Call Me Mrs. Brown

by Brendan O'Carroll

Before he became the nation's favourite Mammy, Brendan O'Carroll was known, simply as Brendan. He's the youngest of eleven children from a poor family in Dublin, he's a boy whose father died when he was just nine years old; he's someone whose hope and determination meant he never gave up. Throughout the tough moments, Brendan always had humour and a good story to tell alongside the ever-guiding inspiration of his own Mammy, a formidable figure who became Ireland's first female Labour MP, all whilst raising eleven children by herself. Just like the show so brilliantly expresses, Brendan's first autobiography, the real story behind the man who became Mrs Brown, combines uplifting heart, warmth and hilarity.

369 pages, Hardcover

Published January 15, 2023

About the author

Brendan O'Carroll is an Irish BAFTA-winning writer, producer, comedian, author, actor and director. A popular comedian in Ireland since the early 1990s, O'Carroll is best known internationally for portraying the foul-mouthed Irish matriarch Agnes Brown in Mrs. Brown's Boys. O'Carroll has written seven novels, including The Mammy (1994), The Chisellers (1995), The Granny (1996), The Scrapper (originally published as "Sparrows Trap", 1997) and The Young Wan (2003); a number of these have been translated into 12 languages and have been best sellers worldwide. He has also written four films and nine comedy shows. These include The Course (1995), Grandad's Sure Lilly's Still Alive (1997), The Last Wedding (1999), Mourning Mrs. Brown (2000), Mrs. Brown Rides Again (2004), For the Love of Mrs. Brown (2007), How Now Mrs. Brown Cow? (2009), and Good Mourning Mrs. Brown (2011).

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book which I was given as a Christmas present. What an interesting read. What an interesting life Brendan O'Carroll has had. He certainly has worked hard to earn his success. He endured many setbacks but always had the determination to keep battling on. It had me howling with laughter at some points. I love how family orientated he is. A great read for anyone who is a fan of Mrs Brown's Boys.

[Mark Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Brown's Boys is is one of those Marmite shows, isn't? People either love it or hate it.

I got into the show late on, but I think it's hilarious. I've watched all of them (and some of the live shows) and they don't disappoint. One thing I love about the show is how much of his immediate family (partner/kids/old friends) are involved and that really comes through with the inner warmth and heart of the show. The effing and jeffing and gloves off language is appreciated too, as a fellow writer with a (fucking) potty mouth.

Until reading this, I had no idea that next door neighbour Winnie is O'Carroll's real life sister. Mind blown.

My only criticism is that where it finished. I wanted to know more. But I guess, there's another book in the dealio. Loved CALL ME MRS. BROWN though, even though I think a lot of fans may come away feeling a tad short-changed.

Unsurprisingly, Brendan is very funny and personable and that really comes through in his writing. It's a very funny book indeed and the character's journey is a really interesting one too.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure how one would rate this autobiography if you had never heard of “Mrs. Brown” before, but as a fan, I rather enjoyed this peak into the life of Brendan O’Carroll. Granted, it was only what the author wanted us to see, but it was a nice peak. O’Carroll’s life was very different than what I had imagined; and it was fun to read how his famous mammy came into being. O’Carroll is a wonderful storyteller, so this was a great read after finishing of the Mrs. Brown trilogy. At one point I laughed out loud, which doesn't happen to me much when reading.

[Shannon Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up purely because I like Mrs brown. I wasn't expecting it to be a good book but I was happily surprised once I started reading it. The book is funny, entertaining and surprisingly honest. It feels very fresh to read something that feels like having a conversation with the author, Brendan O'Carroll has managed to do that perfectly here.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

I love Mrs Browns boys and this book did not disappoint what a fascinating life he has had and it’s so good to learn more. His warmth and humour that you see on stage just streams through in this audio as well. A great purchase

[Lana Svalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely funny book about Brendan O’Carroll’s life up to the point where he begin’s the Mrs Brown’s Boys TV show.
Very funny with some very interesting stories and funny situations.

If you love Mrs Browns Boys, then you’ll definitely love this book.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny parts. Very enjoyable

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of mrs Browns boys i thought it was a fabulous book very inspiring It will make you giggle and.cry Best read I've had in years. Highly recommended it

[Maxine Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Actual number of pages =369

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

very funny and a great insight in to his life