MoMoBookDiary

Sue Perkins

About the book:

When I began writing this book, I went home to see if my mum had kept some of my stuff. What I found was that she hadn’t kept some of it. She had kept all of it – every bus ticket, postcard, school report – from the moment I was born to the moment I finally had the confidence to turn round and say ‘Why is our house full of this shit?’

Sadly, a recycling ‘incident’ destroyed the bulk of this archive.

This has meant two things: firstly, Dear Reader, you will never get to see countless drawings of wizards, read a poem about corn on the cob, or marvel at the kilos of brown flowers I so lovingly pressed as a child. Secondly, it’s left me with no choice but to actually write this thing myself.

This, my first ever book, will answer questions such as ‘Is Mary Berry real?’, ‘Is it true you wear a surgical truss?’ and ‘Is a non-spherically symmetric gravitational pull from outside the observable universe responsible for some of the observed motion of large objects such as galactic clusters in the universe?’

Most of this book is true. I have, of course, amplified my more positive characteristics in an effort to make you like me.

My thoughts:

“Spectacles” is a brilliant, beautifully written memoir. Sue Perkins has a natural gift for storytelling, offering glimpses into her life without laying it all bare. This isn’t a tell-all autobiography, but rather a collection of stories from her childhood, career, and life, told with her unique, charming touch. The balance she strikes between sharing personal moments and keeping other areas private showcases her exceptional writing skill. What makes this book such a joy is Sue’s authenticity. She’s clever, sharp, and funny, yet manages to be refreshingly normal—navigating relationships, friendships, and family dynamics with warmth and wit.

One of the most touching aspects of the book is her bond with her dog, Pickle. From mischievous puppy to old friend, Sue’s relationship with Pickle is lovingly portrayed, especially in the heartbreaking letter she writes after Pickle’s passing. It’s one of the most poignant pieces of writing I’ve ever read about the connection between a person and their dog—tissues are a must for this part.

There’s humour throughout, of course—this is Sue Perkins we’re talking about—and the book had me in stitches in places. But it’s also incredibly moving without ever feeling intrusive. It’s a witty, heartwarming, and mischievous read that leaves you wanting more. My only complaint is that it ended too soon; I wasn’t ready for Sue to stop talking to me!

If you can, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, narrated by Sue herself. There’s something magical about hearing the author read their own words, especially someone as funny and quick-witted as Sue Perkins. It almost felt like Sue was sitting in the garden with me, enjoying many glasses of wine together. Her narration is full of personality, and you can hear the emotional moments that truly resonate with her. The laughter and the tears felt even more genuine when delivered in her own voice. Sue’s narration improves as the audiobook goes on, with her confidence growing as she hits her stride. The humor, warmth, and insight of the book come through perfectly in her reading, making the listening experience just as rewarding as reading the paperback.

Whether you prefer to read or listen, “Spectacles” is a must for any Sue Perkins fan. I thoroughly enjoyed both the paperback and audiobook. Sue’s charm, wit, and humanity shine through in every word.

All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.

Tags: #Spectacles #SuePerkins #Book #audiobook #paperback #GotToKeepReading