The books that CHANGED MY LIFE

THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME LAUGH

Barbara Taylor Bradford

Author Barbara Taylor Bradford’s latest novel is A Man Of Honour. Here, she shares the books that have made her laugh, cry and think…

I read Christopher Plummer’s autobiography In Spite Of Myself when it first came out, remembering my days as a Fleet Street journalist when I knew Christopher. I was heartbroken when he died in February so I re-read it, and laughed again at his gossipy stories.

THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME CRY

From A Clear

Blue Sky by Timothy Knatchbull is about the dreadful IRA bombing that killed Lord Mountbatten, along with Timothy’s twin, Nicholas, their grandmother, Lady Brabourne, and a local boy,

Paul Maxwell. Timothy tells one of the most moving stories I’ve ever read. I cried.

THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THE WAY I THINK

Reading Victoria: A Life by A.N. Wilson made me realise that Queen Victoria was a woman who had humour, tenacity and a kind of relentlessness about herself. She was also unconventional, passionate and expressive.

THE BOOK THAT GOT ME THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME

The Edwardians by Roy Hattersley recalls a marvellous era of great writers, gorgeous clothes, parties, balls, fancy suppers and the theatre. I became part of it and felt

I was living in another world.

THE BOOK I MOST OFTEN GIVE TO OTHERS

Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell is a truly moving and epic saga set in the Civil War in America, featuring two unique and captivating protagonists, Scarlett O’hara and Rhett Butler. It has so much emotion and passion, and that is why I give it to other people.