Alan Coren

Advantages: Wiity, clever, great
Disadvantages: some articles not as good as others

...This is not a book on the face of it that I would ever have bought myself, it was bought for me as a present, and I am glad it was. The Cricklewood Tapestry is a book full of short humorous articles written by Alan Coren, somebody that I did no realise could write so well or amusingly. The articles range from those on current affairs, (i.e. sellers packs for houses, the right to roam, changes to the driving test and the going on in the Royal Household) to Mr Coren’s musings on his garden, neighbours, art and Cricklewood. If you are wondering where Cricklewood comes from Alan Coren lives there and writes from his attic. These articles have previously been featured in the Times newspaper, although they are rather nice in just the one volume. So are they good, you may wonder? Yes, some of them are some of the most amusing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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