House Arrest: Pandemic Diaries

The Sunday Times Bestseller and Waterstones Best Book of 2022, Alan Bennett's diary takes us from the filming of Talking Heads to thoughts on Boris Johnson, from his father's short-lived craze for family fishing trips to stair lifts, junk shops, haircuts, and encounters on the local park bench.

Format: Hardback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

The Sunday Times bestseller and Waterstones Best Book of 2022, "The Diary of Alan Bennett" is a sparklingly sardonic and poignant reflection on life, literature, and the passage of time. Independent journalist Lynn Barber hailed it as a "major National Treasure," praising its elegiac memories and literary gossip. Bennett's writing is filled with humor and insight, offering a unique perspective on the world around him.

One of the standout features of "The Diary of Alan Bennett" is its portrayal of Bennett's life during the COVID-19 pandemic. As he navigates the challenges of lockdown and social distancing, Bennett reflects on the changes in his daily routine and the impact of the pandemic on society. From the filming of "Talking Heads" to his thoughts on Boris Johnson, from his father's short-lived craze for family fishing trips to stair lifts, junk shops of old, haircuts, and encounters on the local park bench, Bennett's diary takes us on a journey through a year in and out of lockdown.

The book is also filled with lyrical descriptions of Bennett's journey home to Yorkshire from King's Cross station via fish and chips on Quebec Street, past childhood landmarks of Leeds, through Coniston Cold, over the infant River Aire, and on. Bennett's writing is characterized by its vivid imagery and evocative language, transporting the reader to the places and moments that have shaped his life.

In conclusion, "The Diary of Alan Bennett" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of literature to capture the essence of life and the human experience. With its sparkling humor, poignant reflections, and lyrical prose, this book offers a glimpse into the mind of one of Britain's most celebrated writers and performers. Whether you are a fan of Bennett's work or are new to his writing, "The Diary of Alan Bennett" is sure to leave you inspired and entertained.

Weight: 132g
Dimension: 121 x 185 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800811928
Edition number: Main