A 2013 International Rubery Book Award winner. Sophie is torn between her love of Africa and returning to England for the sake of her career in television production. But when she falls ill on the set of a show she is directing, she soon finds herself stuck in bed, forced to take stock of her life. It sounds like a vel. But it isn't. Suspecting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Sophie's doctor at the BBC prescribes an extraordinary treatment: write a diary. So, armed with watercolours, and with the support of her family, friends, dogs and otters in rural Gloucestershire, she sets out to record a spiritual journey, which proves at times funny, poignant and uplifting. Our readers and judges thoroughly enjoyed your book. It was agreed among all the judges that you write with great style and insight and are a worthy winner. The International Rubery Book Award 2013 This charming, funny, beautifully illustrated book would make anyone feel better. Jilly Cooper, Author .. .all plaudits to you for trying to describe and find humour in your darkest hour. Clare Francis, Author I've just finished your book. I do congratulate you on a quite splendid achievement. The whole read is such fun, so joyful, so funny and so touching. I found it very lovable... I was quite enraptured by your lovely piece of work. Well done indeed. Richard Pilbrow, CEO Theatre Projects, Connecticut USA Your writing is so delightfully open and funny and full of fun. It's a breath of fresh air while also giving courage and perspective to others who struggle with long hard trials. Wendy Chandler, South Africa I am completely loving 'Funnily Eugh' in fact I have nearly finished it and cant wait for the next book. I will take my copy to the Seychelles. I relate so much to everything you are writing about and it really is amazing - such insights into life. Well done. It is just my kind of book. Sarah Collins, South Africa.
Sophie Neville became inadvertently well known as a child when she starred as Titty in the 1974 feature film of Arthur Ransome's book 'Swallows and Amazons'. After that sunshiny time she went on to work for the BBC behind the camera on television programmes such as Gerald Durrell's 'My Family and Other Animals', 'Doctor Who' and 'Eastenders'. Having produced her own 'Inset' series for BBC2 she was busy directing her second drama serial for children when she conked out, going down with a mystery illness. Sophie now lives on the south coast of England with her husband and enjoys trying to grow plants with pink flowers. Every year she disappears for a while to ride in different parts of the world and has also been known to go sailing, but only when the sun shines.