📖 Overview
Deric Longden (1936-2013) was a British author and broadcaster known for his autobiographical works that combined humor with poignant observations about family life and personal challenges.
His most acclaimed books chronicled his experiences caring for his first wife Diana, who suffered from ME, documented in "Diana's Story" (1989). The book was later adapted into a television drama "Wide-Eyed and Legless" starring Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent.
Following Diana's death, Longden wrote several popular books about his life with his second wife, the writer Aileen Armitage, and their numerous cats. These works included "The Cat Who Came in from the Cold" (1991) and "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" (1994).
His writing style was characterized by its gentle wit and ability to find humor in everyday situations, particularly when describing his gradual loss of hearing and adaptation to life in Huddersfield. Longden's work earned him the Silver Award for Spoken Word at the Sony Radio Awards.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Longden's ability to balance humor with emotional depth when writing about difficult subjects like illness and loss. Many reviews highlight his talent for finding comedy in everyday situations while maintaining sensitivity.
What readers liked:
- Authentic, relatable storytelling about family life
- Detailed, affectionate portrayals of cats and their personalities
- Clear, unpretentious writing style
- Balance of light moments with serious themes
What readers disliked:
- Some found the pacing slow in certain books
- A few readers noted repetition between books
- Occasional complaints about too much focus on cats
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: Average 4.2/5 across all books
Amazon UK: 4.5/5 average
"Diana's Story" rates highest at 4.7/5
Sample reader comment: "He writes about devastating situations with such grace and humor - you'll laugh and cry on the same page." (Goodreads)
"The cat books are charming but it's his handling of serious subjects that shows his true skill." (Amazon reviewer)
📚 Books by Deric Longden
Diana's Story (1989)
Chronicles the author's life with his first wife Diana, her battle with ME, and their final years together before her death.
Lost for Words (1991) Details Longden's relationship with his elderly mother Annie and her declining health, incorporating both everyday encounters and significant life events.
The Cat Who Came in from the Cold (1991) Recounts the arrival of a stray cat named Thermal into the author's household and the ensuing changes to his domestic life.
I'm a Stranger Here Myself (1994) Chronicles the author's move to Huddersfield with his second wife, writer Aileen Armitage, and their adjustment to a new life together.
Enough to Make a Cat Laugh (1996) Describes life with an expanding family of cats, focusing on their distinct personalities and impact on the household.
A Play On Words (2000) Follows the author's experiences as his mother develops dementia, while dealing with domestic life and his growing menagerie of cats.
Lost for Words (1991) Details Longden's relationship with his elderly mother Annie and her declining health, incorporating both everyday encounters and significant life events.
The Cat Who Came in from the Cold (1991) Recounts the arrival of a stray cat named Thermal into the author's household and the ensuing changes to his domestic life.
I'm a Stranger Here Myself (1994) Chronicles the author's move to Huddersfield with his second wife, writer Aileen Armitage, and their adjustment to a new life together.
Enough to Make a Cat Laugh (1996) Describes life with an expanding family of cats, focusing on their distinct personalities and impact on the household.
A Play On Words (2000) Follows the author's experiences as his mother develops dementia, while dealing with domestic life and his growing menagerie of cats.
👥 Similar authors
James Herriot writes about his life as a country veterinarian in Yorkshire, combining humor with real-life encounters with animals and rural characters. His stories share Longden's warmth and ability to find comedy in everyday situations.
Gerald Durrell focuses on his experiences with animals and eccentric family members, particularly during his childhood in Corfu. His writing balances nature observations with family dynamics and humorous incidents.
Peter Mayle chronicles his life after moving to Provence, France, documenting interactions with locals and cultural adjustments. His work captures the same type of personal narrative and observational humor found in Longden's writing.
Bill Bryson relates his experiences through travel and everyday life, mixing personal anecdotes with historical facts. He shares Longden's eye for the absurd in ordinary situations and ability to craft compelling narratives from personal experiences.
James May writes about his life experiences and observations on modern living, incorporating both memoir and commentary. His work contains the same mix of humor and reflection that characterizes Longden's writing style.
Gerald Durrell focuses on his experiences with animals and eccentric family members, particularly during his childhood in Corfu. His writing balances nature observations with family dynamics and humorous incidents.
Peter Mayle chronicles his life after moving to Provence, France, documenting interactions with locals and cultural adjustments. His work captures the same type of personal narrative and observational humor found in Longden's writing.
Bill Bryson relates his experiences through travel and everyday life, mixing personal anecdotes with historical facts. He shares Longden's eye for the absurd in ordinary situations and ability to craft compelling narratives from personal experiences.
James May writes about his life experiences and observations on modern living, incorporating both memoir and commentary. His work contains the same mix of humor and reflection that characterizes Longden's writing style.