Lost for Words

by Deric Longden (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1992

  $4.13

• Used

  Paperback
  1998

  $3.31

  Deric Longden's mum was a wonderfully endearing, eccentric lady whose passions ranged from pot plants and her beloved pussycats to Buttercup Syrup which she consumed in vast quantities. She also provided comfort, advice and her own particular brand of wisdom in the years when Deric was struggling after the death of his first wife, Diana. Deric's many happy memories include the vision of his mother's unmistakable backside as she charged through Marks & Spencers; the way in which she charmed everyone she met, including the surliest of youths, and her unusual technique of selling a house which involved plying potential buyers with iced buns whilst pointing out the damp patches and dodgy electrics. Strangely, it worked. Lost For Words is a funny, poignant and ultimately heartwarming book that may well make you cry, but will certainly make you laugh.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1991

  $3.30

  One of the most vivid characters in Diana's Story was Deric Longden's mother, with her eccentric way with words and personal brand of logic. She is the central figure in this sequel, which takes the author's story forward to the time after his first wife's death and also back to his childhood. Mrs Longden is found making her devastating way through Marks and Spencer, conversing with her two cats - almost as unorthodox as she is - offering her highly original comments on the fresh developments in Deric's life and finally enduring the stroke that put a new twist on her unique wordplay and led eventually to her death. Sad though the ending is, the author's blend of pathos and humour again offers more laughter than tears.