In February 2006 the comedian Linda Smith died from ovarian cancer.
Over the previous ten years Linda had established herself as one of the nation's funniest and best-loved comedians, voted the 'wittiest person alive' by BBC Radio 4 listeners. As any regular listener will testify, Linda was an acerbic political commentator, but she also had an eye for the absurdities of modern life - an eye to rival Alan Bennett or Victoria Wood.
In DRIVING MISS SMITH, Warren Lakin, … mehrLinda's partner for twenty-three years, tells Linda's life story, of growing up in a town called Erith, which wasn't twinned with anywhere, 'but does have a suicide pact with Dagenham,' and of becoming a much-loved Radio 4 fixture. It is a witty and moving memoir, and although it ends sadly, it is ultimately a hopeful book and a fitting tribute to a life filled with warmth, courage and laughter. weniger