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Funnily Enough
A 2013 International Rubery Book Award winner. Sophie is torn between her love of Africa and returning to England for the sake of her career in television production. But when she falls ill on the set of a show she is directing, she soon finds herself stuck in bed, forced to take stock of her life. It sounds like a novel. But it isn’t. Suspecting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Sophie’s doctor at the BBC prescribes an extraordinary write a diary. So, armed with watercolours, and with the support of her family, friends, dogs and otters in rural Gloucestershire, she sets out to record a spiritual journey, which proves at times funny, poignant and uplifting. "Our readers and judges thoroughly enjoyed your book. It was agreed among all the judges that you write with great style and insight and are a worthy winner." The International Rubery Book Award 2013 "This charming, funny, beautifully illustrated book would make anyone feel better." Jilly Cooper, Author “…all plaudits to you for trying to describe and find humour in your darkest hour.” Clare Francis, Author "I've just finished your book. I do congratulate you on a quite splendid achievement. The whole read is such fun, so joyful, so funny and so touching. I found it very lovable… I was quite enraptured by your lovely piece of work. Well done indeed." Richard Pilbrow, CEO Theatre Projects, Connecticut USA "Your writing is so delightfully open and funny and full of fun. It's a breath of fresh air while also giving courage and perspective to others who struggle with long hard trials." Wendy Chandler, South Africa "I am completely loving 'Funnily Enough' in fact I have nearly finished it and cannot wait for the next book. I will take my copy to the Seychelles. I relate so much to everything you are writing about and it really is amazing - such insights into life. Well done. It is just my kind of book." Sarah Collins, South Africa.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
404 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Sophie Neville
7 books15 followersAward-winning author Sophie Neville became inadvertently well known as a child when she starred as Titty in the 1974 feature film of Arthur Ransome's book Swallows and Amazons.
After that sunshiny time she went on to work for the BBC behind the camera on television programmes such as Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals, Doctor Who and Eastenders. Having produced her own Inset series for BBC2 she was busy directing her second drama serial for children when disaster struck in the form of a mystery illness.
Fully recovered, Sophie now lives on the south coast of England with her husband. Every year she disappears for a while to ride in different parts of the world and has also been known to go sailing, but only when the sun shines.
After that sunshiny time she went on to work for the BBC behind the camera on television programmes such as Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals, Doctor Who and Eastenders. Having produced her own Inset series for BBC2 she was busy directing her second drama serial for children when disaster struck in the form of a mystery illness.
Fully recovered, Sophie now lives on the south coast of England with her husband. Every year she disappears for a while to ride in different parts of the world and has also been known to go sailing, but only when the sun shines.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 13, 2013
Sophie's sharing of her healing journey to wholeness and subsequently new life brought home to me the power, the determination and the tenacity of the human spirit, all the while trusting in God's infinite plan for her life. Sophie shares with us, her readers, her innermost thoughts and she does it intermingled with her amazing sense of humour. Her family and friends who were beside her on this journey are brought to life so vividly that I found myself transported to her bedside, into the garden and on her frequent visits to doctors as she asks "what is wrong with me, please help". And then the joy, after months and months of recuperation, of finding herself back in Africa - a country of change and challenge and beauty - all of which helped Sophie to get completely well. What a wonderful easy read and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough for the next installment, I loved it! Her original and amazing paintings of various situations she found herself in add huge value to this fabulous book. Please read it!
November 1, 2012
This book is rather esoteric in nature, so unless you have M.E. and are a Christian, much of it will not be of interest. However, I am both a Christian and have M.E. so I really enjoyed the book and found it helpful. I also enjoyed the rather understated humour, which mostly highlighted Sophie's eccentric family and friends. The book takes the form of diary entries from the time twenty years ago when Sophie first became unwell and takes us through the months of her illness until she gradually starts to get better. The large cast of characters that pop in and out of her life are not always explained very well, so I did get confused as to who was who sometimes! It wasn't until I reached the end did I see the cast identified!
Sophie's connection to TV and acting (she worked for the BBC) is very interesting and also her interest in wildlife. I was left encouraged, but wanting to know more, which is good, but slightly frustrating!
Sophie's connection to TV and acting (she worked for the BBC) is very interesting and also her interest in wildlife. I was left encouraged, but wanting to know more, which is good, but slightly frustrating!
March 17, 2015
3rd Prize Winner of the 2013 Rubery Book Award
This is based on the diaries of a BBC television producer who is recovering from ME. She has had to abandon her work and retreat to her parents’ house in the country, which is filled with eccentric characters and animals. There is a bald macaw, a parrot called Josephine and two tame otters which sit on people’s shoulders and travel round with Sophie’s mother when she gives lectures about them. Sophie’s family is not conventional – her father was attacked by his rotavator and nearly killed, but her mother finds the whole episode very funny rather than alarming - and she has an abundance of extraordinary friends who lead interesting and dramatic lives. Sophie has to spend long tedious days in bed, but there is a sense of progress towards the end of the book as she begins to recover. The diaries are written with a light touch and much humour, enlightened by occasional, charming line drawings.
From the judges at RBA
This is based on the diaries of a BBC television producer who is recovering from ME. She has had to abandon her work and retreat to her parents’ house in the country, which is filled with eccentric characters and animals. There is a bald macaw, a parrot called Josephine and two tame otters which sit on people’s shoulders and travel round with Sophie’s mother when she gives lectures about them. Sophie’s family is not conventional – her father was attacked by his rotavator and nearly killed, but her mother finds the whole episode very funny rather than alarming - and she has an abundance of extraordinary friends who lead interesting and dramatic lives. Sophie has to spend long tedious days in bed, but there is a sense of progress towards the end of the book as she begins to recover. The diaries are written with a light touch and much humour, enlightened by occasional, charming line drawings.
From the judges at RBA
January 9, 2012
A smashing, touching, moving and very funny book with a wicked sense of humor, fun and insight
September 8, 2015
This was a difficult book to read on some levels, and inspiring on others.
Former child star and BBC director Sophie Neville kept a diary during the first year of her battle with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is that diary, with stories both amusing and sad. Her family is best described as eccentric, and as her illness will not permit her to live alone she is bearing up under some challenging circumstances.
Neville's determination to stay positive in the face of her chronic illness was inspiring, as I know I am not always so when dealing with my own autoimmune disease. Neville finds her Christian worldview helpful, which came across as rather preachy at times and cost her narrative a star. I don't mind sharing, but being sermonized at is something else.
Overall, an entertaining book about a challenging condition ... and one with plenty of end-notes with suggested reading to boot.
Former child star and BBC director Sophie Neville kept a diary during the first year of her battle with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is that diary, with stories both amusing and sad. Her family is best described as eccentric, and as her illness will not permit her to live alone she is bearing up under some challenging circumstances.
Neville's determination to stay positive in the face of her chronic illness was inspiring, as I know I am not always so when dealing with my own autoimmune disease. Neville finds her Christian worldview helpful, which came across as rather preachy at times and cost her narrative a star. I don't mind sharing, but being sermonized at is something else.
Overall, an entertaining book about a challenging condition ... and one with plenty of end-notes with suggested reading to boot.
February 3, 2020
An excellent, beautifully sensitive and yet strikingly real book. A great read for anyone thirsty for inspiration, encouragement or just a really good laugh.
Through Funnily Enough, Sophie creates a window into her fascinating and hilarious family, her dynamic world as it crests and tumbles, and the raw emotional battles of her struggle with ME. Rarely have I read a book so deeply vulnerable, so honest in its depiction of life and life's struggles, so filled with warmth and yet so faithful to its depiction of reality and humanity. Sophie's brilliant sense of humour shines through on every page, sometimes making me laugh until my sides hurt. The treasure-trove of insight and inspiration I uncovered within the pages of this book - some spiritual, some simply wisdom for life- has enriched and encouraged me.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fulfilling read, a good laugh, a solid dose of wisdom and encouragement, or a glimpse into someone else's fascinating world.
Through Funnily Enough, Sophie creates a window into her fascinating and hilarious family, her dynamic world as it crests and tumbles, and the raw emotional battles of her struggle with ME. Rarely have I read a book so deeply vulnerable, so honest in its depiction of life and life's struggles, so filled with warmth and yet so faithful to its depiction of reality and humanity. Sophie's brilliant sense of humour shines through on every page, sometimes making me laugh until my sides hurt. The treasure-trove of insight and inspiration I uncovered within the pages of this book - some spiritual, some simply wisdom for life- has enriched and encouraged me.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fulfilling read, a good laugh, a solid dose of wisdom and encouragement, or a glimpse into someone else's fascinating world.
November 30, 2023
This book isn't in my usual genre of reading, but I have met the author through writing groups and I really wanted to read her memoir. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
As the title suggests, the book is very funny. The author paints a brilliant picture of her family life that had me giggling, cringing and wanting to meet the otters. It is so different from anything I've experienced, as the family lived in a half-celebrity status (being involved in television) in an old house with a menagerie of eccentric animals. It sometimes took me a while to figure out who each character was as the memoir is based on diary entries, so it naturally assumed you know them, which I didn't. But I love the fact that each character is so human and she doesn't shy away from sharing the troubles of her family members and friends, always in a compassionate, never judgemental, way.
The memoir chronicles a year in the author's life where she is suddenly struck by debilitating fatigue and illness that caused long-term sick leave from her busy television career, forced redundancy and moving back in with her parents. This was in the time before illnesses such as ME were widely understood, and the fight to obtain a diagnosis and medical help, and the confusion around what was wrong with her, is excellently portrayed. I highlighted this which sums up her experience: "Taken from self-fulfilment. I suddenly have the status of a child and no alternative but to fold up my ambition and let God take over. I’m going to fight this sickness all the same."
The memoir is spiritual as well as down-to-earth. As a Christian, the sudden suffering threw up many questions for the author, and she very honestly shares them with the world through publishing these diary entries, which often feel like conversations between herself and God, through reflections, wider reading and words spoken by others.
The combination of mirth and lament, of realism and hope, makes for excellent reading in today's climate. I added lots of highlights to this book, thoughts worth pondering on further, such as "In our society we spend years educating our intellect and training our brains and yet most parents are shy, scared of developing their children's spiritual understanding."
One of them explains why the author wrote the book, a revelation she records for us:
[I asked for an explanation.]I was given it. Jesus said, ‘Simon, Simon, (Sophie, Sophie) behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.’Well that’s what it’s for, so we can ‘strengthen and build up others.’ That is my commission: ‘To comfort others with the comfort I’ve been given.’
I believe she's done it well.
As the title suggests, the book is very funny. The author paints a brilliant picture of her family life that had me giggling, cringing and wanting to meet the otters. It is so different from anything I've experienced, as the family lived in a half-celebrity status (being involved in television) in an old house with a menagerie of eccentric animals. It sometimes took me a while to figure out who each character was as the memoir is based on diary entries, so it naturally assumed you know them, which I didn't. But I love the fact that each character is so human and she doesn't shy away from sharing the troubles of her family members and friends, always in a compassionate, never judgemental, way.
The memoir chronicles a year in the author's life where she is suddenly struck by debilitating fatigue and illness that caused long-term sick leave from her busy television career, forced redundancy and moving back in with her parents. This was in the time before illnesses such as ME were widely understood, and the fight to obtain a diagnosis and medical help, and the confusion around what was wrong with her, is excellently portrayed. I highlighted this which sums up her experience: "Taken from self-fulfilment. I suddenly have the status of a child and no alternative but to fold up my ambition and let God take over. I’m going to fight this sickness all the same."
The memoir is spiritual as well as down-to-earth. As a Christian, the sudden suffering threw up many questions for the author, and she very honestly shares them with the world through publishing these diary entries, which often feel like conversations between herself and God, through reflections, wider reading and words spoken by others.
The combination of mirth and lament, of realism and hope, makes for excellent reading in today's climate. I added lots of highlights to this book, thoughts worth pondering on further, such as "In our society we spend years educating our intellect and training our brains and yet most parents are shy, scared of developing their children's spiritual understanding."
One of them explains why the author wrote the book, a revelation she records for us:
[I asked for an explanation.]I was given it. Jesus said, ‘Simon, Simon, (Sophie, Sophie) behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.’Well that’s what it’s for, so we can ‘strengthen and build up others.’ That is my commission: ‘To comfort others with the comfort I’ve been given.’
I believe she's done it well.
February 3, 2022
I read the original issue of this book some time ago and although I remembered it as being good, I had forgotten exactly how good! Reading this 2nd edition has acted as a joyous reminder.
For anyone not familiar with the previous issue, 'Funnily Enough' is an account of the 10 month period when Ms. Neville, at the time a television director at the BBC, was off work suffering from M.E. (or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). The text is a transcript of the diary she kept detailing, day-by-day, progress of the illness, the various treatments undergone to combat the affliction, and the inner struggle that was taking place in her head while she tried to reconcile her Christian faith with her seemingly endless incapacity.
Weighty stuff, perhaps; and there are some very thoughtful and thought-provoking passages within these pages. But the way Sophie describes what was going on both to her, and around her, the humorous element is always to the fore, giving us a highly entertaining and often hilarious account of virtually every incident and situation. She is helped, it has to be said, by a wonderful cast of family and friends, some of whom verge on eccentricity. I particularly enjoyed being reminded of her Granny's somewhat unorthodox techniques at salesmanship in a craft shop, her father's encounters with various pieces of agricultural machinery, and I loved the account of a church picnic where we learn the consequences of trying to eat yoghurt without a spoon (you will have to read the book!). We also meet a menagerie that includes two lively pet otters and a delinquent parrot. All is described in brilliant and vivid writing; there is truly a laugh on every page.
So, if you already have the first edition do you need to acquire the second? Well yes, most certainly you should! There are more wonderful illustrations, drawn by Sophie herself, in this new issue; the text has been revised and is tighter; and the last chapter, 'After all that' has been updated. Whether you've got the 1st edition or not, get this second edition, sit in a comfy chair with a glass of what you fancy, and treat yourself to a romp through this hilarious account of what was really a very unpleasant 10 months of the author's life. I promise, you won't be disappointed. I just hope that one day there will be a 2nd Edition of the sequel, 'Ride the Wings of Morning'. Highly and thoroughly recommended.
For anyone not familiar with the previous issue, 'Funnily Enough' is an account of the 10 month period when Ms. Neville, at the time a television director at the BBC, was off work suffering from M.E. (or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). The text is a transcript of the diary she kept detailing, day-by-day, progress of the illness, the various treatments undergone to combat the affliction, and the inner struggle that was taking place in her head while she tried to reconcile her Christian faith with her seemingly endless incapacity.
Weighty stuff, perhaps; and there are some very thoughtful and thought-provoking passages within these pages. But the way Sophie describes what was going on both to her, and around her, the humorous element is always to the fore, giving us a highly entertaining and often hilarious account of virtually every incident and situation. She is helped, it has to be said, by a wonderful cast of family and friends, some of whom verge on eccentricity. I particularly enjoyed being reminded of her Granny's somewhat unorthodox techniques at salesmanship in a craft shop, her father's encounters with various pieces of agricultural machinery, and I loved the account of a church picnic where we learn the consequences of trying to eat yoghurt without a spoon (you will have to read the book!). We also meet a menagerie that includes two lively pet otters and a delinquent parrot. All is described in brilliant and vivid writing; there is truly a laugh on every page.
So, if you already have the first edition do you need to acquire the second? Well yes, most certainly you should! There are more wonderful illustrations, drawn by Sophie herself, in this new issue; the text has been revised and is tighter; and the last chapter, 'After all that' has been updated. Whether you've got the 1st edition or not, get this second edition, sit in a comfy chair with a glass of what you fancy, and treat yourself to a romp through this hilarious account of what was really a very unpleasant 10 months of the author's life. I promise, you won't be disappointed. I just hope that one day there will be a 2nd Edition of the sequel, 'Ride the Wings of Morning'. Highly and thoroughly recommended.
June 1, 2022
If you were in the habit of writing diaries and stopped years back, like I did, your reading Sophie Neville’s ‘Funnily Enough’ will make you regret big time!! It is a priceless treasure. This diary written in April 1991 extends to 10th February 1992. It captures the journey of the writer’s health crisis from CFS, insomnia, depression and nightmares. Through the months, she reflects on her painful and joyful experiences, on flashbacks of trips, incidents and child hood and family memories. She shares her readings on health and spiritual texts, her self-discovery of her strengths and weaknesses and her getting closer to God.
Added to her health challenges, the writer loses her BBC job and is unable to attend social and family functions. It is excellently written with inspiring chapter titles from scripture. I found this read engaging through motivating quotes and excerpts from Adrian Plass, Oscar Wilde, David Watson, Maria Tunstall, Cortle Boom and the Bible. Some poetry, acronyms for ‘BIBLE’ and ‘PRAYER’ and the writer’s strong voice all add to make the diary absorbing. The very descriptive language with vivid imagery of the weather, characters, places, nature and feelings drew me in. In spite of the bleakness arising from the writer’s health, there are so many humorous scenarios serving as comic relief such as the incident of Granny’s wedding. There are some amazing characters like Mum, Tamzin, Alistair, Doris, etc who contribute to making the read enjoyable, hilarious and page turning!
There are obvious powerful themes such as leaving Judgement to God, Repentance, Trusting God, Love by Actions, Self-Discipline, Self-Pity, Hope, Family Relationships and Commitment, Giving, Acupuncture the Right Way, Flexibility/Change and Appreciation of Life. Her diary reveals delicate family members like her adopted sister, Mary – Dieu. I really was blessed and had a lot to take away from these themes as well as the testimonies of faith and healing from Jennifer R Larcombe which are so encouraging. The blessings of a health turn around in December and the taste of desired dreams in the future show that God has it all planned out. Sophie Neville advises that when things go beyond our control, allow God take over by giving our choice of free will freely back! A memorable read worth its 5 stars!
Added to her health challenges, the writer loses her BBC job and is unable to attend social and family functions. It is excellently written with inspiring chapter titles from scripture. I found this read engaging through motivating quotes and excerpts from Adrian Plass, Oscar Wilde, David Watson, Maria Tunstall, Cortle Boom and the Bible. Some poetry, acronyms for ‘BIBLE’ and ‘PRAYER’ and the writer’s strong voice all add to make the diary absorbing. The very descriptive language with vivid imagery of the weather, characters, places, nature and feelings drew me in. In spite of the bleakness arising from the writer’s health, there are so many humorous scenarios serving as comic relief such as the incident of Granny’s wedding. There are some amazing characters like Mum, Tamzin, Alistair, Doris, etc who contribute to making the read enjoyable, hilarious and page turning!
There are obvious powerful themes such as leaving Judgement to God, Repentance, Trusting God, Love by Actions, Self-Discipline, Self-Pity, Hope, Family Relationships and Commitment, Giving, Acupuncture the Right Way, Flexibility/Change and Appreciation of Life. Her diary reveals delicate family members like her adopted sister, Mary – Dieu. I really was blessed and had a lot to take away from these themes as well as the testimonies of faith and healing from Jennifer R Larcombe which are so encouraging. The blessings of a health turn around in December and the taste of desired dreams in the future show that God has it all planned out. Sophie Neville advises that when things go beyond our control, allow God take over by giving our choice of free will freely back! A memorable read worth its 5 stars!
December 31, 2020
I came to this after reading Sophie Neville's earlier book: 'The Making of Swallows and Amazons' (describing the making of the 1973 film in which she played the character "Titty"); a book I had found highly amusing and thoroughly enjoyable. So my expectations were very high - I wasn't disappointed.
'Funnily Enough' treats a 10 month period when Ms. Neville was off work (as a TV writer and producer) suffering from M.E. (or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). During this time she kept a diary describing the progress of her illness and also her inner debate as to how to reconcile her Christian faith with her condition. Both fairly weighty subjects which do not, at first sight, seem particularly fertile sources for humour. But the way the writer describes her situations and the everyday life going on around her results in an extremely entertaining and often hilarious account. She is helped in this by a wonderful cast of (sometimes eccentric) family, friends and animals. I especially enjoyed the accounts of her father's disputes with various pieces of garden machinery, Sophie's three-day stay in hospital and also her Granny's somewhat unorthodox techniques at being a shop assistant. We also meet a delinquent parrot, a mischievous dog; and her mother kept otters, one of which had an interesting encounter with Father Christmas! Several times I found myself laughing out loud, the humour fairly rolls off the pages.
Obviously there is a serious side to this book but it is always dealt with in a positive way, no doom-and-gloom or self-pity. Everything is described with acute observation and laughter is never far away.
To say this is a "can't put it down" book is a truism in the extreme. I can't wait to read the sequel 'Ride the Wings of Morning'. Highly recommended!
'Funnily Enough' treats a 10 month period when Ms. Neville was off work (as a TV writer and producer) suffering from M.E. (or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). During this time she kept a diary describing the progress of her illness and also her inner debate as to how to reconcile her Christian faith with her condition. Both fairly weighty subjects which do not, at first sight, seem particularly fertile sources for humour. But the way the writer describes her situations and the everyday life going on around her results in an extremely entertaining and often hilarious account. She is helped in this by a wonderful cast of (sometimes eccentric) family, friends and animals. I especially enjoyed the accounts of her father's disputes with various pieces of garden machinery, Sophie's three-day stay in hospital and also her Granny's somewhat unorthodox techniques at being a shop assistant. We also meet a delinquent parrot, a mischievous dog; and her mother kept otters, one of which had an interesting encounter with Father Christmas! Several times I found myself laughing out loud, the humour fairly rolls off the pages.
Obviously there is a serious side to this book but it is always dealt with in a positive way, no doom-and-gloom or self-pity. Everything is described with acute observation and laughter is never far away.
To say this is a "can't put it down" book is a truism in the extreme. I can't wait to read the sequel 'Ride the Wings of Morning'. Highly recommended!
February 7, 2024
How do you write a book that conveys the experience of being too fatigued for a whole year to do anything other than write “I am bored. Bored. Bored” in your diary (on some days) without sounding, well ... boring? Sophie Neville cleverly intersperses the entries from her diary of 1991, the year she broke down at her beloved work at the BBC and never returned, with gentle humour, philosophical reflections, amusing anecdotes, spiritual wrestling matches and all too many moments in which she confidently writes that she is cured (but there's still three months left in thte year) ... to sympathetically convey the impression of what it is like to have chronic fatigue. Although there are sections which seem a little self-absorbed ... well, that’s actually how it is when you're confined to your room all day. And it is a diary (where focus on the self is expected)! Sophie bravely shares what she really wrote in her diary with the reader (not just the interesting bits), so that whether you are a fellow-sufferer seeking validation or a non-sufferer seeking a vicarious experience to help understand a friend, you will find something real, moving and ultimately hopeful here. Because, as we are promised from the beginning, she does recover ...
I bought a signed copy from the author but it is a genuine review and the views are my own.
I bought a signed copy from the author but it is a genuine review and the views are my own.
May 29, 2024
I've been meaning to read this book for a while and am so glad I did. A memoir of the author's experiences of ME, it's honest, engaging, humorous and wise. I loved the domestic details of her very unique family life and the animals they had as well as her thoughts about health and wholeness. The insights into her friendships and the hilarious things they all get up to make this, despite its subject matter, quite a 'cosy read'. Gerald Durrell meets Adrian Plass (or similar). I'm from Gloucestershire myself so that made it even more relatable.
For me, Sophie's faith, fortitude and reflections on her illness and on the major life changes needed as a result, are inspiring and thought-provoking.
I found it a gentle, inspiring read and would heartily recommend it.
For me, Sophie's faith, fortitude and reflections on her illness and on the major life changes needed as a result, are inspiring and thought-provoking.
I found it a gentle, inspiring read and would heartily recommend it.
February 13, 2020
I read this book solely because Sophie Neville played Tittie in the 1974 movie Swallows and Amazons. Have never seen that movie, but I do love the books. While I dont have Chronic fatigue, I do have a chronic illness so I do understand about being restricted in daily life and activities.
I also enjoyed reading this book for Sophie's family stories and her family genealogy. It took me a while to work out her family tree, but I got there in the end and I had so much fun researching the tree. I gave this 4 stars because of the family stories, the genealogy but there were some parts that were a little dry and boring. (less)
I also enjoyed reading this book for Sophie's family stories and her family genealogy. It took me a while to work out her family tree, but I got there in the end and I had so much fun researching the tree. I gave this 4 stars because of the family stories, the genealogy but there were some parts that were a little dry and boring. (less)
October 5, 2022
I read this book as the indirect result of my interest in Arthur Ransome and his children's stories which led me to the Claude Watham film-version of Swallows and Amazons, in which Sophie Neville had a significant part. Funnily Enough is well-titled because it's frequently funny, to the point of making me laugh out loud several times (on a beach too!), and the fact that she was able to write so amusingly and entertainingly during the course of a debilitating illness is admirable. It really is a "good read" and my copy of it will continue to grace my book-shelves.
October 29, 2023
I enjoyed reading Funnily Enough - so original, amusing and delightfully illustrated. A really good read.
February 8, 2024
A wonderfully funny, emotional and heartwarming account of Sophies life. Could not put it down!
April 12, 2012
Despite the title alluding to comedy, this is not a funny book. It does contain amusing anecdotes of family and friends during her year of illness. This is a book about coming down with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E. to the English) and what she does in the way of tests and strategies she tries in the hope of minimising the symptoms of this illness on her life.
Weirdly, there is no mention of M.E./CFS or illness on the cover/blurb about this book, however it was this content which led me to find it in the first place!
Weirdly, there is no mention of M.E./CFS or illness on the cover/blurb about this book, however it was this content which led me to find it in the first place!
November 28, 2012
Having had ME myself (am sort of in recovery but read this while still ill) I expected this to be a bit more about ME.... But she doesn't talk about the actual illness much and talks about god and quotes from the bible a lot- I don't believe in the bible stuff so it ended up being a bit boring!
People with ME would be better reading "50 recovery stories from CFS" which is a positive look at recovering where patients of varying degrees of severity tell their stories of how came to recover (and how their illness manifested). There's lots of tips in there and some really uplifting stories!!
People with ME would be better reading "50 recovery stories from CFS" which is a positive look at recovering where patients of varying degrees of severity tell their stories of how came to recover (and how their illness manifested). There's lots of tips in there and some really uplifting stories!!
Want to Read
February 25, 2016kindle (memoir) this is the 1st book, 2nd book is Ride the Wings of Morning: Letters to and from Africa
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews