Alan Ball

Advantages: the depth of the character, believable and each unique
Disadvantages: None i can think of

...Although the characters are finctional,grounded no doubt on Alan's past experience and chance meetings,They are colourful, bright and full of life. Each of the monologues are unique to the next, Bennett creates a world of his own allowing the reader to see through the eyes of his characters and gain an insight into their, more often than not, tragic lives. The alcoholic Vicar's wife, the lady with the dead husband, financially ruined yet continues, All the characters have tragedies, whether this is intentional on Alan Bennett's part or sheer coincedence, when you read this book, the colouful language, the minute discription, attention to detail.allows this book to touch your heart, allows you to identify with the characters and to become inveloped in the world that Alan Bennett created. A marvellous piece of literature... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: discriptive,tragic, humourous and charming
Disadvantages: none

...One of the most disturbuing parts of Alan Bennetts life is read aloud by him. When assaulted in Italy,Alan, then realises how many of his birthdays have been spend either ill or in hospital. He relects on the tragedy of his life in a way that is totally unsurpassed and unique to him. Bennetts, way with words, his unique sense of humour and ability to turn darkness to light , makes this a fantastic audio book. Allows the listener a privilaged insight into his private life, his thoughts and his feelings. This is a wonderful story, you feel honoured to be allowed to know so much about his life, and read from his own lips, makes his story all the more poignant. This is part 4 own his diaries and can be heard alone, but having heard and read all of his diary collection, it is a fitting sequel and would be well purchased alongside... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Has answers to questions which only children could think of!
Disadvantages: Contains lots of little letters which could get lost. Letters hard to put back in envelopes once taken out.

...a letter to the tooth fairy asking what the fairy will do with her tooth and why she wants it! The story then follows the correspondance between the fairy and the little girl. The story is told over various nights where the little girl even gets to attend a fairy ball. On nearly every page there is a letter, leaflet or certificate which you will find neatly stored inside an envelope. The story ends with the little girl deciding that her tooth will come to good use, and be well looked after by the fairies thus she finally if a little unwillingly gives it up! Her efforts are rewarded with a special present from the tooth fairy. My daughter loved this book, and although this wouldn't sooth me if I was getting ten teeth removed, it certainly calmed my daughter! An unfortunate problem however is delightful as the letters etc. are... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful