Between the Stops - by Sandi Toksvig (Paperback)

About the Book

Sandi Toksvig's unconventional memoir, narrated through her observations from the Number 12 bus in London. From diverse topics like historical landmarks to personal anecdotes, it captures her unique perspective on life, ranging from her experiences at the BBC to memories of school and family. With Toksvig's trademark wit and insight, the memoir is a delightful journey filled with unexpected surprises.

Book Synopsis

Between the Stops is a sort of a memoir, my sort. It's about a bus trip really, because it's my view from the Number 12 bus (mostly top deck, the seat at the front on the right), a double-decker that plies its way from Dulwich, in South East London where I was living, to where I sometimes work at the BBC in the heart of the capital. It's not a sensible way to write a memoir at all, probably, but it's the way things pop into your head as you travel, so it's my way.

From London facts including where to find the blue plaque for Una Marson, 'the first black woman programme maker at the BBC', to discovering the best Spanish coffee under Southwick railway arches; from a brief history of lady gangsters at Elephant and Castle to memories of climbing Mount Sinai and, at the request of a fellow traveller, reading aloud the Ten Commandments; from the story behind Pissarro's painting of Dulwich Station to performing in Footlights with Emma Thompson; from painful memories of being sent to Coventry at a British boarding school to thinking about how Wombells Travelling Circus of 1864 haunts Peckham Rye and anecdotes about Prince Charles, Monica Lewinsky and Grayson Perry; from Bake-Off antics to stories of a real and lasting friendship with John McCarthy, to the importance of family and the daunting navigation of the Zambezi River in her father's canoe; this Sandi Toksvig-style memoir is, as one would expect and hope, packed full of surprise.


A funny and moving trip through memories, musings and the many delights on the number 12 route, Between the Stops is also an inspiration to us all to get off our phones, to look up and to talk to each other because as Sandi says: 'some of the greatest trips lie on our own doorstep'.

Review Quotes

Her writing style is as kooky and digestible as Bill Bryson's . . . Hop on this bus, grab a seat up top and prepare yourself for a fun-filled, fact-packed, memorable ride--Jackie Annesley, Sunday Times

Between the Stops is like browsing through a well-stocked museum of curiosities with a wise and kind guide; it's part celebration, part confession, part call to arms and wholly entertaining. Don't read it on the bus though - it will make you miss your stop--Stephanie Merritt, Observer

History and observation mix seamlessly as she looks at life from the top deck, and she's diverting on her own life--Sunday Times

The comedian, broadcaster and activist uses the meandering route of the number 12 bus, winding its way from her home in Dulwich, south-east London, to the BBC headquarters at Broadcasting House, to share a series of wonderful vignettes about her life--Herald

There are fascinating gems of London history along the way, acute observations of fellow passengers, personal asides about her marriage to psychotherapist Debbie, and the odd anecdote from the world of television. It's full of wit and wisdom--Radio Times

About the Author

Sandi Toksvig was born in Denmark, brought up in Africa, then America and moved to the UK when she was fourteen. She has been on British stage, screen and radio for over forty years and was awarded an OBE for Services to Broadcasting. She is the mother of three children, married and lives in London.