but ultimately mistakes we learn from and, eventually, even find quite funny.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of French, but also just anyone who’s looking to spend a bit of time giggling with someone who feels a bit like a friend. Even better if you get the audiobook, because she’s even better when you can hear it in her own voice. Not a book that will turn your world upside down, but one that will give you some entertaining stories to brighten up your day and make you feel a bit better about the many times you have also, probably, been a bit of a twat.
Discover the truth behind the many, many times Dawn French has been a complete twat over the last sixty years.
When I was younger I wanted to be an interesting, sophisticated, semi-heroic, multi-layered person.
BUT.
That kind of perfect is impossible. Being an actual twat is much more the real me. Sorry to boast, but I am a champion twat.
In The Twat Files I will tell you about all the times I’ve been a total and utter twat. The moments where I’ve misunderstood stuff and messed up. In my life these have been key.
Mistakes tell us about ourselves.
Mistakes tell us about others.
Mistakes are hilarious.
Mistakes expose our flaws.
Mistakes show us ourselves honestly.
Mistakes are gloriously human.
My hope is that these stories might fire up yer engines to remind you of just what a massive twat you also are.
Let’s celebrate and revel in this most delightful of traits together.
That would be perfectly twatty. – Goodreads
Book Title: The Twat Files
Author: Dawn French
Series: No
Edition: Audiobook (Libro.fm)
Published By: Penguin
Released: October 12, 2023
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Humour
Pages: 363
Date Read: April 21-28, 2025
Rating: 8/10
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.82/5 (5,232 ratings)