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Dearest Jane cover art

Dearest Jane

By: Roger Mortimer, Jane Torday
Narrated by: Joan Walker
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Summary

As the eldest daughter of a prolific letter writer, Jane Torday received hundreds of letters from her father over the years. From irreverent advice and hilarious family anecdotes to moments of great poignancy, Roger Mortimer‘s missives are a touching and witty portrait of his life and relationships over the years.

Dearest Jane begins with Roger’s time as a young army officer in Egypt, and then as a POW in the Second World War, where his sense of humour endured despite the conditions. Jane accompanies her father’s letters with her own memories and anecdotes, as we meet familiar characters such as Nidnod, Lupin and Lumpy, and learn more about the extended family, friends and pets who leap from the pages of his letters.This is an arresting and extraordinary record, not only of Roger Mortimer’s life but also of the history of an entire family between 1960 and 1991. Sparkling with the dry wit for which Mortimer’s letters are famous, and accompanied by an affectionate personal portrait, this book will delight both old and new readers.
©2014 Roger Mortimer. Jane Torday (P)2014 Audible Studios
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Critic reviews

"Jane Torday and her father are perfect companions, and this is a life in letters as never before - often hilarious, occasionally objectionable, ever engaging, original and always honest. This book is like an old-fashioned Fleet Street lunch, and you will rise from the table both light-headed and wonderfully indulged" (Simon Garfield, author of On The Map)< /br>"Jane Torday, though her book depends on the wit and wisdom of letters from her Dad, is a natural writer with a strong sense of narrative drive. As a portrait of a family - mother Nidnod, father Roger, siblings Lupin and Lumpy, it is sharply observed as well as memorably affectionate. Above all, it is Roger Mortimer who is the star of the show. His final request: 'I don't want a memorial service, just a quick fry up. Fabulous stuff." (Elisabeth Luard)

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Great content - irritating 'sing song' narrator

Thoroughly enjoyed author's reflections about her dad former journalist Roger Mortimer.

BUT: Sadly, for me, the female narrator's voice was intensely irritating when assuming character of Roger in a 'sing song' manner. Narrator (not the author reading) needs to brush up her RP as well as dropped a couple of flat 'a's! Really let the cat out! Very faux public school.

Shame that two performers were not used to distinguish between voice of female author and the voice of the subject of the biog Roger. The brother's book 'Dear Lupin' had a fabulous pair of performers - Nicky Henson whom I think read 'Roger's' part would have been ideal again.

Hope the other sister Lumpy and second book by the son Lupin make it to audible too - currently they haven't.

Both the family's books so far bring the late Roger to life with great humour - he must have been a fabulous dad and dinner party guest!

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