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Pandemic Diary #1
Aunt Sheila's Pandemic Diary
'It’s happened, a three-week lockdown has been imposed by the government. One walk a day for food or medicine. They’ve got the old retired medics back in to help the NHS and Wetherspoons are refusing to pay their staff. It wasn’t clear if all the old medics worked for Wetherspoons'.
Dedicated to all the shopkeepers, and everyone who stayed home, played their part and followed the science …
Follow Aunt Sheila as she scribbles down her secret thoughts from the small corner shop. Hilarious and everything you wanted to know about the outbreak from Boris the PM, the Chancellor’s new furlough scheme, school closures, panic buying and baking bread.
Hilarious, no holds barred, from Wuhan to Yorkshire, follow Aunt Sheila’s itemised diary on the little Northern estate, it’s odd folk and the pub closures.
The Diary contains a free copy of ‘The Magic Vodka Wardrobe’ series, Book 5.
Dedicated to all the shopkeepers, and everyone who stayed home, played their part and followed the science …
Follow Aunt Sheila as she scribbles down her secret thoughts from the small corner shop. Hilarious and everything you wanted to know about the outbreak from Boris the PM, the Chancellor’s new furlough scheme, school closures, panic buying and baking bread.
Hilarious, no holds barred, from Wuhan to Yorkshire, follow Aunt Sheila’s itemised diary on the little Northern estate, it’s odd folk and the pub closures.
The Diary contains a free copy of ‘The Magic Vodka Wardrobe’ series, Book 5.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2020
8 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Patel
12 books50 followersSheila Patel was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. She is the youngest of 7 children. Born into a traditional Punjabi family she went on to study Engineering at Leeds Polytechnic and John Moores University. She later obtained an MBA from the University of Liverpool.
After working at British Aerospace for several years, she became interested in working with young people and ran a successful training company in Liverpool city centre for over ten years.
She discovered her passion for writing later in life, having spent magical moments with her huge family and lovely nieces. She saw and experienced many things growing up in 70's Britain. Comedy and humour played a huge role in her life and she loved all the funny things that Indians do daily, to adapt to the British way of life.
Sheila now lives on the Wirral with her Professor husband, two boys and a huge dog.
Sheila and her family spent 2006/2007 working in Wuxi, China on a project involving bamboo!
You can connect with Sheila on Twitter @vodkawardrobe
After working at British Aerospace for several years, she became interested in working with young people and ran a successful training company in Liverpool city centre for over ten years.
She discovered her passion for writing later in life, having spent magical moments with her huge family and lovely nieces. She saw and experienced many things growing up in 70's Britain. Comedy and humour played a huge role in her life and she loved all the funny things that Indians do daily, to adapt to the British way of life.
Sheila now lives on the Wirral with her Professor husband, two boys and a huge dog.
Sheila and her family spent 2006/2007 working in Wuxi, China on a project involving bamboo!
You can connect with Sheila on Twitter @vodkawardrobe
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 28, 2020
Lovely hilarious read
The pandemic dairy is really needed at a time like this. It is fun especially considering how dark and grave the times really are. A fun way to look at things is really needed now and then story is great help.
The vodka wardrobe 5 brought back the familiar cast and that brought plenty of laughs and cheers.
Enjoyed it.
The pandemic dairy is really needed at a time like this. It is fun especially considering how dark and grave the times really are. A fun way to look at things is really needed now and then story is great help.
The vodka wardrobe 5 brought back the familiar cast and that brought plenty of laughs and cheers.
Enjoyed it.
September 25, 2020
A new literary sub-genre has emerged this year – the COVID diary. Fans of Ms Patel will not be disappointed by her take on the scourge which has fallen on the planet. Written in her familiar trademark style (Northern British/Indian fusion with a dash of Graham Masala), it’s full of great comedic moments arising from the author’s astute, laconic observations of human behaviour as manifested by the inhabitants of that mysterious dot on the globe, the Singh’s corner shop and surrounding estate in Bradford. But there’s something different about this vignette, a little more sepia round the edges which I found added to its impact.
As usual the author takes us through the news headlines and the reactions of the population. First up, hygiene mania. ‘Cleaned, bleached and dettoled the whole house’… ‘found six paper tissues up my sleeve today.’
Coping strategies emerge as families are forced out of the pub and into isolation: boxsets, puzzles, live pub quizzes and prosecco. Mad Martha stands outside George Lucas’s house to shout a question: how can she get Disney Plus for free? ‘The whole estate was waiting for the answer.’
As the economy slows, a dishy saviour appears, with a money-tree. ‘There’s a new chancellor, he’s Indian, wears nice suits and has a side parting. He’s very generous so can’t be a true Indian’. The usual suspects are quick to latch on to the chance of making an easy buck. Bus driver Tattoo Tony wants to know how to claim universal credit, sick pay and furlough all at once, even though he’s an essential worker with no right to any.
But there’s an occasional melancholic note to the writing, which gives it more of an ‘Adrian Mole’ feel; interspersed with the humour are comments which reflect the underlying seriousness of the situation.
‘Woke up to hear that Boris is positive! We are screwed.’
'21 April: Thinking about starting a 1000-piece jigsaw of five cats sitting on a book case. 22 April: Decided against the 1000-piece jigsaw of five cats sitting on a book case.’
‘Switched off my phone and went back to bed. Decided not to follow the science today.’
‘Me Shaz and Trace did a pub crawl around all the closed pubs. Took selfies and cried.’
The wardrobe, once the scene of outrageous hi-jinks, has lost its mojo. Plans to 'try on our old cool clobber and paint our faces’ under the glitterball fall flat. ‘We decided to watch Tiger King in our pyjamas instead.’
Could the man from Sky news who predicted ‘the country (would) seriously go do-lally’ have a point?
Looking up wistfully to the sky where Elon Musk’s Space X capsule has docked at the ISS, Auntie Sheila observes: ‘I think it’s the safest place to be right now.’
It’s this blend of comic and sad which makes us aware of the author’s humanity; underneath the satire is a genuine affection and concern for her characters. Grab a copy and find out for yourself…
As usual the author takes us through the news headlines and the reactions of the population. First up, hygiene mania. ‘Cleaned, bleached and dettoled the whole house’… ‘found six paper tissues up my sleeve today.’
Coping strategies emerge as families are forced out of the pub and into isolation: boxsets, puzzles, live pub quizzes and prosecco. Mad Martha stands outside George Lucas’s house to shout a question: how can she get Disney Plus for free? ‘The whole estate was waiting for the answer.’
As the economy slows, a dishy saviour appears, with a money-tree. ‘There’s a new chancellor, he’s Indian, wears nice suits and has a side parting. He’s very generous so can’t be a true Indian’. The usual suspects are quick to latch on to the chance of making an easy buck. Bus driver Tattoo Tony wants to know how to claim universal credit, sick pay and furlough all at once, even though he’s an essential worker with no right to any.
But there’s an occasional melancholic note to the writing, which gives it more of an ‘Adrian Mole’ feel; interspersed with the humour are comments which reflect the underlying seriousness of the situation.
‘Woke up to hear that Boris is positive! We are screwed.’
'21 April: Thinking about starting a 1000-piece jigsaw of five cats sitting on a book case. 22 April: Decided against the 1000-piece jigsaw of five cats sitting on a book case.’
‘Switched off my phone and went back to bed. Decided not to follow the science today.’
‘Me Shaz and Trace did a pub crawl around all the closed pubs. Took selfies and cried.’
The wardrobe, once the scene of outrageous hi-jinks, has lost its mojo. Plans to 'try on our old cool clobber and paint our faces’ under the glitterball fall flat. ‘We decided to watch Tiger King in our pyjamas instead.’
Could the man from Sky news who predicted ‘the country (would) seriously go do-lally’ have a point?
Looking up wistfully to the sky where Elon Musk’s Space X capsule has docked at the ISS, Auntie Sheila observes: ‘I think it’s the safest place to be right now.’
It’s this blend of comic and sad which makes us aware of the author’s humanity; underneath the satire is a genuine affection and concern for her characters. Grab a copy and find out for yourself…
September 2, 2020
Only this author can make one giggle with her words about a pandemic! This is a short, fun read.
October 8, 2020
Finding the fun in a pandemic lockdown
Using characters from the entire five book series, 'The Magic Vodka Wardrobe' author Sheila Patel shares the diary of Aunt Sheila from the beginning of March 2020. Everyone is trying not to worry about all the virus talk at first, so there is plenty of the usual crazy stuff for the familiar cast of British Asians that frequent Mr and Mrs Singh's corner shop. Then a lockdown becomes more likely and the panic buying begins. Aunt Sheila's observations of her wacky family and neighbours are cleverly tied in with the Covid state of play at national and global level. It's about the real issues that people were concerned about while they tried to get on with their daily lives during a very strange time.
Although it's a short, quick read I appreciated the dry wit even more when I read it a second time, and there were virus news items recorded there that I had missed. Yes. It's amusing but it is unexpectedly reflective too. Best to be familiar with the characters before you read this diary and then you will 'get' the humour. Thanks, Aunt Sheila for reminding me what fun some of us had during the Covid pandemic of 2020.
Using characters from the entire five book series, 'The Magic Vodka Wardrobe' author Sheila Patel shares the diary of Aunt Sheila from the beginning of March 2020. Everyone is trying not to worry about all the virus talk at first, so there is plenty of the usual crazy stuff for the familiar cast of British Asians that frequent Mr and Mrs Singh's corner shop. Then a lockdown becomes more likely and the panic buying begins. Aunt Sheila's observations of her wacky family and neighbours are cleverly tied in with the Covid state of play at national and global level. It's about the real issues that people were concerned about while they tried to get on with their daily lives during a very strange time.
Although it's a short, quick read I appreciated the dry wit even more when I read it a second time, and there were virus news items recorded there that I had missed. Yes. It's amusing but it is unexpectedly reflective too. Best to be familiar with the characters before you read this diary and then you will 'get' the humour. Thanks, Aunt Sheila for reminding me what fun some of us had during the Covid pandemic of 2020.
September 13, 2020
It's a bit of a weird beast, this book. The humour from Vodka Wardrobe books (and the characters) are all there, at the same time both the politics and the reality of the pandemic make it really hard to have fun. Maybe it's the best metaphor for those weird times? I don't know how I felt when I finished reading. A bit more sad than entertained. I think you need to read it for yourself to find out, honestly. And if you have more than enough of the pandemic topic, I suggest skipping it, even if it's a different take from all the others.
The fifth Vodka Wardrobe book, which was included, contains a guest chapter written by me. I can't be objective about it or review it accurately, but it works as a prequel without viruses in it. I'm not including it in my final score.
The fifth Vodka Wardrobe book, which was included, contains a guest chapter written by me. I can't be objective about it or review it accurately, but it works as a prequel without viruses in it. I'm not including it in my final score.
August 27, 2020
Ah, Sheila. I wondered what you had been up to during lockdown....Another funny volume to add to the ever growing collection, if only I could have read it day by day it would have made so much more sense than the endless drivel coming from the media....thanks Sheila
September 17, 2020
Author Sheila Patel takes the strangest time I can recall and drops it like a top.
If you enjoy witty, British-style satire, and only if you are (finally) ready for a laugh...I highly recommend this short and her entire Vodka Wardrobe Series. Everything we've been dealing with over the past six months is looked at with a humurous and ironic lens.
The parts with the 'Gods of Leather' oh my word. I can honestly say there have been moments where I truly didn't know how to feel this year. When you're ready to smile and engage again this is a solid choice that will make you smile and realize, as in the best fiction does, that you are not alone and we will get through this challenging time together.
"Trace had made Bachittar a kind of makeshift decontamination suit. It consisted of Father’s old painting overall, a pair of marigolds and a balaclava. The hairy barman insisted on wearing his signature flip flops even though it was going to be a day of sterilization and purification." As only Sheila Patel can write with a look at British life, with the warmth and appreciation of quirky family and friends.
Have a glass of wine and treat yourself. I needed a laugh and I got one in this sometimes silly look at life in the quarantine lane.
If you enjoy witty, British-style satire, and only if you are (finally) ready for a laugh...I highly recommend this short and her entire Vodka Wardrobe Series. Everything we've been dealing with over the past six months is looked at with a humurous and ironic lens.
The parts with the 'Gods of Leather' oh my word. I can honestly say there have been moments where I truly didn't know how to feel this year. When you're ready to smile and engage again this is a solid choice that will make you smile and realize, as in the best fiction does, that you are not alone and we will get through this challenging time together.
"Trace had made Bachittar a kind of makeshift decontamination suit. It consisted of Father’s old painting overall, a pair of marigolds and a balaclava. The hairy barman insisted on wearing his signature flip flops even though it was going to be a day of sterilization and purification." As only Sheila Patel can write with a look at British life, with the warmth and appreciation of quirky family and friends.
Have a glass of wine and treat yourself. I needed a laugh and I got one in this sometimes silly look at life in the quarantine lane.
October 16, 2020
Very funny and entertaining. I wish it had been longer.
Now I’m going to have to read all the Magic Vodka Wardrobe books.
Now I’m going to have to read all the Magic Vodka Wardrobe books.
September 6, 2020
A dairy daily cruise through the COVID pandemic with news developments and subtle comical anecdotes with all the Vodka Wardrobe characters. Then we go back to the December election and Christmas with further Vodka Wardrobe antics. A fun comical read with characters we all warm to.😀👍
August 30, 2020
"Started watching the 'Twilight' films again. They are worse the second time round."
Featuring the characters from her 'Magic Vodka Wardrobe' short stories (and volume #5 is included with this as a welcome freebie), the author returns to her favourite subject: eccentricity.
Covid-19 may be an unlikely topic for comedy, but Sheila Patel pulls it off with panache. British - or should that be 'Indian'? - humour at its finest. Jerome K. Jerome, eat your heart out.
If you don't enjoy this, you probably don't have a pulse. (OK, maybe that's not an appropriate remark to make during a pandemic, but what the heck.)
Hilarious and highly recommended. Five stars.
Featuring the characters from her 'Magic Vodka Wardrobe' short stories (and volume #5 is included with this as a welcome freebie), the author returns to her favourite subject: eccentricity.
Covid-19 may be an unlikely topic for comedy, but Sheila Patel pulls it off with panache. British - or should that be 'Indian'? - humour at its finest. Jerome K. Jerome, eat your heart out.
If you don't enjoy this, you probably don't have a pulse. (OK, maybe that's not an appropriate remark to make during a pandemic, but what the heck.)
Hilarious and highly recommended. Five stars.
December 16, 2020
Laughter is always the best medicine and Author Patel once again shares her humor and wit as the characters we've come to know and share giggles with deal with life in this new world order; masks, disinfectants, a darling goat and voddies included, lol!
Month by month we get the lowdown on what's going on in the world as well as with the local folks in the neighborhood. We experience the emotions of the characters that have tugged at all of us as we witnessed the passage of days, weeks and months in this year like no other. The spirit of laughter prevails, and in the end, connects us all. Well done to the Author, whose wit and humor shows us that even in the craziest of times, there is always something to make us smile.
Month by month we get the lowdown on what's going on in the world as well as with the local folks in the neighborhood. We experience the emotions of the characters that have tugged at all of us as we witnessed the passage of days, weeks and months in this year like no other. The spirit of laughter prevails, and in the end, connects us all. Well done to the Author, whose wit and humor shows us that even in the craziest of times, there is always something to make us smile.
October 5, 2020
Fans of Sheila Patel can look forward to reading her latest book with enthusiasm. Short and sweet, as the title suggests it’s in the form of a diary, detailing the events that took place following the UK Lockdown in March. To make it more amusing, she has chosen to do this through her Vodka Wardrobe characters, whom we’ve come to know so well. Ms Patel has a canny knack of turning disasters into a farce and this book is no exception.
I love the way she takes the Covid19 situation and uses it to her advantage – satirising it in such a way that we’re able to push aside all the depressive aspects for a while and have a belly laugh instead. There is no shortage of hilarious material, her book full of witty comments that serve to highlight some of the ludicrous decisions Boris has taken while dealing with the crisis.
If you haven’t read any of the books in her series you don’t know what you’re missing. I recommend you give them a try. A well deserved 5*
February 28, 2021
A very funny and entertaining read! Just like the vodka wardrobe series this book has so many laugh out loud moments. Just what we all need during this very strange time!
December 3, 2024
Hilarious
It was truly a hilarious read. I laughed at the nick names used and even at how this book managed to entwine Trump, Boris, the Queen and her family, Wuhan, and lots of vodka. Thanks, Sheila.
It was truly a hilarious read. I laughed at the nick names used and even at how this book managed to entwine Trump, Boris, the Queen and her family, Wuhan, and lots of vodka. Thanks, Sheila.
December 15, 2023
'Aunt Sheila's Pandemic Diary,' by Sheila Patel, is a thoughtful tribute to the resilience of shopkeepers and all those who diligently adhered to safety measures during difficult times.
Aunt Sheila's diary entries, meticulously documented, provide an intimate glimpse into life in the cozy corner shop. The author navigates the ebbs and flows of the pandemic with a keen eye for detail, reflecting on news headlines and the collective reactions of the population. The story reveals the coping strategies used by families as they say goodbye to pub outings and embrace the isolating reality. Patel's storytelling is full of wit once again, covering everything from Boris the Prime Minister's antics to the complexities of the Chancellor's furlough scheme, school closures, panic buying, and even the art of bread baking.
While Sheila Patel's trademark wit shines through, a poignant undertone emerges, reflecting the gravity of the situation. A genuine fondness and concern for the well-drawn characters can be found among the satire.
Dive into this engaging diary to discover Sheila Patel's masterful weaving of emotions, humor, and affection.
Aunt Sheila's diary entries, meticulously documented, provide an intimate glimpse into life in the cozy corner shop. The author navigates the ebbs and flows of the pandemic with a keen eye for detail, reflecting on news headlines and the collective reactions of the population. The story reveals the coping strategies used by families as they say goodbye to pub outings and embrace the isolating reality. Patel's storytelling is full of wit once again, covering everything from Boris the Prime Minister's antics to the complexities of the Chancellor's furlough scheme, school closures, panic buying, and even the art of bread baking.
While Sheila Patel's trademark wit shines through, a poignant undertone emerges, reflecting the gravity of the situation. A genuine fondness and concern for the well-drawn characters can be found among the satire.
Dive into this engaging diary to discover Sheila Patel's masterful weaving of emotions, humor, and affection.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews