Newcastle University

Do you remember what time of day you read when you were younger?

Well, I think it would be mainly after your tea and before you went to bed. Sitting by the coal fire. I mean, well, we didn’t have television when I was born, and the wireless […] that used to be lovely. […] I think then, before going to bed. But I think I read at odd moments. I can’t just sit and not do anything, so you know, I always had books propped up on the table. I think it’s probably always more or less been like that. Some of my books have marmalade on them and jam, and page twenty-two won’t come apart, you know! [laughs] You could probably tell one’s eating habits through the ages, couldn’t you!