Maureen Lipman

I've read several of Maureen Lipman's autobiographical books in the past although not for some time and I've always found them to be amusing and written in a very informal manner. Past-It Notes is a mix of old and new; it contains some material from her previous books and some new material as well. Some is taken from columns she has written for publications such as The Jewish Chronicle and various magazines. It is a big hefty book. Even in hardback, it weighs in at almost 500 pages.

Each chapter in the book is a stand-alone story which recounts a particular incident in Maureen's life, most of which are amusing. The majority centre around her family, in particular her husband and mother, the love and bane of her life. They're written in a very informal style, as if she is speaking to you, and it's very easy to imagine that that is exactly how she would come across if she was to be sat there in person telling you the anecdote. It's a very easy to read style and it makes her seem very down-to-earth for such a noted celebrity. Some of the anecdotes contain extremely personal information which I think makes her come across as very approachable. Although it said that some of the material had been published before in her previous books, I didn't remember reading any of it before.

I'd like to say that it's a quick and easy read because most chapters are certainly only a few pages long. However, the book itself is just too big and so I found after reading about half, it just got to be too samey. I really had to force myself to pick it up and finish it off which is why it took me almost two months to complete. The only reason I finished it off was because I don't like leaving books partway unless I absolutely can't stand it, and also because it was due back at the library. It is an enjoyable read, up to a point.… (altro)