Thirst by John Robins audiobook review – an ex-drinker’s darkly funny journey
The comedian and broadcaster narrates the heartfelt and at times self-lacerating account of his relationship with alcohol A memoir chronicling the comic and broadcaster John Robins’s life in alcohol and his subsequent path to sobriety, Thirst is structured around the drinks that changed his life. There’s the bottle of Jacob’s Creek wine left out on a kitchen worktop which he helped himself to at…
John Robins, a renowned comedian and broadcaster, recounts his tumultuous relationship with alcohol in his memoir, Thirst. This candid and often self-critical account delves into the pivotal moments in his life when alcohol played a significant role. Structured around the beverages that shaped his existence, the memoir begins with the bottle of Jacob’s Creek wine left on a kitchen counter at the age of seven, which Robins consumed covertly into his orange juice.
Continuing this pattern of self-indulgence, Robins recounts how he drank alone at a scout camp, fueled by beer provided by the scouts. These early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong struggle with alcohol. During a comedy tour across Australia, Robins even attempted to reenact the iconic scene from The Big Lebowski, downing gallons of milk, a liter of vodka, and a bottle of Kahlua as white Russians. This bizarre spectacle reflects his willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of his addiction.
In adulthood, Robins, known for his work on Radio X and BBC5 Live, romanticized pubs as tranquil havens and safe spaces. He even co-hosted the podcast The Moon Under Water, inviting guests to share their ideal pub experiences. However, Robins admits that the driving force behind his long-term drinking was a delusion of control. He believed he could occasionally manage his alcohol consumption and even convinced himself that he wasn’t an addict.
This misguided sense of control led to moments of denial, such as successfully completing Dry Januarys. Yet, a wake-up call came unexpectedly when a doctor bluntly instructed him to "sort your fucking life out." This stark revelation marked a turning point for Robins, prompting him to confront the reality of his addiction and embark on a journey toward sobriety.
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