Book Review: Summer of a Dormouse by John Mortimer

The Summer of a Dormouse is another of John Mortimer's autobiography/musings on life and it is a fairly lighthearted look at growing old disgracefully. His tipping point for old age appears to be not being able to put your socks on without help.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot but not as much as his earlier episodes, presumably as he was running out of material? However there is still plenty to amuse here and for me it was particularly interesting as he is from Henley on Thames and that is not too far from where I come from and I know Henley pretty well. It is also nice to read about some famous people behind the scenes as it were as well as dips into the theatrical and movie worlds. The writing as ever is as easy as a summer's day.

7/10 for me.

Book Review: Where There's A Will by John Mortimer

A lovely read that I zipped through quite quickly. Saw John Mortimer on stage in Jersey, Channel Islands some 15 years or so ago and he was thoroughly entertaining as a ractoneur. He is thoroughly entertaining in print too.

The book in each chapter discusses a different theme and John Mortimer guides us through in his usual witty fashion what he likes or dislikes about the theme. This can be such diverse matters such as making a fuss, listening, causing an offence, his time spent in Morrocco, fox hunting, lying or drinking a glass of Champagne at 6am.

You are in the hands of a master and the prose as ever is endearing. If you haven't read any of his Rumpole books then get some now!

8/10 for me.