Invisible Girl Pb

Product Description
A few years after packing for London, teenager Debbie Barham was writing the funniest lines for the top names in British comedy. But her genius belied a darker, destructive side that slowly span out of control. By 26 she had died of anorexia. This powerful memoir is her father's search to understand his daughter and make sense of her troubled end.
In this poignant memoir of his daughter's short life, Peter Barham sets out to discover the powerful force that drove Debbie to anorexia, whilst inspiring her to write some of the best lines in British comedy. Drawing on her copious e-mails and scripts, and featuring contributions from some of the UK's most famous comedians, including Rory Bremner, Clive Anderson, Ned Sherrin and Bob Monkhouse, Peter takes you from the heady excitement of Debbie's mid-teen years to her troubled, solitary end.
‘The Invisible Girl’ is a father's remarkable journey to discover what went wrong in the mysterious and very private world of his daughter. It is a powerful and moving story that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure.
Review
‘Debbie Barham was addicted to comedy: she lived and died writing it. This book is a moving tribute to an astonishing talent and a life that ran out before the jokes did.’ Rory Bremner
‘A truly extraordinary person.’ Clive Anderson
‘The unsung queen of comedy.’ The Telegraph
‘She could be rude enough to make even Graham Norton blush.’ Ned Sherrin
‘An amazing talent.’ Bob Monkhouse
‘In her short life, Deb achieved what most writers would wish for in a much longer lifetime. She was prodigiously talented.’ Bruce Hyman radio producer
‘A frank and heartbreaking account of the battle with anorexia that left acclaimed comedy writer Deborah Barham dead at 26.’ Mail on Sunday (Jan 06)
About the Author
PETER BARHAM left home when Debbie was nine months old. An absentee father, he didn't know his daughter well until she turned up on his doorstep one summer's evening. Weighing little over five stone, Debbie said, 'My life's a mess. All of it. Please sort me out.' For nine months Peter and his wife gave Debbie round-the-clock care but her desire for independence finally took her back to London and the life which, only three years later, destroyed her.

ALAN HURNDALL is an eminent journalist, writer, author and film-maker. In a distinguished career he has won national industry awards in both newspapers and television, including Campaigning Journalist of the Year in the British Press Awards, a Royal Television Society Award and a BAFTA nomination.