Stop the Clocks

by Joan Bakewell

Stop the Clocks

Genres: Nonfiction, British Literature

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2017

About the author

Joan Dawson Bakewell, Baroness Bakewell, DBE, HonFBA, FRSA, is an English journalist, television presenter and Labour Party peer. Baroness Bakewell is president of Birkbeck, University of London; she is also an author and playwright, and has been awarded Humanist of the year for services to humanism.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of Jane Bakewell's musings and how things have changed in her lifetime. Beautifully written and easy to read. She considers a variety of subjects including Love, Work, Money and of course Death. Not at all depressing and she remains positive, considering changes rather than whether things are better or worse.
Gave me lots to think about.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOTW

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06z255v

Description: Since she reached the age of 80, Dame Joan Bakewell has been working harder than ever - campaigning, writing and sitting in the Lords. Now the former journalist takes a moment to reflect on the passage of time, and the changes she has witnessed in her lifetime. Her theme is 'thoughts on what I leave behind'.

Stop the Clocks is a book of musings, a look back at what Joan Bakewell was given by her family, at the times in which she grew up - ranging from the minutiae of life, such as the knowledge of how to darn and how to make a bed properly with hospital corners, to the bigger lessons of politics, of lovers, of betrayal.

At times joyful, at times pensive, she contemplates the past without regret, and looks to the future without fear, but with firm resolve. Once the 'thinking man's crumpet', Joan remains outspoken and outrageous.

1/5: the former journalist takes a moment to reflect on the passage of time, and the changes she has witnessed in her lifetime. Her theme is 'thoughts on what I leave behind'.

2/5: Remembering the extra-marital affair with Harold Pinter

3/5:Dubbed as 'The thinking man's crumpet'

4/5: Pondering over what will become of her body after death

5/5: Lost friends, and life affirming friends

Marianne Faithfull As Tears Go

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week:
Since she reached the age of 80, Dame Joan Bakewell has been working harder than ever - campaigning, writing and sitting in the Lords. Now the former journalist takes a moment to reflect on the passage of time, and the changes she has witnessed in her lifetime. Her theme is 'thoughts on what I leave behind'.

Stop the Clocks is a book of musings, a look back at what Joan Bakewell was given by her family, at the times in which she grew up - ranging from the minutiae of life, such as the knowledge of how to darn and how to make a bed properly with hospital corners, to the bigger lessons of politics, of lovers, of betrayal.

At times joyful, at times pensive, she contemplates the past without regret, and looks to the future without fear, but with firm resolve. Once the 'thinking man's crumpet', Joan remains outspoken and outrageous.

Producer: David Roper
Author/Reader: Joan Bakewell
Abridgers: David Roper and Joan Bakewell
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06z255v

[Jayne Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book. Very well written but a bit gloomy! Essentially it’s an autobiography of the history of her life. She’s now in her 80s & she alludes several times throughout the book to her impending demise! I’d hoped it would be a celebration of her life but maybe she isn’t in a very happy place. She has had an interesting life, is very intelligent & has strong opinions. Would I recommend it? Yes.

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this reflection on the passage of time and all the changes that shape people and society.
A very humorous book by someone I previously knew little about. Listened to on Radio 4.

[G Dickinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As she is in her 80s and is reminiscing, this book will only appeal to an older generation. I was reading with my book club (members over 70) and related to her narrative and enjoyed the easy way she writes.

[Ross Mountney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle trip down her memory with some insightful ideas as always from Joan.

[Gwen Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable at times emotional read

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very nostalgic and thoughtful.

[Vicky Denny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some gentle reflective musings, peppered with occasional heavy name dropping. Definitely a worthy individual with sound morals.

[Ruby Singh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only read one chapter and then abandoned it.
I actually have a signed copy and met Joan Bakewell at a literary festival and quite liked her at the time.
The book is very serious, overly descriptive about things I'm not interested in and boring. She has a very dry and unemotional writing style.
There's photos in the book, which are so poor quality that they add nothing to the story. I think if the photos had been in colour it might've helped.
Anyway, sadly my signed copy is off to the charity shop. Sorry Joan.

[Jeff Howells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. Bakewell links musings about the seasons (writing about them at a country cottage retreat) with reminisces about her life from childhood to old age and what she has learned along the way.
I would look at this as a sort of addendum to her memoirs. We learn quite a bit. Her relationship with her mother (not great), getting her foot on the career ladder, her affair with Harold Pinter and how, long after they had parted ways, she was barred from attending his memorial service.
It’s her honest assessment of ageing and death that will linger longest. She writes with a clear head and with no sadness at what is to come. If I get to her age with the same wisdom I will have no complaints.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is a gentle reflection on growing old and how one's perception of time changes. The only slightly jarring note are her comments about her affair with Harold Pinter and its aftermath. Clearly bitterness remains. However, her other msuings on her career and how things have altered in her lifetime are concise and apposite.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed sharing the authors thoughts on how times have changed in her 80 years. Having listed to Ms Bakewell over the years I could really hear he voice as I read. A good look back on our history.

[Clare Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Very Joan.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the beginning with her early childhood which referenced the times of my mother in law circa 1919 and of stories she told family….