Sheila Hancock

Not my usual choice of a read, but lent to me by my octagenarian neighbour as we were talking about Suilven (I've seen Edie and there wasn't enough Suilven in it for me). I probably know SH mostly from I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue to be honest, and my friend always describes her as 'married to John Thaw' which gets my goat a bit. Anyway, I romped through it, and enjoyed her down-to-earth sense about pacifism, her way of getting people to talk and her education work - all of which was news to show more me. I also marvelled at her pain management. Her courage is inspiring, and I'm glad lockdown helped her find nature, even if it did quickly turn Hitchcockian. Thank goodness she can laugh through her rage and age. show less

A potted history of post-war Britain in fictional form, actress Sheila Hancock's novel about crusading schoolteacher Marguerite Carter is a good read, but could have been so much better. From the blurb, I was expecting more about Marguerite's wartime service in France as an agent for the SOE, which actually comes towards the end of the book, rather than a hop, skip and jump through the decades, from the late 40s to early 2000s. Marguerite moves to London to teach, first at a grammar school show more and then one of those new-fangled comprehensives, forming a lifelong friendship with a gay colleague and inspiring countless children with a love of poetry. I could cheerfully have smacked her. Thanks to Sheila Hancock's copious historical reminiscences/research, Marguerite never develops from a literary device into a fully fledged character; instead, she remains an idealistic mash-up of Mr Chips and Mary Poppins. Marguerite marches on Aldermaston, gets her hair styled by Vidal Sassoon, votes for Margaret Thatcher, loses a friend to AIDs, gets older, and eventually comes full circle. Lots of doom, gloom and social commentary, but more history than story. show less

Was a little apprehensive about this read which is why it has been sat on my shelf for a while. Purchased this after seeing Sheila at a book festival and hoped that it would not be too 'preachy' - I needn't have worried. I grew to love the main character Marguerite despite her sometimes annoying saviour complex and do gooder attitude. This book took you through the ages of the 40s through to the 90s and touches upon some pivotal events in those times involving the main characters - this show more includes both the highs and the lows - I liked how Sheila wasn't afraid to show the prejudices that a lot of society had at that time (and now unfortunately). I think my favourite character was most definitely Tony who brings freshness and humour - without him I believe I wouldn't have gotten past the first few chapters. show less

A sincere and honest account of the relationship between Shelia Hancock and her husband John Thaw. It provides a fascinating look at the inequities and functioning of the film and entertainment industry. An interesting and thoughtful read.