The structure of this book is just . . .off.

Basically, there were four distinct sections. The first two had to do with The Lady in the Van. The initial section was entries from Alan Bennett's diary discussing the filming of The Lady in the Van. The next section was more of memoir recounting the time a homeless woman lived in her van on Bennett's property (the actual Lady in the Van story which apparently was made into a stage play and subsequently a movie).

Then, those two sections are followed by two fictional short stories that aren't particularly short. One story is about a male masseuse/prostitute that dies and relates what occurs at his memorial service. The final story is about a son contending with his hospitalized, comatose father.

Honestly, of the four sections, only the final story was worthwhile, and I really can't recommend reading the entire book just for that, good as it was.

The Lady in the Van is slightly intriguing because a famous person is allowing this indigent person to live right adjacent to his house, in a van, and there's something unusual and interesting about that scenario and the relationship between them. She's fairly snarky and not terribly appreciative, and he doesn't see himself as her savior - - or at least that's what he says, but I think he doth protest too much. But the story is basically ruined by being preceded by a total snorefest of diary entries that discuss the filming of the story. The editor should have discussed the filming AFTER the reader has actually read the story. I think if you surveyed people, 9 out of 10 would agree that the compilation and editing of this book just made no sense whatsoever.

I can't see buying this book, but if it does happen to cross your path. Read the last story only and call it a day. That one was a solid 3.5. ( )