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Unpublished Letters to The Daily Telegraph #12
You Couldn't Make It Up...!: Unpublished Letters to The Daily Telegraph
In a surreal and unprecedented year in which even the most seasoned commentators have struggled to keep pace with the news cycle, letter writers to The Daily Telegraph have once again provided their refreshing and witty take on events. Now in its twelfth year, this new edition of the best-selling series is a review of the year made up of the wry and astute observations of the unpublished Telegraph letter writers. Readers of the Telegraph Letters Page will be fondly aware of the eclectic combination of learned wisdom, wistful nostalgia and robust good sense of humour that characterise its correspondence – whether it’s suggesting the sci-fi Vulcan salute as an alternative to the now-discouraged handshake, or a parable of political dysfunction drawn from shopping in Ikea. From Covid to Corbyn, Trump to Top Gear, Brexit to Megxit, VAR to Marr, no one escapes their hilariously whimsical and sometimes risqué musings. With an agenda as enticing as ever, the twelfth book in the bestselling Unpublished Letters series will prove, once again, that the Telegraph’s readers still have a shrewd sense of what really matters.
- GenresNonfictionHumor
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2020
8 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 14, 2020
You Couldn't Make It Up...! is a collection of some of the unpublished letters written to The Daily Telegraph in a year of unprecedented upheaval. There's the funny, the irreverent and the intriguing, all of which did not make the cut and appear in the paper, but I'm so glad they have been put together here as it's a fascinating insight into human nature, British humour, first world problems and our stoicism despite adversity. Providing witty and interesting perspectives of the prominent events of 2020, this is a great read and a book you can easily dip in and out of.
I found myself laughing out loud many times. From COVID-19 to the Royal Family, the entertainment industry to politics, these short, snappy opinions and sharp observations are enjoyable and highly entertaining. The letter writers are from all over England and broach both serious and flippant topics throughout the anthology. This is a captivating book of amuse-bouches for the mind and a welcome escape from our current problems. Many thanks to Aurum for an ARC.
I found myself laughing out loud many times. From COVID-19 to the Royal Family, the entertainment industry to politics, these short, snappy opinions and sharp observations are enjoyable and highly entertaining. The letter writers are from all over England and broach both serious and flippant topics throughout the anthology. This is a captivating book of amuse-bouches for the mind and a welcome escape from our current problems. Many thanks to Aurum for an ARC.
January 8, 2021
English Review Below.
توقعت أن يعجبني هذا الكتاب وهو مجموعة من رسائل القراء التي لم تُنشر إلى "ديلي تيليغراف" البريطانية لأنني أحب الرسائل وأحب حس الفكاهة البريطاني، ولكنه خيب أملي. ووجدتني شبه مهتمة بالجزء الأول الذي يتحدث عن كوفيد وتأثيره والعزل المنزلي وما شابه وعضها أضحكتني، ولكن بالانتقال إلى قسم السياسة والترفيه، تحولت الرسائل إلى رسائل غاضبة من شيء لا أعرف الكثير أو أي شيء عنه. ووجدتني غير مستمتعة على الإطلاق.
I had very high expectations of this book of unpublished letters from readers of the Daily Telegraph because I love letters, and I love British humor, but this didn't do it for me. I think I was mildly enjoying the 1st section which was more related to covid and the home isolation and a lot of these were funny, but when it got to the politics and entertainment section, and it turned mostly into rants that I couldn't understand the context of, I lost interest.
I think I would've preferred if it focused on those letters relating to covid and lock-down and such, as it's more relevant and more telling of this era. But, sadly I didn't enjoy it that much.
I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC.
توقعت أن يعجبني هذا الكتاب وهو مجموعة من رسائل القراء التي لم تُنشر إلى "ديلي تيليغراف" البريطانية لأنني أحب الرسائل وأحب حس الفكاهة البريطاني، ولكنه خيب أملي. ووجدتني شبه مهتمة بالجزء الأول الذي يتحدث عن كوفيد وتأثيره والعزل المنزلي وما شابه وعضها أضحكتني، ولكن بالانتقال إلى قسم السياسة والترفيه، تحولت الرسائل إلى رسائل غاضبة من شيء لا أعرف الكثير أو أي شيء عنه. ووجدتني غير مستمتعة على الإطلاق.
I had very high expectations of this book of unpublished letters from readers of the Daily Telegraph because I love letters, and I love British humor, but this didn't do it for me. I think I was mildly enjoying the 1st section which was more related to covid and the home isolation and a lot of these were funny, but when it got to the politics and entertainment section, and it turned mostly into rants that I couldn't understand the context of, I lost interest.
I think I would've preferred if it focused on those letters relating to covid and lock-down and such, as it's more relevant and more telling of this era. But, sadly I didn't enjoy it that much.
I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC.
May 10, 2023
Didn’t enjoy this one as much as the last possibly due to not learning anything new. It’s basically letters from the start of Covid, Brexit and Meghan and Harry leaving. However, it still gave me a chuckle at some of the antics while some were in self isolation in UK. One gentleman sat in the sun in his garden while listening to the sea on his iPad. No doubt he’s had his real holiday by now! He was lucky to have a garden as my cousin lives above a shop and due to health issues was unable to get out for a while. As it says in the tittle ‘you couldn’t make it up’ it is so apt.
January 28, 2021
Funny and witty, the perfect 'coverage' of the start of the pandemic and how life had to change to adapt to it, amid all its foibles and intricacies. This is a quick read, reminiscent of those little quotes that pepper the Readers' Digest booklets. Irreverent at times, rollickingly funny at others, perplexing in some occasions, it is however a delightful little laugh and great to pass the time when one is looking for lighter fare
December 17, 2020
From questioning a band’s name (based on the age of its members that includes Phil Collins, shouldn’t Genesis be renamed Exodus?) to negotiating with the Grim Reaper for an extra year (because “2020 will be a write-off”), there is something in You Couldn’t Make It Up...! for every taste.
Here is your chance to revisit the start of the pandemic before it all reoccurs again in real life in 2021.
“In the latest bout of coronavirus-inspired panic-buying, I’ve resorted to using lettuce leaves as an alternative to loo paper. Is this just the tip of the iceberg?”
Or you can use religious philosophy to explain the weirdness of 2020. Note to Americans, substitute ‘the election’ for Brexit in the quote below to achieve the same feeling as our British friends.
“It is said that those whom God wishes to destroy, he first drives insane. After Brexit and now the lockdown, I fear that I may be at the top of His list.“
Finally, try to find the glass half full (or at least not completely empty).
“Shops are being cleared of store-cupboard essentials, as people prepare to hunker down. I always knew we non-traveling, pasta-loving introverts would inherit the earth.“
“At last I have discovered one positive aspect resulting from this crisis. I am far better-looking when wearing a face mask.“
Many of us have more leisure time right now. If the cloudy skies of Winter and an absence of holiday social gatherings have made you a bit melancholy, You Couldn’t Make It Up...! is a good antidote. It will make you smile, giggle, and occasionally guffaw. 5 stars!
Thanks to Quarto, White Lion, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Here is your chance to revisit the start of the pandemic before it all reoccurs again in real life in 2021.
“In the latest bout of coronavirus-inspired panic-buying, I’ve resorted to using lettuce leaves as an alternative to loo paper. Is this just the tip of the iceberg?”
Or you can use religious philosophy to explain the weirdness of 2020. Note to Americans, substitute ‘the election’ for Brexit in the quote below to achieve the same feeling as our British friends.
“It is said that those whom God wishes to destroy, he first drives insane. After Brexit and now the lockdown, I fear that I may be at the top of His list.“
Finally, try to find the glass half full (or at least not completely empty).
“Shops are being cleared of store-cupboard essentials, as people prepare to hunker down. I always knew we non-traveling, pasta-loving introverts would inherit the earth.“
“At last I have discovered one positive aspect resulting from this crisis. I am far better-looking when wearing a face mask.“
Many of us have more leisure time right now. If the cloudy skies of Winter and an absence of holiday social gatherings have made you a bit melancholy, You Couldn’t Make It Up...! is a good antidote. It will make you smile, giggle, and occasionally guffaw. 5 stars!
Thanks to Quarto, White Lion, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2021
When I was younger, I loved looking at letters to editors from magazines like the Reader's digest. I do not remember which version we got, but they did have people from other parts of the world and fewer contributions from India locally. This changed over the years, and so did the humour, but I remember the excitement of figuring out the punchline.
This book brought back those memories. It begins with general letters followed by more specific politics related ones. I did not get the latter ones because I have little to no understanding of the British political system. I liked that they printed the letters from both sides of a viewpoint (sometimes).
It is a collection of people who thought they had something to say intelligently and sent letters in. They did not get into the newspaper but got collected instead and put into this book.
It is a relatively quick read, although it cannot be read in one sitting, each section probably can. I enjoyed the experience, found some funnier than others, but I think it will resonate more with Britishers. Funnily enough, the disease ravaging the world has put much of the world in the same boat(for the first time ever I'd say, given that during wars there are opposing sides), so I think I 'got' parts of some letters which I might not have on any good year.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
This book brought back those memories. It begins with general letters followed by more specific politics related ones. I did not get the latter ones because I have little to no understanding of the British political system. I liked that they printed the letters from both sides of a viewpoint (sometimes).
It is a collection of people who thought they had something to say intelligently and sent letters in. They did not get into the newspaper but got collected instead and put into this book.
It is a relatively quick read, although it cannot be read in one sitting, each section probably can. I enjoyed the experience, found some funnier than others, but I think it will resonate more with Britishers. Funnily enough, the disease ravaging the world has put much of the world in the same boat(for the first time ever I'd say, given that during wars there are opposing sides), so I think I 'got' parts of some letters which I might not have on any good year.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
November 13, 2020
The birth of the neologism 'woke' and how it might actually have a meaning, bloody slow shop lifts, and ill-thought purchases of tinned ratatouille. Yes, it's remarkable how 'first world problems' as a phrase seems to have taken a back seat since the previous edition in this on-going series. I normally love these books, but at no time did I think this was one of the better ones. It may be because too much of it is coronasniffles-related, and treading so specific and unedifying a path. It may be because it's very much all over the place, jumping from one subject to another, losing coherence in topics and timelines. It may be because so many entries seem forced – people of a certain age and mien who should know better rushing to send off a message in the vain hope that a thirty-year-old joke about Groundhog Day will get to print. I may be falsely comparing it to the first of the franchise – which I remember laughing at very regularly, when I read it earlier in the year – but that had much more time to mature and a greater chance at being selective. There was no instance where I really felt like firing off my own letter to the editor about this, but it was much less of a success. Three and a bit stars.
November 21, 2020
It's amazing how universal some things are.
Reading the comments and asides of the British while under lockdown from COVID and just living through this year is an episode in understanding that we're not all that different. We worry about ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our countries. We make fun and worry about the ignorance and plain-old stupidity of our government. And have very fixed opinions on everything from the virus to the weather.
I would have rated this higher, but even with the commonalities, it does go rather heavily into British politics (no surprise there) and I only had a glancing knowledge of who less than half the people were. That made about two-thirds of the book mostly a miss for me. I tried to enjoy all of it, but would I be horrible in saying that it got too British?
There are definitely many things to entertain and, maybe if you're more familiar with British political characters, you'd get a kick out of the entire book. I did laugh out loud and I loved seeing how similar most problems are.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aurum Press for the read.
Reading the comments and asides of the British while under lockdown from COVID and just living through this year is an episode in understanding that we're not all that different. We worry about ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our countries. We make fun and worry about the ignorance and plain-old stupidity of our government. And have very fixed opinions on everything from the virus to the weather.
I would have rated this higher, but even with the commonalities, it does go rather heavily into British politics (no surprise there) and I only had a glancing knowledge of who less than half the people were. That made about two-thirds of the book mostly a miss for me. I tried to enjoy all of it, but would I be horrible in saying that it got too British?
There are definitely many things to entertain and, maybe if you're more familiar with British political characters, you'd get a kick out of the entire book. I did laugh out loud and I loved seeing how similar most problems are.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aurum Press for the read.
November 13, 2020
The editor of this collection notes that we have been living through unusual times. However no matter how hard things are or perhaps because they are difficult, people keep writing in to their newspapers. In this book, many of the letters received by the Daily Telegraph are published.
Following the introduction, topics include Family trials and tribulations, A year in politics, That’s entertainment, Trials, tries and celebrations, Home thoughts on abroad, Boldly going nowhere, Long to reign over us, Use and abuse of language and Dear Daily Telegraph.
The letters in this book can be read in any order and dipped into whenever the mood strikes. Some are very witty while others reflect current realities with a more subtle humor. All can be enjoyed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this engaging collection. All opinions are my own.
Following the introduction, topics include Family trials and tribulations, A year in politics, That’s entertainment, Trials, tries and celebrations, Home thoughts on abroad, Boldly going nowhere, Long to reign over us, Use and abuse of language and Dear Daily Telegraph.
The letters in this book can be read in any order and dipped into whenever the mood strikes. Some are very witty while others reflect current realities with a more subtle humor. All can be enjoyed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this engaging collection. All opinions are my own.
November 13, 2020
If you want to understand the British psyche and what makes our people tick then simply read the letter pages of The Daily Telegraph.
There have been many volumes of letters on all sorts of subjects that have previously been published - and here is another wonderful anthology of those that were not actually published in the newspaper.
Every subject you can think of is covered - serious and frivolous, and what shines through is the wit, intellect and sense of humour of most of the writers.
This is a wonderful book to dip into if you want to take your mind off the problems of the world today.
Great entertainment and highly recommended.
There have been many volumes of letters on all sorts of subjects that have previously been published - and here is another wonderful anthology of those that were not actually published in the newspaper.
Every subject you can think of is covered - serious and frivolous, and what shines through is the wit, intellect and sense of humour of most of the writers.
This is a wonderful book to dip into if you want to take your mind off the problems of the world today.
Great entertainment and highly recommended.
November 23, 2020
You Couldn't Make It Up...! provides us with numerous unpublished letters from Telegraph readers.
There were many funny and weird letters that gave me a laugh, but many missed the mark, be it because I'm not from the UK and don't know many of the referenced people, or because there were also many letters from what seem to be the most bitter of the elderly population.
I definitely think that the book is much better is you're aware of UK politics and know all the involved parties, as most notes involved them in some way.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
There were many funny and weird letters that gave me a laugh, but many missed the mark, be it because I'm not from the UK and don't know many of the referenced people, or because there were also many letters from what seem to be the most bitter of the elderly population.
I definitely think that the book is much better is you're aware of UK politics and know all the involved parties, as most notes involved them in some way.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
January 15, 2021
Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This book is basically what it says on the tin. Though it's more quotes than letters, as each snippet is, at most, 4 lines long. The subjects are wide ranging, covering Brexit, Covid, toilet paper shortage, spousal rivalry, etc.
Some of these are extremely funny, Readers Digest-style quotes. But a lot of them are just incredibly random, and feel like they were placed in here on accident.
I don't really know that there is an audience for this, but the bits that are funny are very funny, and I'm sure it would make a fine bathroom read.
This book is basically what it says on the tin. Though it's more quotes than letters, as each snippet is, at most, 4 lines long. The subjects are wide ranging, covering Brexit, Covid, toilet paper shortage, spousal rivalry, etc.
Some of these are extremely funny, Readers Digest-style quotes. But a lot of them are just incredibly random, and feel like they were placed in here on accident.
I don't really know that there is an audience for this, but the bits that are funny are very funny, and I'm sure it would make a fine bathroom read.
July 28, 2021
You Couldn't Make It Up...! Unpublished Letters to The Daily Telegraph edited by Kate Moore are letters sent to The Daily Telegraph in 2020, and so this is like a time capsule for 2020!
I thought this was so interesting to have a read through to see what people were making jokes or being worried about, and so a lot of the letters were about coronavirus and the lockdown.
You Couldn't Make It Up...! Unpublished Letters to The Daily Telegraph was published on 17th November 2020, and is available from Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop.org .
I couldn't find a link for where you could follow Kate Moore.
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Quarto .
I thought this was so interesting to have a read through to see what people were making jokes or being worried about, and so a lot of the letters were about coronavirus and the lockdown.
You Couldn't Make It Up...! Unpublished Letters to The Daily Telegraph was published on 17th November 2020, and is available from Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop.org .
I couldn't find a link for where you could follow Kate Moore.
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Quarto .
November 24, 2020
A book even a Yank can enjoy! While it may not pack quite as big a punch I still thoroughly enjoyed reading these letters to the Telegraph. Definitely needed a laugh while enduring 2020, this book provided a much needed respite. Touches on every subject you can imagine. Some funny, some spot on truth! All enjoyable!
Thanks Netgalley and Aurum for providing me with a complimentary copy. I voluntarily chose to review it. I also voluntarily chose to enjoy it!
Thanks Netgalley and Aurum for providing me with a complimentary copy. I voluntarily chose to review it. I also voluntarily chose to enjoy it!
November 18, 2020
This is an uncanny insight to the psyche of the everyday British humour. Our dry wit and cynicism showing through often, I found this book to be a laugh-out-loud occasion and shared many an excerpt with my friends who would find it equally humorous.
Thank you for the opportunity to read it in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you for the opportunity to read it in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 13, 2020
It has been awhile since I've read a book like this and I don't think I've ever read one cover to cover. It is pretty much as expected but with a covid lean. That was possibly the most interesting part. It had the usual laugh out loud moments, eye roll comments and typical 'Karen' moans. A quick read which did the job.
Thanks to NetGallery for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGallery for the ARC.
November 18, 2020
Such an insight into the minds of the British Public on a number of relevant topics. From the hilariously funny to the downright strange you can see why these letters just had to be published.
Another huge success in this series and a quick, funny read for these current times
Another huge success in this series and a quick, funny read for these current times
December 28, 2021
Absolutely hilarious! I love that people still write to newspapers even in these internet-enabled times.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 23, 2020
A great collection of letters sent to the Daily Telegraph throughout the course of this tumultuous year. Realistic and fun to read!
January 10, 2022
The 2020 version of the book that publishes the unpublished letters to The Daily Telegraph, a humorous and wry look at public thinking on the years events.
July 3, 2025
Given this edition was created amid COVID pandemic the laughs feel rather forced. Still had a good time, but many points flew over my head.
December 1, 2020
This is such a funny insightful book that really helps to sum up what we've been through in the last number of months. There are letters from the start of the year and it is really interesting to read where we've come from and remember some of the funny news in some wonderful satire. There were many times reading this I laughed out loud. This would be perfect as a Christmas gift for many different people within your life.
November 13, 2020
Brits have such a great sense of humor. I absolutely loved it and it was everything I needed. I laughed out loud so many times. I need this book in physical copy. I need more of books like this.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews