From the opening with the sound of his father's laughter echoing in his children (and the opening of the toilet door in Nice's Hotel Negresco), we trip lightly along - or so we think.

Beware the reader who thinks to dip in and out, for this book is full of hooks and barbs - bites and bullets.

Whilst Mortimer reserves, but hardly holds in reserve, his rapier for those who knew better and who should have done better for others, there is also much to soak up the blood and to absorb the reader. From Atheism, beliefs and creeds to Utopia, Wilde and Yeats, by way of Thatcher and the pursuit of happiness, we (or at least this reader did) gain an introduction if perhaps not quite an insight to Sir John Mortimer and something of his great wisdom and humour and the love gained and given.

I enjoyed this book hugely and have tried not to annoy my wife, too much, by referring to and quoting from it. But I liked it and took inspiration - and will share it.

But I will not share it yet - I urge you to buy your own and more for presents.

Now to go back and read the books and topics prompted by such an enjoyable read.