Thursday, March 5, 2009

In Bed with Alan Bennett..

Well, lucky me, I've just got the teensiest bit of a cold (probably from Grandson who had a runny nose on Monday) and I've decided to spend the day in bed, just cosying up to Alan Bennett. One of my BFs, who lives in the Forest of Dean, gave me a little book of his for my Birthday, and I have just got around to reading it. It's a slim volume, called "The Uncommon Reader", and Dear Reader, if you haven't read it, I do recommend it. I started it the night before last, at bedtime, and I have a job to put it down to go to sleep. It's witty, funny, so absolutely believable, despite its unbelievable scenario, and a joy to snuggle up with. I'm nearing the end now, sad to say, and am trying to delay finishing it.

Funnily enough, I was talking to the said BF on the phone, and she had been to London last week to stay with another friend and combine some sightseeing with the theatre. They saw an Alan Bennett play, "Enjoy", which is currently enjoying a good run. Apparently it was put on back in the Eighties, and didn't last long, my BF thinks because it was before its time. It concerns the life of a family whose son is homosexual, and whose daughter is a prostitute, the funny part being that the parents have no idea of their childrens' inclinations, and are living what they think is a normal family life! That is the very briefest of summaries, but it does sound both fascinating and funny, in a contemporary sort of way. I do remember that I saw Bennett's "The Lady in the Van" some years ago in London, and thought it was one of the best plays I'd ever seen. The man is a wit for our time, that's for sure, and a lovely writer.

Son has been rather quiet of late, and I'm missing talking to him. He's always busy, and his social life just beggars belief. Last Sunday we did have a very brief conversation when he was with friends in a pub watching Spurs play Man U (and losing at the penalties stage, to our disgust), and was then going on to an event at which he was DJing. This was an all-nighter scheduled to finish at 4am on Monday, and he was then going on to work! It makes me feel tired just thinking about it. He is also flying off to Buenos Aires next week (on the 10th), for a wedding, a concert and some work-related music stuff. He is going with friends, and they are renting an apartment for their stay. It sounds a wonderful trip. Exhausting, but wonderful. I think I'll go back to bed..

10 comments:

Midlife, menopause, mistakes and random stuff... said...

I love Alan Bennett and I have read that book........what a fantastic read!
Feel better :)

Steady On
Reggie Girl

Anonymous said...

It does sound exhausting! I couldn't possibly stay up till 4am. I'm usually up then from being asleep!

CJ xx

The Pink Birdhouse said...

I dropped by your blog thru Reggie Girls, because the fact that you live in England caught my attention. Then I read your post about the visitor you have from Kiel Germany. I am an american who has lived in germany for more years then I would even like to think of, so if you need any help with your guest, drop me a comment and I would love to help out!!! Seriously, I mean it. I think it is just wonderful that you are helping this gentleman learn the english language better. That takes a kind heart and a lot of commitment. Have a great day. Debby

Donna said...

HAHAHAaaa....I have the little pictures and title of new post when my buddies do an update...I saw Your title...in bed with alan bennett....Hahahaaa...I couldn't get Over here fast Enough!!!Hahaaaa....Thanks for causing me to spill my coffee...LOLHahahahaa....

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Naughtie girl, you had me going there!

Soup, eat soup, it's great for colds!

aims said...

There's nothing like a good book and being sad that it is ending. I've often said 'oh no! it's over'.

That does indeed make it a very good read.

French Fancy... said...

I've blogged about this book before. I adore Bennett and am currently on 'Writing Home'.Found you on AWONI's blog and the your post title caught my eye

http://frenchfancy.blogspot.com/2008/12/im-opsimath.html

family affairs said...

I haven't ever read any Alan Bennett - I will take note and try it. Hello Heinrich.

Re your photos are you saving them as jpegs to desktop in a medium size and then draagging them on? Perhaps that might help. Maybe they're too big Lx

A Woman Of No Importance said...

Please stop stealing my followers to add as lodgers to your blog! LOL.

I shall look out for that Bennett, and he is as you say a real national treasure!

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Hi Reggie Girl - yes what a great discovery. I'm an opsimath too - I did my degree as a very mature student with two children!! M :-)

Hi Crystal - I know, it just does me in to think of it. I bet you're often up early with the lambs. M xx

Hi Debby, and how lovely of you to drop in at my Blog - you're so welcome. As for my German Student, he has settled in nicely and seems to be enjoying his language course.
We have some good conversations now. Thank you for your offer of help - I may call on you! M :-)

Dear Donna - how great that you spilled your coffee!! I laughed aloud when I saw that - at least I gave you a laugh too. Hugs, M xxx

HI MOB - how right you are, as always. I feel so much better - all better in fact. The soup was good. And Alan Bennett wasn't bad either! M :-)

Dear aims - it was so good that I'm already reading it again! Couldn't bear to part with it. You obviously know just how it feels! M xxx

HI French Fancy - thank you for your visit (although I'm in trouble from AWONI! see above!) I'll be over to visit you too if I may. It's nice to meet another Alan Bennett fan. M xx
PS As I said above, I'm an Opsimath too - what a great word!

Hi Lulu, yes do try it, it's very short (much too short) but a great read!
Thanks for your advice re the photos - I'm pretty sure the files are too big and that's the prob. Will try what you suggest. Love M xx

Hi "A Woman" - oh sorry, but I don't think they're deserting you!
I'll come over and visit you to make up for it a bit!
Do try and find that book - it's just great. M :-)