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The Lady in the Van
The Lady in the Van: And Other Stories | Alan Bennett
13 posts | 14 read | 4 to read
Now a major motion picture starring Maggie Smith, Alan Bennett's famous and heartwarming story "The Lady in the Van," and more of Bennett's classic short-form workAlan Bennett has long been one of the world's most revered humorists. From his acclaimed story collection Smut to his hilarious and sharply observed The Uncommon Reader, Bennett has consistently remained one of literature's most acute observers of Britain and life's many absurdities.In this new collection, drawn from his wide-ranging career, you'll read some of Bennett's finest work, including the title story, the basis for a new feature film starring Maggie Smith. The book also includes the rollicking comic masterpiece "The Laying on of Hands" and the bittersweet "Father! Father! Burning Bright," Bennett's classic tale of the tense relationship between a man and his dying father.
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Tamra
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Anyone else watched this film adapted from Bennett‘s memoir? Maggie Smith is of course superb! She is a treasure.

Blueberry I saw the movie. I should have realized it was a book. 3y
JamieArc Yes! I really enjoyed it! 3y
Tamra @Blueberry definitely had a literary quality, so I wasn‘t surprised when I looked it up. 😄 3y
See All 13 Comments
Tamra @JamieArc yes! Mary‘s character was perfect for Smith. 3y
rabbitprincess Yes, and now I want to watch it again! 3y
rwmg I'm watching Bennett's "Talking Heads" on a streaming service. They really are wonderful. 3y
Cathythoughts I havnt seen this , but , yes I love Maggie Smith 👍🏻 3y
GingerAntics I do love Maggie Smith. I‘m going to have to go find this movie. 3y
Tamra @GingerAntics yes do! 3y
Tamra @rwmg I will have to find it! 3y
Tamra @rabbitprincess definitely! 3y
Tamra @Cathythoughts if you run across it, give it a go. Made me miss Violet Crawley. 3y
CarolynM It's a great film🙂 3y
52 likes1 stack add13 comments
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Lissy1
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Pickpick

This evening I read this in one sitting which I‘ve never done before. This is such a moving story that even brought a tear to my eye. I have so many theories floating through my head as to why she decided to live the way she did. Definitely recommend as a quick read. Finished it in 1 hour 20 minutes.
I gave this book 4 stars ✨

#book #books #read #reading #bookreview #review #alanbennett #truestory #truestories #bookshelf #bookly

18 likes1 stack add
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Lissy1
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Wanted a quick read and this was perfect. Read it in one sitting and honestly it‘s such a beautiful story which brought a tear too my eye. Review to follow

#book #books #alanbennett #bookshelf #read #reading #bookly #truestory #truestories #playwright #a

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Sarah83
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Also got this beautiful #foliobook today. 😍💖 So happy I found this gorgeous edition and the condition is extraordinary. 😍 #foliofreaks

TrishB Lovely ❤️ 7y
peacegypsy Gorgeous! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 7y
Gissy Beautiful! 7y
rubyslippersreads What a great cover! 😍 7y
80 likes5 comments
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Maike
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Pickpick

Now that's what I would call eccentric 😄

Ms_T I hope you love this as much as I did ❤️ 7y
Sarah83 I liked this one pretty much 😍 Have you already read this one? 7y
Maike @Sarah83 yes, I read the Uncommon Reader first 😊 if I recall correctly it was you who recommended The Lady in the Van to me 😄 7y
Maike @Ms_T oh yes, it was short and wonderful. The right thing to kick of the day this morning. 😊 7y
Sarah83 Yes. you are right. I have to read some more written by him. 😍 7y
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rabbitprincess
Mehso-so

I liked the movie better. The book is so short it feels insufficient, and the information about Miss Shepherd's past is rushed through at the end rather than being sprinkled throughout the story, like in the movie.

thegirlwiththelibrarybag Probably no magical realism either 8y
Libby1 I agree. 🙂 8y
rabbitprincess @thegirlwiththelibrarybag Yes, there's only one Alan Bennett in the book. 😉 @Libby1 Might have to buy a copy of the movie! 8y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag I was thinking about the graveyard... but yes! I'd forgotten about Mr. Bennett's double. 8y
rabbitprincess @thegirlwiththelibrarybag Oh yes that was a neat scene too! 8y
14 likes5 comments
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rabbitprincess
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Just watched the movie of The Lady in the Van. Filmed in the actual house where Bennett lived when Miss Shepherd lived in his driveway, and excellent performances by Dame Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings (who makes a very cute Alan Bennett ♥️). Now to read the book and the stage play...and Bennett's other plays too.

CAGirlReading Read his memoir as well, it was fabulous! 8y
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moraghastie_author
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Caryl This one is really fun. Have you seen the movie? (I haven't yet.) 8y
moraghastie_author Not yet, @Caryl but I hear it is ace! 8y
Shelbelle94 Years ago, I saw Maggie Smith in the London stage production. Liked it much better than the movie. 8y
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Loudemianyk
Pickpick

Fantastic. Just fantastic. Alan Bennett is the master and this is just great in every way.