Interview by Lou with Linus Karp on The Fit Prince (Who Gets Switched On The Square In The Frosty Castle The Night Before Christmas 2 December 2025 – 3 January 2026 King’s Head Theatre, London
Welcome Linus Karp to Bookmarks and Stages. Thank you for the opportunity to interview you. They have a new show this Christmas running from 2 December 2025 – 3 January 2026. See further details, plus a link after the interview. First, here’s the synopsis of what it’s about, then there’s an entertaining and interesting interview about the play, its created location, subversion, Christmas films and so much more…
Panic! In Swedonia. The King is dead, and the Prince in line to the throne is unmarried – if he doesn’t find someone soon, he must forfeit the crown! Meanwhile, in New York City, baker Aaron Butcher is butchering his career as a family baker. His puppet colleague, the ever-optimistic Jenny Puppetson, secretly enters him for a mysterious royal commission in the faraway land of Swedonia: Aaron has been chosen to bake the wedding cake for the Prince himself. Extremely reluctantly, and mostly to spite his ex, Aaron accepts. Maybe a commission in a suspiciously familiar, completely fictional country will fix his problems… Audiences are invited to Swedonia – the perfect setting for the ultimate queer parody of all those Netflix and Hallmark romcoms you love to cringe at; the chaotic queer cousin to them all. Written by and starring Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, with original music by Golden Globe–nominated songwriter and producer Leland (Troye Sivan, Charli xcx, RuPaul’s Drag Race) and multiple surprise cameos, The Fit Prince is a joyous subversion of heteronormative romcoms and a love letter to Karp’s native Sweden.
Without further ado, let’s find out what was said:
What inspired your play?
Joseph and I spent Christmas 2022 ill with covid. For close to two weeks, we watched endless Netflix and Hallmark holiday films. We felt like we wanted to put our own awkward prods spin on one of those stereotypical storylines, making it queer to the max. We added A LOT of audience participation, cameos from many of our fave people, some catchy musical numbers written by Leland and, of course, some beautiful puppets.
The play is said to flick through the Net of traditional holiday movies, bringing all their Hallmarks together in the signature awkwardprods way. How did you go about weaving the feeling of those types of films into your play and what attracts you to this type of comedy?
There is something really fun in embracing clichés and predictable moments and then create surprises around that. It’s also fun to take what is traditionally heterononormative stories and make them queer.
The play is set in the fictional place in Swedonia with a prince who is next in line to the throne and is yet unmarried, which poses a problem. It sounds a bit fairytale like, what inspired this part of the premise in your play?
We wanted to create a fictional world, that’s to some extent removed from reality. Being Swedish, it felt really fun to play with people’s ideas of what Sweden is in creating that world – making Swedonia equal parts a fantasy land and a love letter to Sweden.
There’s a lot of playfulness in the names, Aaron Butcher and Jenny Puppetson, what were the discussions like when coming up with those names?
I thought Puppetson was a really funny name, Joseph wasn’t sure, but I put it as a placeholder in the first draft, and soon enough we both loved it. Because Aaron’s a baker it just felt very stupid that his surname would be Butcher, and we love stupid.
There’s romance and a bit of subversion, can you tell us a bit more about that?
Well, it’s Christmas. And at Christmas you tell the truth. Which is that love, actually is all around. So it felt natural to incorporate that into the story. The people need more queer love stories.
What are some of you favourite Christmas films?
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, The Christmas Prince, The Princess Swithch, A castle for Christmas, The Knight Before Christmas – Josh Whitehouse who is the romantic lead in that film actually makes a video appearance in Fit Prince. And the show also sees a tribute to the Queen of Netflix Christmas movies – Vanessa Hudgens.
What do you like most about Christmas?
Personally, I never feel like it’s Christmas until I’m performing our show the Fit Prince at King’s Head Theatre.
Where can people find out more about and follow your play
Head to your favourite social media and follow @awkwardprods to find out more about Fit Prince, and our other shows; Gwyneth Goes Skiing and Diana:The Untold and Untrue Story
The Fit Prince (Who Gets Switched On in the Square in the Frosty Castle the Night Before Insert Public Holiday Here) is at King’s Head Theatre from Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, with original music by Golden Globe–nominated songwriter and producer Leland . Tickets available HERE
Meet Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Morecambe in a dressing room. Sounds a bit surreal, right? But this is where a sparkling kind of magic occurs. They’re not just funny, but they’re funny, funny, see the show to get the reference. The Last Laugh is performed by:
Damien Williams plays Tommy Cooper Simon Cartwright plays Bob Monkhouse Bob Golding plays Eric Morecambe
I saw The Last Laugh at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow which is what this review is based on. I first saw it and reviewed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is on a grand tour, more details later in this piece. I don’t often go to see a show more than once. This is that good and finely honed. I have written a new review to give you something different to read. Just shows, there’s a lot to glean from this show, but no spoilers… I also have a whole extra bit to reveal… I thought The Last Laugh deserved a second viewing in a bigger theatre to see how it faired. I am so pleased to say, it still has the same magic, if not more and is on tour now. See details about how you can get your hands on tickets too after the synopsis and my full review below…
Synopsis
The Last Laugh sees three legendary comedians – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – sitting in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny. Written and directed by the award-winning Paul Hendy and starring Edinburgh Fringe-legend Bob Golding as Morecambe, Damian Williams as Cooper and Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse, The Last Laugh is warm, funny, nostalgic and poignant.
Review
3 actors walk into a dressing room… They’re not just funny, but they’re funny, funny (see the show for that reference).
From the moment Damien Williams walked on stage as Tommy Cooper, (check out the feet) with the famous chuckle that builds and builds, it got off to a strong start. This strength never dipped throughout the show. By the time Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse and Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe enter the theatre dressing room, the atmosphere is palpable and the compelling nature of this play gets even stronger.
There are some lovely, heartwarming touches, not only between the comedians who are being played, but also with a montage of pictures and chat about other comedians who have also dearly departed the earthly stage.
The repartee as they try out their acts and just chat feels so realistic, as do the mannerisms, personalities, costume and make-up. There are parts that the audience are subtly made aware of about the state of the comedians health, and perhaps not so subtly in Tommy Cooper’s at times, but at times, it is nuanced, with an expression, a certain positioning of the body. Damien Williams carefully lets you see beyond the laughter and at the same time, Simon Cartwright and Bob Monkhouse are also doing something noticeably funny at the other end of the stage. There’s something sophisticated and clever about how this all works. There are fantastic references to each of the shows Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse, Eric Morecambe were in.
The talent doesn’t stop there. There’s music from a ukulele and songs to be heard, all done live by the actors.
The poignancy, the sacrifices the partnerships they have or in Monkhouse’s case, had is not only fascinating, but draws you closer to each of them as the actors allow you a glimpse into their inner thoughts and emotions. There are moments when it gets quite deep and then suddenly switches to another joke.
The actors always look like they’re having a ball on stage and the audience were all enjoying themselves too. The energy and passion they bring leaps off the stage and is palpable in the auditorium of the theatre.
I feel like I could write more, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
There is a newly added interval and the second half brings a Q&A session, which they all handled magnificently. They are passionate about who they’re playing and it just oozes from stage to audience.
The way it ends is cleverly done and follows from the poignancy that appears throughout the show. There is a bit of a bittersweetness to it all because of course none of the comedians are alive, but if they were, I think they’d approve. I like to think so anyway because the actors have done them and the audience justice. They’ve also given dead comedians a new lease of life in a considered, thoughtful manner. I feel this show will go from strength to strength and I think the actors could play more of these “old-timers”.
We were informed about the tour going on this year and the following year. I was in awe by it last year. I am still in awe this year and how this has grown from the Fringe to the West-end to New York and back to touring in the UK is deserved. can’t praise the concept, the writing nor the actors highly enough!
This is a show you can easily watch again and still be highly entertained.
Discover further information about how you can also see The Last Laugh here: Tour Dates and Booking
Interview hosted by Louise Cannon with Comedian, Robyn Perkins and Psychologist, Dr. Carolyne Keenan Shrink Wrapped: A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage
Comedy For The Curious – Shrink Wrapped The Lounge at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House 31 Jul – 24 Aug 20:45 1 hour
Welcome, Robyn Perkins and Dr. Carolyne Keenan to Bookmarks and Stages. Thank you for your time in answering all my questions in an in-depth, fascinating manner.
Robyn Perkins is a multi-award winning comedian with hit shows such as Comedy for the Curious. She is said to like investigating life. She tackles big emotionally charged subjects and brings it back to the audience with relatable humour and anecdotes.
Dr. Carolyne Keenan is a fully-qualified, licenced, registered psychologist who is founder and clinical director @ Lotus Psychology Ltd. She has also featured on BBC Radio 1 in programmes such as the popular, Life Hacks, The Independent, Psychology Today and more…
The idea of bringing comedians on-stage together in a group therapy type of scenario, with a psychologist really analysing them, sounds a fascinating and original show. It’s a pleasure to interview you both about this, covering what you hope audiences will get from this, what psychologists really think of clients and so much more… The answers truly are fascinating and insightful. Firstly, we will check out the synopsis and then on to the Q&A before details on where you can catch Shrink Wrapped in Edinburgh.
Ever been deep in a therapy session and gone: I want to know what the hell she’s thinking? Well now’s your chance… with comedians in the hot seat. Join award-winning comedian Robyn Perkins and real-life psychologists (Dr Ruchi Sinha, Dr Carolyne Keenan or Dr Edel McGlanaghy) for the most entertaining therapy session you’ll ever witness. Guest comedians perform their best material, before submitting themselves to gentle psychological probing in front of a live audience. Don’t worry, we’ve got more safe words than a BDSM convention.
Without further ado, let’s begin with the questions I have for you:
Robyn, What gave you the idea to have a comedy show around the topic of therapy and then add in real psychologists into the mix?
It actually started in Adelaide when I had one of our psychologists on Comedy for the Curious (my science comedy panel show, also in Edinburgh). During the show, the psychologist (Dr. Ruchi Sinha) just read all of the comedian guests, from a psychological point of view. After the show, we chatted about how that would make an incredible show on its own, and the raw idea was born. From there, I have developed the idea into a full-blown panel show, developing the structure into what it is today.
Dr. Keenan, how did you become involved in this show and how is it being in the mix of a comedy show and at the same time giving your psychological opinion in front of a live audience?
I was invited to be part of Shrink Wrapped because I had already been a guest expert on Robyn’s show Comedy for the Curious. We had been working together for a while when Robyn came up with the concept for Shrink Wrapped. I’ve always believed psychology shouldn’t just stay in clinic rooms or textbooks, it should be part of everyday life. When Robyn described the show and the concept of combining comedy with psychological insights, I thought it was brilliant.
Being part of a comedy show is exciting and I love meeting all the comedians. It’s different from my therapy work but it uses the same skills- listening deeply, noticing patterns, and reflecting back what I hear. The difference is that on stage, we’re exploring these insights with humour, warmth, and openness in front of a live audience. I love that it makes psychology accessible and fun, while also highlighting the very real human truths that comedy often touches on.
Dr. Keenan, can you give an example of what do psychologists think of their clients, since that is a little of what’s billed in the show that makes it sound so interesting?
People often wonder what psychologists really think about their clients. The reality is, we’re human and often I’m thinking very similar things to what you might be:
“I wish they could see how great they are.”
“They really need to get rid of this idiot, they’d be so much happier.”
“I wish they would focus less on how much their favourite influencer has helped them and give the sessions we have been having some credit!”
In Shrink Wrapped, the audience gets a playful glimpse into how psychologists analyse behaviour and language. For example, a comedian might make a joke about not feeling good enough growing up and I might explore whether that contributed to their attraction to a job where they are constantly seeking immediate and positive approval from an audience. It’s done with kindness and humour though, not judgement, which is what makes it so engaging.
Robyn, Shrink Wrapped has done hugely well at the Adelaide Fringe having sell-out shows. What can people in Edinburgh expect and what do you hope they take away with them at the end of the show?
The concept of Shrink Wrapped seems to intrigue most people, but I think it is the structure behind it that gives the show it’s depth. I have worked with a few psychologists to refine a list of topics we explore across the shows (eg. Conflict, Trust, Romantic Relationships, etc.). Each show tackles a few of the topics in a group therapy session between 3 comedians and a psychologist.
Because the discussion is based in real therapy concepts, the show inherently flips between serious and funny, emotional and light hearted. Equally, I have chosen comedians who are, by nature, quite vulnerable on stage so the chat will occasionally reach emotional moments. However, with 3 comedians on stage at one time, this also means we are desperate to crack a joke if it gets too intense. It is the ebb and the flow of these moments that really makes the show special.
Additionally, since we are talking about real events and real people, we have found that audiences relate to at least one of the comedians on stage, in an ‘I do that’ or ‘that’s me’ kind of way. We are hoping that this can also spark conversations about mental health in a positive and fun way. I know using humour to explore mental health is not a new concept, but watching 3 comedians talk about their mental health in the form of a live therapy session is new territory we are excited to be exploring.
This year in Edinburgh, we are doing the Free Fringe (free entry with donations after the show), and while you cannot book ahead, based on feedback we have had about the show, we are expecting to be just as busy as Adelaide.
Dr. Keenan, what do you hope the audience will have learnt and take away with them by the end of the show?
I hope the audience leaves with:
A sense of relief – realising we all have quirks and struggles, and humour can be a brilliant way to explore them.
A new curiosity about themselves and others – understanding that behaviour always makes sense when you look deeper.
A feeling of connection – seeing comedians open up about their lives helps us feel less alone in our own messy human experiences.
Ultimately, I want people to feel entertained, uplifted, and inspired to reflect on their own lives with more compassion and humour.
For both Dr. Keenan and Robyn, how did you convince 8 comedians to be on stage doing some form of group therapy with 3 psychologists present. Was this an easy or hard task to do?
Dr. KEENAN: I think comedians are naturally curious and brave, they’re used to being vulnerable on stage and they quite like talking about themselves! When they realised this show wasn’t about picking them apart but about exploring their material and personalities in a fun, supportive way, they were on board.
Also, Robyn’s energy and the framing of the show as “science comedy” rather than “group therapy” helped. It wasn’t about fixing them – it was about exploring some of their material through a psychological lens. That made it feel safe and exciting rather than threatening.
ROBYN PERKINS: Similar to what Dr. Keenan has said – as a comedian we love talking about ourselves! But more than that, comedians are curious by nature. I have been overwhelmed by the number of comedians who have asked to be on the show. It’s been fantastic! No convincing necessary!
For both Robyn and Dr. Keenan, what did you both learn from doing this type of show that you would take forward into your careers moving forward and would you do something similar again in the future?
Dr. KEENAN: For me, it reinforced how powerful humour is in making psychological concepts accessible. People learn best when they’re engaged and laughing. I also learnt that psychology belongs everywhere – not just therapy rooms but in arts, media, and entertainment. I regularly take part in BBC Radio One’s Sunday evening show Life Hacks where we take topics that impact the listeners and explore the psychology behind them. We often have call in questions so I’m comfortable thinking on my feet and making these insights accessible and actionable but doing it in front of a live audience on stage has helped me practice those skills and feel even more comfortable with it.
I’d absolutely love to do something similar again. Bringing psychology to audiences in creative ways is something I’m deeply passionate about, and Shrink Wrapped has been a perfect example of how that can work- long may the show continue!
ROBYN PERKINS: I have learned I probably need to do more therapy! I have actually learned a lot about myself, both from comments about me and my set, but I’ve also learned things from watching others. I am hoping this show continues far into the future.
What made you choose Edinburgh Fringe for Shrink Wrapped and what are your plans for where this show can go next?
I go to the Fringe every year, and do the global festival circuit, so it was a no brainer to bring it to EdFringe! Through at least December, we are performing monthly at Top Secret Comedy Club in London at the moment. We will bring the show back to Australia next year. But also, we are looking to potentially start touring the show around theatres and the rest of the UK. The possibilities are endless!
Podcasts. They’re still big business, containing all sorts of interesting insights into humans. The Pod Couple very cleverly sets itself up like this, but in book form, letting you see all sorts of aspects of life, especially love and the human condition.
Blurb
When Chloe Adams embarked on the publicity tour for her new book, she didn’t expect to appear on a live radio interview alongside Joe Harris promoting his memoir on the same subject.
Relationships.
They had last met years ago when Chloe abruptly ended theirs. Now a successful journalist, she is married to an equally ambitious film director, while Joe, still single, has struggled to move on.
The spiky reunion leads to an offer they can’t refuse – hosting a podcast about failed relationships – and three months later they launch Ex-Communicate, exploring other people’s heartbreak while tiptoeing around their own complicated history. Their on-air chemistry makes the podcast a rapid hit, but as their professional success grows, they’re forced to confront the feelings they’ve buried for over a decade. Soon they realise there is a price to pay for discussing their emotions so openly in the pursuit of downloads.
The Pod Couple is a witty examination of our cultural obsession with failed relationships, exploring the uncomfortable truth that time rarely heals. It just makes things more complicated.
‘Wickedly clever and gloriously sharp’
Rob Rinder, author and broadcaster
Review
The Pod Couple is sharp with wit and emotion. It fascinatingly takes readers into the podcast diarist which readers can get to know what’s been going on in the lives of Chloe and Joe over the past few years. The layout and format of the book works really well for this.
The Pod Couple interestingly allows readers to glean over the culturally popular reasons why people may tune into a podcast and why we like hearing about relationships. The storytelling comes across at times as brutally honest when it comes to relationships, parenting duties and more… perhaps some readers will recognise the feelings of all or part of the elements.
The exploration and directions the books take you into, in-terms of human nature and the way the characters relate to each other is compelling, especially as they dig into their pasts that then holds something for their present and perhaps their future. It’s also honest how it doesn’t sugar coat failed relationships and how time is not necessarily a healer.
This cleverly written book is rather refreshing and one to give a try this summer.
Interview by Lou with Toby Mitchell The Elmer Adventure
Elmer The Patchwork Elephant is on tour in a highly anticipated, very colourful, very exciting new stage play – The Elmer Adventure, adapted from those worldwide famous books by David McKee. More about that in a moment.
Thanks to The Space InBetween, I have had the absolute pleasure to interview the Award Winning Artistic Director Toby Mitchell from “Tall Stories” (Room on the Broom, The Gruffalo and more… Discover more later in the interview) about this new play suitable for 3 year olds plus.
Welcome Toby to Bookmarks and Stages.
Elmer was created by David McKee and first published by Andersen Press in 1989. There are 30 picture books in the series and more novelty titles. Elmer has since gone on to sell over 10 million copies in over 60 languages. In the original classic book, Elmer realises that it is his differences that make him who he truly is, and these differences are what his friends love about him. ‘The Elmer Adventure’ is a new show that brings together three David McKee stories, ‘Elmer’, ‘Elmer and the Tune’ and ‘Elmer and the Hippos’.
Everyone is invited to come to see the show wearing their most colourful clothes and accessories.
So, on with the interview and some rather fun cast photos. You can find out at the end where you too can join in fun of stories, magical puppetry, playfulness, songs and humour about a quest, friendship, acceptance and more…
1. Who or what inspired you to become a director and what was your pathway into this profession?
I’ve worked as a performer and as a director. When I was performing, I gradually realised that I preferred seeing the whole picture, rather than focusing on a smaller part of it. I originally studied French & German at university (and did loads of music and drama alongside) – I did an MA in Theatre Practice a few years later. Tall Stories was a very small company until we came across The Gruffalo story, just before the book became famous, and excitingly, we managed to get permission to put it on stage!
2. Elmer has had a very long life with many generations of children reading the books, meaning expectations are high. What made you decide to create a live action stage show of Elmer?
The stories are brilliant! Such life and humour and joy. Also, the world loves Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, and 10 million books have been sold internationally. David McKee wrote over 30 Elmer books, which have been translated into more than 50 languages. So we came up with a satisfying way of telling three of the stories together in one show that would involve an exciting onstage journey for our three storytellers/performers too. Elmer is a well-travelled elephant, and that’s why we wanted to bring him to life on stage in a magical way, and we specially developed a life-size puppet for a big reveal.
3. How did you go about getting permission to create the stage show and was this an easy or challenging process?
We were competing against three or four other companies, so it was both exciting and an honour to get the rights! And now, having the opportunity to translate it for the stage has been great fun! As well as co-creating the script, I had a hugely talented creative team on board: designer, composer, lighting designer, sound designer, costume supervisor, and many others. When the audience enters the auditorium, it really feels like they’re stepping into the heart of a magical jungle. At Tall Stories, we have become known for our unique design and audience interactions through all our shows. In particular, we have a style of ‘try it at home’ storytelling, and we know that children re-enact the story and dress up when they are back at home, which is great for their development.
You’ve talked about bringing playfulness and the magical spirit of Elmer to the stage. How was it to get inside the head of a 3 year old plus mindset and direct a play that would hold their attention and create magical memories?
Essentially, I’m still a big kid – many people who work in theatre are. When we bring picture books to life on stage, we’re able to bring so much more to the original text and pictures. The trick is to tell great stories and take your audience (younger and older) seriously. Then you need to add humour, music, songs, and (when needed) puppets. Our near-lifesize Elmer puppet is a thing of beauty. There’s also extra dialogue, jokes, music, puppetry – and we engage with and interact with the audience throughout the show. All of these elements add hugely to the audience’s experience and create great memories for families.
4. How can people find out where to see the play and where can they follow you on social media?
5. Have you any other projects in mind at the moment?
Always! I’m especially proud of our famous adaptation of ‘The Gruffalo’ and our show celebrates its 25th birthday next year! ‘The Smeds and The Smoos’ is currently on tour, and The Gruffalo’s Child is on a national tour from September. Over our 28 years of existence (and 20 years as a charity), we’ve produced over 30 shows. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to spend my life making theatre for young children and families that captures their imaginations.
UK Tour Dates
Fri 27 – Sun 29 June: Norwich Playhouse, Norwich Booking LINK
Sat 5 – Sun 6 July: Chelmsford Civic, Chelmsford Booking LINK
I am absolutely delighted to be able to review By Your Side by Ruth Jones, having enjoyed her previous books and tv work, thanks to Rosie at Transworld, Penguin Random House. The writing and creativity of Ruth Jones is divine! Readers are in for a treat of a rich, heart-warming, witty, emotional page-turning read with a rather unusual reason attached to travel to a remote Scottish island… Check out the blurb and review below…
Blurb
DON’T MISS THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE BAFTA-WINNING CO-WRITER OF GAVIN & STACEY.
‘Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can’t help but fall in love with the characters she creates.’ JAMES CORDEN
The joyful and life-affirming new novel from the co-creator of Gavin and Stacey and the Richard and Judy Book Club author of Love Untold.
Linda and Levi will never meet. But they’re going to change each other’s lives.
In her role at the council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda Standish investigates the lives of those who’ve died alone and tracks down any living relatives. She’s been a friend to the friendless for the past thirty-three years. And now she’s looking forward to an early retirement.
But before she hangs up her lanyard, Linda takes on one last case – that of Levi Norman – a Welshman who made his home on a remote Scottish island for the past five years.
What brought Levi here? And who did he leave behind? Obliged to travel (by hearse) with her arch nemesis Fergus Murray, and helped (and hindered) by local residents, Linda searches for clues to a life now lost. And in the process unexpectedly makes new friends, and discovers things about herself she never knew.
Bursting with all the heart and humour that has made Ruth’s name as a screenwriter and author, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding onto friendship, love and community – especially when life gets messy.
Review
The Unclaimed Heirs Unit is a fascinating place. Imagine working there trying to piece together people’s belongings and unite them with their new owners. Linda Standish did that, and now, on the cusp of retirement, she takes on one final case. One which takes her to a Scottish island.
By Your Side draws you in with a little humour and a fantastic beginning and that’s it, the hook that doesn’t let go until the end, and even then, not completely, is there, compelling you to read on until the end.
Living in Scotland, myself and travelled around the country a bit, I can say she’s certainly done her research or used experiences well. I am impressed she has chosen, to mention Crainlarich, Perth and more… It’ll feel like a real adventure and road-trip for readers, especially those who have perhaps not heard of these places before. It’s also nice to see them get a mention with that feeling of familiarity for those who have heard of them or, like me, travelled to or through them.
By Your Side is exceedingly heart-warmingly emotional and highlights what is quite an unusual job, showing much care and attention so the deceased are not alone.
Ruth Jones brings together community, travel and discovery together that’s so absorbing that you forget the time as you’re drawn deeply into the plot and characters.
Linda is a fabulous written character who you really get to know, from her love pf chocolate, her kindness and pet hates.
Ruth Jones writes in quite an evocative way that makes you care about why Levi was on such a remote island and makes you want to know more about whether an heir will be found. The people you meet along the way are either enlightening, enriching or intriguing, humorous or a whole mixture.
Cleverly written, By Your Side has the contrast of the actual journey taken to the island with that of the life journey Linda Standish finds herself on. In turn it sends readers on quite the journey themselves throughout what quickly becomes a page-turner of a read.
By Your Side by Ruth Jones is a book I highly recommend isn’t just by your side, but in your hand as you settle down with a cuppa and allow the warmth and humour to ooze out of the pages into your very being. By Your Side is a book you could pick up and read time and time again.
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 