Narrated by Sandi Toksvig

Funny, informative and sometimes shocking

My rating:  5 out of 5

Laughs, shocks and plenty of “quite interesting” facts and anecdotes.  I loved every moment of this audiobook!

Sandi often takes the No. 12 bus from her home in Dulwich (South East London) to Central London, and this memoir intersperses her recollections of her own fascinating life, with the history of the places and street names she passes whilst on the bus.  Even if the reader/listener is not familiar with South East London – which I have a passing knowledge of, they will be fascinated by the interesting historical facts Sandi recounts stories of people, working establishments and London life.  In addition she gives snippets of information about the lives of her fellow passengers, and, of course, there is plenty of fascinating detail about her life. 

Sandi celebrates the love she and her wife share and tells some startling stories of how same sex relationships were reviled in the not so distant past.  She tells of her love of her father, and how his somewhat unconventional parenting skills helped form her.  She talks of those she has worked alongside, and has many hilariously funny anecdotes to tell of her life in theatre, and also some poignant memories.

Ok – so I was a fan of Sandi Toksvig before I listened to this audio book, but whilst listening to this  book its content has started many conversations between myself and my husband.  We have discussed Sandi’s point of view on so many things – art, religion, children, travel, the BBC, history, social changes, everyday folk and so on .   I can only imagine that the No. 12 bus is going to become a regular haunt of Sandi Toksvig fans – but be sure to read this book before you step aboard, so that you are fully aware of the unwritten etiquette of bus travel!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases – at no extra cost to yourself