This autobiography in two parts by husband and wife presents a remarkable insight into life in Britain during the last century, especially the thirties and early war years, and is a valuable and readable source of information for generations to follow Ellen's account of growing up amidst the hardships of life in a home wedged between a mainline railway and a canal in Kensal Town where money was earned taking in laundry is really quite dramatic and riveting. The poignant details regarding the funeral of a young girl are very moving. On the other hand we have John Waddell's delectable dry humour as he looks back on the pros and cons of growing up in the Scottish countryside around Auchterarder, complete with vivid glimpses of country lore from rabbits, mushrooms and makeshift golf courses