Laughing at the Dark: a memoir *Ockham 2024 Shortlist*

'My own first memory is the cupboard door, and laughing, erupting with laughter' - a memoir about finding an identity, a voice and laughter. From the best-selling and acclaimed author Barbara Else, Laughing at the Dark is a funny, moving memoir about how she rebelled against being a 'good girl'. By the time she was in her forties, Barbara was married to a globally recognised academic physician and had two beautiful teenage daughters. As her writing career developed, her husband became angry at the prospect of her being anything but a housewife. In a moment of madness - or realisation - she packed her car and took off to live with the man who would become her second husband. With her trademark wit and humour, Barbara poignantly describes her transformation from a shy but stubborn child into a fulfilled and successful adult. 'I laughed and laughed, and I cried and cried. It's got everything in it except a murder.' - Lesley Graham, soprano (and totally unbiased sister)