Candid, funny and a tad nostalgic
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I'd only ever read a couple of Titchmarsh books about gardening and perhaps had him a little bit stereotyped, so I was wary of reading his autobiography. I am so glad I did. The book is a delightfully nostalgic collection of themed recollections starting from when he was just over one year old (he admits some memories may in actual fact be unconsciously constructed from later experiences). He describes life as a child in Ilkley in the 1940s and 50s, evoking many similar memories of my own of that time (though mine originate further north). Particularly poignant is his tale of a 5-hour journey in a steam train to London looking expectantly out of the window in the hope of seeing the famous 'Mallard', the fastest engine of the time (like many boys he was mad about trains). On arrival at London, disappointed not to have seen it he is walking down the platform with his parents only to find his train was actually being pulled by the Mallard. Titchmarsh is very popular for being honest and clean-living. Here we see the roots of the man and gain an insight to the influences that shaped him, including his Mum's 'standards'. His tales of relatives and neighbours are evocative and funny (didn't we all have some like them??), as is his description of Ilkley and the surrounding moors and villages. A great read for those of a certain age whether from Yorkshire or anywhere else.
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If only there were more...
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Alan Titchmarsh is one of those few people that touch others without even knowing it.
This book is extremely well written and being able to listen to Alan reading it, is a true bonus!
His gentle, Yorkshire dialect is soothing and takes me home whenever I listen to him.
The book is both humorous and in parts sad. The relationship between his parents is rare these days, but certainly wasn't back then.
Alan clearly had a wonderful childhood which shaped the boy that became the man.
He is as good a writer as he is gardener and we are lucky to have him.
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