Another World

A poignant read about awakening ambition

Attractively maps out the stage in his odyssey between humble pub and broadcasting glory

The young Bragg is a winning protagonist, who presents much like his older self: thoughtful, open and generous in celebrating his contemporaries' talents, while forgiving their foibles

One of the joys of Back in the Day that continues in Another World is the peopling of people, just as you might expect of a seasoned storyteller, observing and deepening the backgrounds of names and faces surrounding Melvyn . . . moving back and forth between a world in flux, and a self in flux, the book is impressive as it recalls both painful and pleasurable memories. Self-reflection is handled skilfully through a mix of personal commentary and recreated dialogue. The feeling of time passing over these Oxford years, of friendships solidified, and the evolution of Melvyn's own relationship with his parents and with his Cumbrian background, all makes for immensely enjoyable reading

Bragg excels at capturing the weightlessness of university years

I tore through it

For the reader, it is all rather irresistible . . . the book ripples with warmth and self-mockery . . . Bragg writes beautifully about his uncomplicated, loving male friendships

Wonderfully meditative

Poignant and lyrical

A relaxed, engaging reading experience that carries us along as the author, now smiling ruefully at his younger self, tells a tale of good fortune cheerfully borne

Delightful . . . deeply touching . . . evocative

There are first loves, heartbreaks and moments of real poignancy. Mesmerising

Moving and evocative