There was much to admire about the diary style reflections of Sheila in her 80s eg rants about Brexit and the impact of Covid.

However, I didn't enjoy the ramblings about famous people that I don't know and repetitive references to her war upbringing. Biography: Sheila Hancock, one of Britain's most highly regarded and popular actors, received a Damehood for services to drama and charity in 2021. View image in fullscreen Hancock with daughters (l-r) Melanie, Joanna and Abigail at the memorial service for John Thaw at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, 2002.

How “Brexit”, something she loathed, affected that scenario and its impact generally is emotionally covered.

I didn't get any of the humour that Hancock usually has when being interviewed or in her previous books.

Her loneliness throughout lockdown and her vivid descriptions of watching nature from her verandah and later from her walks are all what other people who were classed as ‘extremely vulnerable’ and those who live on their own, can all relate to. Amidst all this Hancock perseveres and describes the ups and downs of her life with wit and humor and always honesty. John was abandoned by his mother, and it dominated his life to a certain extent, certainly his relationships.