I decided to read this book after seeing the movie, with Maggie Smith as the main character. I could not believe it was a true story, but indeed it was, as Alan Bennett always write about "life".At times the book was amusing but at other times quite sad. This feisty old independent lady who set up home in her van in his driveway for many years, brought much to his rather dull and lonely life, as well as to the residents of this "middle class" street. They all grew to care for her but she remained true to herself nd to her independence. As with all Alan Bennett's stories, I loved it. ( )