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This collection of Neil Gaiman short stories is sort-of aimed at children, teenagers, and young adults. Not all the stories involve mortal danger, and some are just mood pieces riffing on the themes of fantasy. Listen to the ghosts! Do go through the door! Do not go through the door!

As Gaiman quotes GK Chesterton, fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.

These tales have all appeared else where before, some in other Gaiman collections like Fragile Things. Locations from Gaiman's own childhood repeat - big houses, the Sussex countryside, etc.

The particular edition I read came from the Wrenbury Heath book swap depository in an old red telephone box, and I shall return it to circulation in other.

Seriously, this book needs a content warning - it's all cutesy sapphic cottage homemade soaps and cupcakes at the farmers market until the racoon gets its head stoved in.

I had already seen the film of The Lady in the Van staring Maggie Smith, so was intrigued to read the source. These are extracts from Alan Bennett's diaries, and cover the 20+ years he knew the eccentric "Miss Shephard". The bonus material is revealed after her death, how Bennett found out about her pre-van life.

There is much reflection on life, on politeness, and on guilt. During the Catholic funeral service it is clear Bennett is not a fan of their brand of Christianity.

The lady in the van is also a study in how to hold political views counter to one's own way of life. She admitted the hard right National Front party was probably closest to her views, yet politicians with those views would rejoice in having the streets jet-washed clear of homeless people.