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Preview
  • Rising to the Surface

  • By: Lenny Henry
  • Narrated by: Lenny Henry
  • Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (153 ratings)

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Rising to the Surface

By: Lenny Henry
Narrated by: Lenny Henry
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Summary

Rising to the Surface traces Lenny Henry's career through the '80s and '90s. The 16-year-old who won a talent competition now has to navigate his way through the seas of professional comedy, learning his craft through sheer graft and hard work.

We follow Lenny through a period of great creativity—prize-winning TV programmes, summer seasons across Britain, the starring role in a Hollywood film, stand-up gigs in New York and a gala wedding to Dawn French. But with each rise, there is a fall, the most traumatic being the death of his mother. But by the end of the book, he has been able to rise through a sea of troubles and breaks out to the surface to accept the Golden Rose of Montreaux for his work in television.

©2022 Lenny Henry (P)2022 Faber Audio
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What listeners say about Rising to the Surface

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A great listen!

Loved listening to Lenny. There is something familiar about hearing his voice which is reminiscent of my childhood. Very interesting to hear about his life.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Totally absorbing

Having grown up with Mr Henry and having parents from Wolverhampton always feel there is a little connection . Having listened to the first book I could not wait for this one and it didn’t disappoint.
Absolute respect to Lenny Henry on many many levels .

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliantly written book

As someone who grew up local to Lenny I can relate to many of the areas he illustrates. Bostin book Lenny !

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

BRILLIANT, HONEST, FUNNY AND SAD

LOVED IT, ANOTHER LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF A FUNNY MAN. HIS HONEST AND OPEN TELLING OF HIS UPS, DOWNS, JOYS AND SADNESS. REALLY ENJOYED WHO AM I, ENJOYED THIS. LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT INSTALLMENT.

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So honest and moving

This is a very clear and detailed account of many Henry's work in 80s, 90s and the naughties. It is so well performed as you expect.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Lenny

Lenny and his voices are superb even better than the first book but carries on Lenny’s story. It’s so well written and read I feel like Lenny is my best mate and he’s around in my home sitting on my sofa telling me his story.
Thanks Lenny

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love Lenny. x

Lenny’s book makes you realize he’s been around for a long time. I feel about him a bit like the same way I felt about the Queen - always there, like a distant relative - a solid presence in the background of my life.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable, interesting but something missing…

I enjoyed listening to Lenny telling his story. But I expected something covering the break up of his marriage to Dawn French. Not an in depth warts and all covering but a mention at least.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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loved it

a great insight into one of my favourite comedians. I remember much of the early stuff, not sure it be so interesting to younger people. brilliantly read, with all the great accents too xx

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Can’t wait for the 3rd book

Really beautiful book, frank and written from the heart. Lenny has been in my life since I was little, reading Rising to the Surface reminded me of watching Three of a kind and Tiswas in front of the fire in my parent’s home and belly laughing, and learning about how tough and toxic it was behind the scenes.

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