And, finally, though I know that three postings in one night are a little excessive, but I do like to be on top of my read books pile! Anyway, I haven’t posted in over a week so I am in deficit overall! I have just finished An Open Book – the autobiography of Monica Dickens. If you have visited this blog before then you probably know that I love Monica’s writing. This is written in the same easy style. It traces her life from her parent’s home in London, to school at St Paul’s, her time as a Cook General, wartime service as a Nurse and in factory work, a five year period where she lived alone in the country, and finally her marriage and new life in America with her US navy husband, Roy.
Monica’s family seem to feature the same cast of eccentric characters as inhabit her books. Consequently, I found this a really quick, enjoyable read. There were lots of references to her work, providing context as to why she had written about a particular setting, or a particular theme. I kept yelping while I read because she would tell a story and I would be sure I knew in which book it appeared! And, as an interesting aside, she wrote One Pair of Hands in the space of three weeks. How’s that for speed writing.
Heavens, I remember reading One Pair of Hands and One Pair of Feet years ago when I was a teenager. I absolutely adored them and must revisit some time. The autobiography sounds excellent so will put that on my 'keep an eye out for' list. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThis autobiography is very near the top of my to be read pile! In fact, it even accompanied me on my last holiday, but didn't quite make the grade. I love her books, though wonder quite how much is repeated from One Pair of Hands and One Pair of Feet?!
ReplyDeleteThis is the second time I have posted this message - I don't know why it didn't appear the first time. any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth keeping an eye out for Cath. You can probably find it in a secondhand or charity shop.
Simon, bits are repetitive but I have read quite a number of her books I didn't find it heavy going in that respect.
One Pair of Hands and One Pair of Feet are two of my favourite reads. they were republished a few years ago in one volume and it was a delight to become acquainted with them again.
ReplyDelete