What do you think?
Rate this book
Rolling with the Punchlines
Written with her trademark deadpan humour, Urzila's memoir is full of great stories about both the big things in life and the little things.
Urzila's accidental beginning in stand-up has led to an incredibly successful career in comedy, with regular gigs on television as well as sell-out shows in comedy festivals across New Zealand and Australia.
But life hasn't always been a bundle of laughs. Urzila talks candidly about her childhood with a great family, apart from her abusive dad, and about growing up in South Africa. She shares crazy but true tales about her OE, her move to New Zealand, coming out, getting married and having children, and her life in comedy.
This is a great listen from one of our most loved and most popular comedians
Urzila's accidental beginning in stand-up has led to an incredibly successful career in comedy, with regular gigs on television as well as sell-out shows in comedy festivals across New Zealand and Australia.
But life hasn't always been a bundle of laughs. Urzila talks candidly about her childhood with a great family, apart from her abusive dad, and about growing up in South Africa. She shares crazy but true tales about her OE, her move to New Zealand, coming out, getting married and having children, and her life in comedy.
This is a great listen from one of our most loved and most popular comedians
256 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2016
41 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 9, 2021
4 Stars
I laughed some, I cried some, I even learned some.
I was expecting a laugh-a-minute with this memoir, but I got something much more authentic, raw, and deeply thoughtful in the process.
As a South African native, a New Zealand immigrant, and an Aussie adoptee, Urzila Carlson has lived a life unexpected, and I relished every personal story and anecdote she shared within.
Many moments were amusing, as you’d expect from a comedianne’s memoir, but it was the deeply personal experiences, of family, love, loss and grief, that truly shined here.
She shares stories of her youth, of growing up in South Africa during Apartheid and living with an abusive father, all the way through her move to New Zealand, becoming a successful comic and building a family with her wife, Julie.
Fans of Carlson’s will surely relish this peak behind the curtain that is her boisterous but down-to-earth life. I can honestly say, my own respect and enjoyment of this woman’s life and work has only quadrupled from the experience.
I’m so very glad I picked this book up.
****************************************
Audio Edition:
Carlson narrates herself, which only added to the experience, IMO. For anyone who knows who Urzila Carlson is—and I’m sure you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t—you’ll be aware of her distinctive voice, and, hopefully, you’ll love her accent as much as I do, which made the listening of this audio all the more awesome!
I laughed some, I cried some, I even learned some.
I was expecting a laugh-a-minute with this memoir, but I got something much more authentic, raw, and deeply thoughtful in the process.
As a South African native, a New Zealand immigrant, and an Aussie adoptee, Urzila Carlson has lived a life unexpected, and I relished every personal story and anecdote she shared within.
Many moments were amusing, as you’d expect from a comedianne’s memoir, but it was the deeply personal experiences, of family, love, loss and grief, that truly shined here.
She shares stories of her youth, of growing up in South Africa during Apartheid and living with an abusive father, all the way through her move to New Zealand, becoming a successful comic and building a family with her wife, Julie.
Fans of Carlson’s will surely relish this peak behind the curtain that is her boisterous but down-to-earth life. I can honestly say, my own respect and enjoyment of this woman’s life and work has only quadrupled from the experience.
I’m so very glad I picked this book up.
****************************************
Audio Edition:
Carlson narrates herself, which only added to the experience, IMO. For anyone who knows who Urzila Carlson is—and I’m sure you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t—you’ll be aware of her distinctive voice, and, hopefully, you’ll love her accent as much as I do, which made the listening of this audio all the more awesome!
September 16, 2018
That I read this book in one day shows it’s a really good read. With her comedian way she deals with dead shit dads, apartheid, migration, coming out, being poor with wit, grace and humour. I’ve loved her stuff on TV and would love to see her live.
May 13, 2023
A fun jaunt into Carlson's life, I enjoyed learning about the experience of a South African expat in NZ. One of my favourite comedians and this book did not disappoint.
July 29, 2019
Best book I've read in awhile. A raw and honest memoir. I've always thought she was pretty funny but know I'll see her as so much more. Such a interesting life. Good vintage too 1976 !
September 4, 2018
Why I choose her? She is probably more widely known in Australia or probably in New Zealand but as for me, she is one of my favourite comedians in Australia. I love her positivity, energy, and her sense of humour with the beautiful smile. Her jokes always come in a natural manner and she never trying too hard to make you laugh. She frequently appears on the tv show 'Have You Been Paying Attention' and I doubt I will ever know her if I never watch that show. She's always hilarious, expresses her opinions confidently and she doesn't care what others think of her. Her loveable personality makes me wonder whether there is a chance for me to know the other side of her.
I hope she will continue doing what she is doing and wish she will be more famous in the future. She deserves wider recognition.
Rolling with the Punchlines by Urzila Carlson.
I hope she will continue doing what she is doing and wish she will be more famous in the future. She deserves wider recognition.
Rolling with the Punchlines by Urzila Carlson.
December 11, 2016
Hilariously funny!! Open and honest. Urzilla covers a wide range of topics and issues that cropped up throughout her life and how they affected her and the world around us. Although funny, there are moments when you feel for her, as a child and again as an adult.
January 24, 2017
A quick easy enjoyable read, perfect for summer reading on the beach. Would appeal to fan's of Uzrila's brand of humor (which I enjoy!) Was surprised to read what a hard start to life she had & her grit, humor and optimism has enabled her to live life to the fullest.
April 12, 2019
She has a joke about Moe!!
April 8, 2025
Written with her trademark deadpan humour, Urzila details her tumultuous childhood growing up in apartheid South Africa, as well as her journey to becoming a comedian, and coming out as a "lesbyterian" as she puts it. Funny, as you would expect, and poignant in some parts. If you are a fan, you will love it.
Read
May 28, 2019I was expecting this to be more like Kitty Flanagan's recent release. This was more a memoir and nowhere near as humorous as Urzila Carlson is in person (if, like me, that's what you were expecting). I ended up DNFing this one.
September 22, 2020
Love this woman even more now. What a trooper. And what an insight into life in South Africa. Made me want to research its history (I love learning).
Thanks, Urzila, for a great read and laugh. Keep those laughs coming.
Thanks, Urzila, for a great read and laugh. Keep those laughs coming.
December 19, 2019
Absolutely loved this memoir.
January 22, 2020
Such an enjoyable read!! I laughed and in some parts I was brought to tears but overall this book was just a joy to read! I could not recommend her enough in both book form and as a comedian!
September 8, 2020
Look I liked this and she’s had an amazing life. I found it a bit slow and I wondered why I was reading it a bit.
January 5, 2021
This was a memoir that had me laughing out loud again and again. Carlson was able to deal with issues that are incredibly intense and serious in moments with a great look of humour and lightness. There is something about her style of writing that made you feel like she was right there, recounting all of her incredible adventures into your ear. And, since I love the accent… I loved that whole idea.
I found Carlson’s journey into stand-up to be incredibly fascinating. She somehow managed to fall into a career that is completely suited to her and her personality. And found herself a life and reality that she absolutely adores. The fact that throughout this memoir she also shamelessly plugs her Netflix special and tells tales of the different shows that she’s done. Not only did it make for an intriguing and fascinating career-journey, but again, I was laughing and giggling throughout all of her many tales.
Carlson’s journey and tales are wonderful and unforgettable. There is nothing like a good memoir to start of the year’s reading. When that history and memoir has as much humour to it as this story, well, it just keeps getting better and better. That, and the fact that I found out a lot more about a woman I’ve been watching on tv for a while. And very much enjoying.
As the second book that I read of 2020, I feel like this gave me a great running start to the year. It was positive and light-hearted. Yet, there were moments of genuineness and concern that not all comedians are able to achieve. It certainly makes me want to watch Carlson’s Netflix special.
I found Carlson’s journey into stand-up to be incredibly fascinating. She somehow managed to fall into a career that is completely suited to her and her personality. And found herself a life and reality that she absolutely adores. The fact that throughout this memoir she also shamelessly plugs her Netflix special and tells tales of the different shows that she’s done. Not only did it make for an intriguing and fascinating career-journey, but again, I was laughing and giggling throughout all of her many tales.
Carlson’s journey and tales are wonderful and unforgettable. There is nothing like a good memoir to start of the year’s reading. When that history and memoir has as much humour to it as this story, well, it just keeps getting better and better. That, and the fact that I found out a lot more about a woman I’ve been watching on tv for a while. And very much enjoying.
As the second book that I read of 2020, I feel like this gave me a great running start to the year. It was positive and light-hearted. Yet, there were moments of genuineness and concern that not all comedians are able to achieve. It certainly makes me want to watch Carlson’s Netflix special.
July 4, 2021
The highest trees get the most wind
Thank you, internet, for sending me a list of upcoming gigs here in New Zealand. Urzila's advertisement for her new tour came up and I started checking out her work. After getting a taste of her comedy, I bought her biography and started a beautiful experience. The book shows some of the real Urzila, warts and all. What really got to me was the humility and authenticity, with which this once-upon-a-time accidental comedian tries to live her life. Being born in South Africa on the wrong side of the tracks, followed by a life of spectacular highs and daunting lows, has created a comedian and public personality, who uses her craft to make this world a little bit better, one performance, one joke at a time. Urzila uses her comedy to hold a mirror in front of our faces, which is the most important duty of a comedian. She rattles our collective cages and make us think about our own actions and reactions, often in a self-depreciating manner, but always with the right intention. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the Urzila behind the performer and am looking forward to seeing her live in due course.
Thank you, internet, for sending me a list of upcoming gigs here in New Zealand. Urzila's advertisement for her new tour came up and I started checking out her work. After getting a taste of her comedy, I bought her biography and started a beautiful experience. The book shows some of the real Urzila, warts and all. What really got to me was the humility and authenticity, with which this once-upon-a-time accidental comedian tries to live her life. Being born in South Africa on the wrong side of the tracks, followed by a life of spectacular highs and daunting lows, has created a comedian and public personality, who uses her craft to make this world a little bit better, one performance, one joke at a time. Urzila uses her comedy to hold a mirror in front of our faces, which is the most important duty of a comedian. She rattles our collective cages and make us think about our own actions and reactions, often in a self-depreciating manner, but always with the right intention. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the Urzila behind the performer and am looking forward to seeing her live in due course.
March 18, 2021
Comedian, Urzila Carlson, is well-known in Australia and in New Zealand, where she resides after emigrating from South Africa. In this memoir, Urzila describes growing up under Apartheid in South Africa, early jobs, coming out, and the violence that prompted her to move to NZ. What I’m aways fascinated by is how comedians / musicians / entertainers started down their chosen path and Urzila’s story didn’t disappoint - she attended an open mic night in Auckland and never looked back. I haven’t seen her live show, only TV appearances, so I appreciated her including some routines in the book. Being a loud, proud woman who can shock or offend, she has attracted more than her fair share of trolling and criticism and she spends time discussing the attacks and hate culture that the internet fosters. Urzila narrates the audio in her unique Afrikaner / Kiwi blend and you can her the emotion in her voice as she recounts happy or sad times.
April 21, 2019
Urzila Carson is just adorable! While reading, I couldn’t help but hear her voice in my head saying all the jokes with her comic timing, which made me snigger through most of the book. She’s such a funny lady and has her own special brand given that she is a lesbian from South Africa living in New Zealand with her wife and children. She shares many stories from her life including her childhood and travels, but she also injects some seriousness into her book with her views on apartheid and her experiences with cancer, miscarriage and abuse from her father. Those sad stories add to the complexity of Carlson’s character, and make for a memoir that has many shades. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
February 23, 2020
I enjoyed reading about the journey of my fellow-South African, her move to New Zealand and love for our home country. She is warm and authentic (and funny) and I recognised so many of the places and people she wrote about. Lots of memories making me a bit homesick and sharing such great stories and reminders of SA back in the day. She is a wonderful ambassador for us and her life story took so many twists and turns, which I never knew about. I'm proud of her and will continue to watch her career with interest.
July 4, 2025
Solid book and a genuinely good read. Sometimes when reading a memoir, I find that stories can often be bland or uninspired - this is not the case with Urzila. I have never heard of someone go through such a consistently dramatic series of unfortunate AND fortunate events as this woman has. For fans who have seen her perform, I sincerely recommend. What she has achieved with her background is nothing short of impressive.
February 16, 2020
A hilarious book about a wonderful person who (like all of us) has had a range of positive ans ever I’ve life experiences.
She touches on all subjects from a challenging childhood, to Apartheid, gay marriage and miscarriages. Everything is told using her trademark humour- an easy and highly enjoyable read.
She touches on all subjects from a challenging childhood, to Apartheid, gay marriage and miscarriages. Everything is told using her trademark humour- an easy and highly enjoyable read.
December 22, 2024
As a South African living in Australia, this was a book I didn’t know I needed. I smiled as she described her childhood in South Africa and was transported back in time through her engaging writing. Her journey was a fascinating one and so filled with adventure, it was an addictive read! This book had me laughing so hard while also leaving space for tender moments and life lessons. As someone who has moved like she has, it was particularly impactful in a way that only people who’ve gone through the same experience will truly understand, I felt like it was balm for my soul. I think this is one of the best memoirs I have listened to (the audiobook narrated by Urzila herself is *chef’s kiss*). I highly recommend this book!
May 6, 2022
Written just like she speaks, this book is a fascinating journey through growing up in South Africa, immigrating, loss and breaking into comedy. Really interesting and a great insight into a familiar face.
April 22, 2023
I didn't know a great deal about Urzila, only having seen her on Who's been paying attention?. I always thought she was funny there, so gave this a go. The book was honest, interesting and humorous as expected. Would recommend.
May 29, 2023
I loved this! I saw Urzila live in Hastings and laughed the entire time. She's hilarious and enormously clever, but the blatant anti-racism bits warmed me to her even more. It's just so very plain, and she says it perfectly.
June 6, 2025
Had a few laughs reading Urzila's memoir. An interesting story: particularly her time growing up in South Africa, moving and adjusting to NZ life (and a funny story about her learning to use a Line Trimmer for the first time 😆😆) and enjoyed reading about how Urzila became a comedian.
January 13, 2019
Good laugh
Loved the book but I am probably biased as I enjoy her as a comedian too. Very frank but funny read.
Loved the book but I am probably biased as I enjoy her as a comedian too. Very frank but funny read.
April 10, 2019
Hilarious read. She comes across as a great person you would to have a meal with. Real down to Earth and funny.
April 19, 2019
Funny. Moving. And filled with stories from a vast and lived life. So much more than what I was expecting. Some very funny tales in there too.
May 6, 2019
Fantastic read. Hilarious but also food for thought in parts
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews