The Lady in the Van
An eccentric old lady and her van are told to move on by the council, but a kind homeowner invites her to live in his garden. In this bizarre tale, the homeowner is Alan Bennett and the woman stays for 15 years. As heard on BBC Radio 4, this edition also includes the short story, "Uncle Clarence".
The Clothes They Stood Up In
The Ransomes have been burgled, robbed, cleaned out. Everything has gone, even the toilet paper. But, for the stuffy solicitor and his downtrodden wife, it marks a kind of liberation where nothing will ever be quite the same.
The Laying On of Hands
A darkly humorous story for our times in which the fragile state of celebrity encounters a universal leveller.
Father! Father! Burning Bright
Midgley determines not to let his dying father down and mounts a vigil by his bedside.
Whether comical or quirky, Alan Bennett's poignant stories are rightly regarded as modern classics.
©1994, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2005 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.; (P)2005 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.
"If in doubt what to order : Order this."
An absolute must. Bennett has created such wonderful characters, all of which can be related to by the listener. So easy to place ones imagination into the individuals. Bennett has a wonderful speaking voice easy listening. Has the ability to evoke the listeners every emotion to associate with the characters and their circumstances. Not exceptional funny but listened to with a constant smile on ones face.
"'A master at work'"
All four stories have the listener intrigued, amused, sad, and evoke thoughts about ones own life. Alan Bennett's reading is a joy to listen too. Highly recommend this to anyone.
"Very Enjoyable"
Cracking entertainment and thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.
Brilliantly read by the author himself.
You feel like, you are actually there with him.
I will be Purchasing more of his work.
"Alan Bennett at his best."
I was attracted to this book because I had recently been watching and delighted by the re-run of "Talking Heads" on television. This book did not disappoint. All fans of Bennett will love it.
"A very good listen"
Alan Bennett four stories is a great buy. Each character comes alive as the story unfolds this is made more enjoyable by the fact that the stories are read by the author,Each story is completely different but has the entertainment value and enjoyment factor you come to expect from an Allan Bennett book.
"Always good"
There is almost no need to have Mr Bennett read his stories to us; his voice leaps from the printed page anyway. But it is always good to hear his distinctive flat vowels bring his characters to life. These people linger in your brain, long after you have listened.
"darker minus the usual humour"
I love Alan Bennett but I found these stories long and I began to loose interest. I guess I was looking for the great wit but it was not here.
Good all the same