The Marmalade Diaries cover art

The Marmalade Diaries

The True Story of an Odd Couple

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The Marmalade Diaries

By: Ben Aitken
Narrated by: Ben Aitken
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About this listen

From the author of The Gran Tour, a portrait of an intergenerational friendship.

Recently widowed, Winnie, 84, was in need of some companionship. Someone to help with the weekly food shop and offer tips on the crossword. Ben, 34, was looking for a new housemate.

As the UK was locked down in 2020, Ben and Winnie's lives interwove, forming an unlikely friendship, where lessons were learnt (heat the red wine in the oven with the plates, preserve or pickle whatever you can, never throw anything away) and grief, both personal and that of a nation, was explored.

Charting both their time together, and the details of Winnie's life that are shared with Ben in fragments, The Marmalade Diaries, from the author of The Gran Tour, is a very human exploration of home, of the passage time, of the growing relationship between an odd couple, told with warmth, wit and candour.

©2022 Ben Aitken (P)2022 W. F. Howes Ltd Friendship Grief & Loss Personal Development Relationships Feel-Good Funny Witty Inspiring Heartfelt

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All stars
Most relevant  
I love Ben’s writing and narration. When I finished listening to “The Gran Tours” I started listening to this. I know I’m going to find it tricky to explain why I enjoyed this book, I’m not very good at articulating things but Ben is, and well that’s it really….. it’s the story and details of two peoples everyday lives during the pandemic lockdowns, people who have ordinary, extraordinary lives. It’s also about food, gardens, families, getting old and might make you want to rediscover marmalade, I’m going to miss hearing more about Winnie.

As Ben said, like marmalade “bittersweet”

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Can relate to this. Dry humour of an elderly experienced lady. Your a top guy ben... Given... You could have helped more but like myself I would have felt awkward doing more. I hope winnies good. Made me think of my great grandmother. Look forward to hearing another book from you

Interesting

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Absolutely fantastic read from beginning to end, Narrated brilliantly. Such a lovely bond between Winnie and Ben. would highly recommend

Funny, thought provoking and adorable

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Wonderful glimpse of real people with all the judgement and yet no judgement.

Lovely voice.

A hug of a listen

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Bens book is beautifully written and shares his unique story that saw him living with 80 year old
Winnie Carter when lockdown thrust them together. There’s funny stories and Winnie’s wit to keep all readers thoroughly entertained. I feel like I know her and have loved Bens book from cover to cover. Must read.

From Winnie With Love

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Ben’s empathy and ability to recognise and understand Winnie’s grief was heart breaking and heart warming all at the same time. What a beautiful book about two beautiful people. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have downloaded Ben’s previous book the gran tour which I’m looking forward to.

Wonderful!!

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peaceful and thoughtful. A warm ,well written and poignant study of human relationship and friendship

Poignant

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Well first of all, the author narrated this book and it really worked, that’s not always guaranteed with audio books is it? The story itself? The love and compassion and humour really shone through, this unlikely pair went from rubbing along together as housemates to becoming unlikely age-gap companions who seemed to really appreciate and respect each other and it’s wonderful to hear this develop. I will definitely seek out more books by Ben Aitken, I’m hooked.

Extraordinary Housemates Who Got Along Famously

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Absolutely loved it, best thing I have come across in years. Looking forward to listening to some more from this outstanding author.

Got to listen to this. Sad when it ends.

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I recommend this book to anyone who has lived with their gran(or not); as I did off and on for many years.
Living with my gran their was always a story and a way to do things, this book brought these tales to life and created/reframed old sad memories and replaced with humour. My Nana Betty would approve. Just bought hardback for a family member.

Cried and Laughed!

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