The Marmalade Diaries

The True Story of an Odd Couple

By: Ben Aitken

Narrated by: Ben Aitken

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

very nice

Perhaps not a "feel-good" book, but I'd say it's a
"feel-real" one (if you'll allow) and I appreciate that. Bitterness and sweetness blended handsomely. Down to earth, but gently.

Extraordinary in the ordinary

The author has a Great voice and momentum for narration.
Wonderful experience for all to listen to, after all it’s about an unlikely friendship and commitment regardless. It’s truly beautiful and really quite funny too. I didn’t want it to end.

Emotional

Ben Aitken is a talented author, I look forward to reading more of his work. This book made me laugh out loud and cry many tears and adored the special relationship between Ben and Winnie. I certainly hope that Winnie is still with us, happily living out her last years and Ben still visits often. Love to have a Ben in my life! His parents should be incredibly proud of him.

Lovely

Beautiful book. Start reminder of what life was like during Covid. Touching story beautifully told. Very well narrated.