Another hilarious selection of anecdotes from Deric Longden
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A Play On Words is another hilarious selection of anecdotes from Deric Longden. This time he chronicles the production of one of his previous books, Lost For Words, into a television play starring Thora Hird and Pete Postlethwaite. Like his other books we hear of his totally unbelievable but undoubtedly true exploits with his wife, (the writer Aileen Armitage), his cats and with ordinary members of the public. The differences that make this book special are, first, it gives us an insight into the mind of the writer watching his work come to life on television. Secondly, we are given an idea of what it is like to work with an actress with the experience of the delightful Dame Thora Hird. (Dame Thora Hird also appeared in a previous adaptation of Deric Longden's work - Wide Eyed and Legless). She plays his late mother. To see his mother recreated again by Dame Thora Hird was obviously an extremely emotional experience for Deric Longden. We are privileged to share some of those emotions in this book. However, unlike Diana's Story (about the illness and tragic death of his first wife) this book concentrates more on the joys of being able to remember a loved one without being morbid or morose. It is a truly funny book. I would recommend that people read Lost For Words before this book to fully appreciate the story.
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the best birthday ever!
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It's not very often that you get such an inside view of what it is like having a book turned into a television play, and Deric (as usual) manages to capture his life in a unique and very funny way. I met Deric in November this year (the day before my birthday; hence the above) and he is a lovely warm man in person, very humble and quite nervous still at public speaking. He signed my book, and even put happy birthday in it! Although I now have an edition with a few extra words by the author,which makes it extra special, it is nevertheless a really warm and funny book. My advice if you've never read his work before is to try "Lost for words" the book first, then the film, and then this. Even if you don't, you will find yourself hanging on to every word. By the way, Deric, I meant what I said, we all want more books on your life & cats!
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Another fantastic and heartwarming book from Derec Longden.
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I got this book this afternoon and finished it within 5 hours. The story makes you laugh and cry all the way through. I found myself laughing out loud and fighting back the tears whilst I read this book, something that last happened with Derec's previous book "I'm a Stranger Here Myself". I found myself raging with jealousy at him for having the honour of being made to take Dame Thora Heard out to lunch. This book is up there with all of his previous works, I am going to re-purchase the rest of his back catalogue, He is so good, if you lend his books to anybody you will never see them again. Guard them with your life!
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Deric Longden's books come alive in my mind.
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It's like being a part of Deric Longden's family. His writing truly comes alive in my mind. It's almost like being invited in his home for a cup of coffee and being made part of his life. Although I would be the foreigner in his beloved Country, at the end of the day I would be as English as he is. I have all his books, plus the video on Lost for Words. I actually felt sad when I finished reading his books.
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Laugh, cry or make you think - that's Deric Longden
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I couldn't wait to buy this book, and I wasn't disappointed. From the very first page it is like being taken by the hand and introduced to a wonderful witty family. Once again you are introduced to the Longden family and led through their ups and their downs but always with a smile. I was reading this in Crete and must apologise to everyone who was kept awake by my outbursts of laughter. And his way of telling the tale of an old cat who comes for a final visit brings such a lump to your throat. If I could say just one thing to the Author in disagreement it would be "Sorry Deric, but you do remind me of Bernard Cribbons"! If you have never read an autobiagraphical book before - try this, you won't be bored - but enriched from this man's tales.
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