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The 10 best new memoirs

 

Samuel Muston
Tuesday 01 November 2011 01:00 GMT
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1. Back from the Brink by Alistair Darling

£19.99, atlantic-books.co.uk

The former chancellor's book seems delightfully free of the usual politician's artifice.

2. Absolutely: A Memoir by Joanna Lumley

£20, orionbooks.co.uk

Lumley has done it all, from sex kitten and TV star to activist for the Gurkhas. Read about it here.

3. The Unauthorised Autobiography by Julian Assange

£20, canongate.tv

The story of the man behind WikiLeaks is a gripping read.

4. Instead of a Book by Diana Athill

£20, granta.com

Not quite a traditional memoir, but few of those illuminate their author so deftly and with such grace.

5. How I Won the Yellow Jumper by Ned Boulting

£12.99, randomhouse.co.uk

Follow Ned Boulting's journey from bike-racing virgin to aficionado of all things speedy on two wheels.

6. May I Have Your Attention, Please? by James Corden

£18.99, randomhouse.co.uk

The star's memoir is an above-average affair in that he devotes a lot of space to addressing his failings.

7. My Father's Fortune by Michael Frayn

£8.99, faber.co.uk

The playwright and journalist's first volume of autobiography is beautifully written and deeply insightful.

8. I, Partridge by Alan Partridge

£20, harpercollins.co.uk

Partridge muses about his time in radio, his break as an archery commentator, and lots more besides.

9. I'm Not Really Here by Paul Lake

£14.99, randomhouse.co.uk

An emotional account of footballer Lake's descent from potential superstar to broken man.

10. Small Man in a Book by Rob Brydon

£20, penguin.co.uk

The actor, writer, comedian and voice of Toilet Duck takes a wry look at his life.

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