Customer Reviews
Candid, funny and a tad nostalgic - By: Graham Brown, 23 May 2007 
I'd only ever read a couple of Titchmarsh books about gardening & perhaps had him a little bit stereotyped, so I was wary of reading his autobiography. I am so glad I did. The book is a delightfully nostalgic collection of themed recollections starting from when he was just over one year old (he admits some memories may in actual fact be unconsciously constructed from later experiences). He describes life as a child in Ilkley in the 1940s & 50s, evoking many similar memories of my own of that time (though mine originate further north). Particularly poignant is his tale of a 5-hour journey in a steam train to London looking expectantly out of the window in the hope of seeing the famous 'Malllard', the fastest engine of the time (like many boys he was mad about trains). On arrival at London, disappointed not to have seen it he is walking down the platform with his parents only to find his train was actuallly being pulled by the Malllard. Titchmarsh is very popular for being honest & clean-living. Here we see the roots of the man & gain an insight to the influences that shaped him, including his Mum's 'standards'. His tales of relatives & neighbours are evocative & funny (didn't we alll have some like them??), as is his description of Ilkley & the surrounding moors & villages. A great read for those of a certain age whether from Yorkshire or anywhere else.
If only there were more... - By: Jo, 13 Apr 2007 Alan Titchmarsh is one of those few people that touch others without even knowing it.
This book is extremely well written & being able to listen to Alan reading it, is a true bonus!
His gentle, Yorkshire dialect is soothing & takes me home whenever I listen to him.
The book is both humorous & in parts sad. The relationship between his parents is rare these days, but certainly wasn't back then.
Alan clearly had a wonderful childhood which shaped the boy that became the man.
He is as good a writer as he is gardener & we are lucky to have him.
