Book Review of Miranda Hart’s I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You.
Quote: “We all have a story. I suppose that’s what our lives are made up of: beautiful, unexpected stories of joy and despair, darkness and light, strength and vulnerability, in all their weird and wonderful guises. I know that I would not have been without the people- whether I’ve met them or not, whether they have been from completely different cultures and backgrounds or had completely different experiences- who have dared to share their stories, particularly their stories of pain and overcoming. I’ve felt connected, moved, heard, encouraged and informed by them” (Hart XIV-X)
One of the highlights of my Christmas break, was to enjoy Miranda Hart’s new book. I am a big, big Miranda fan and used to love her sitcom. She is so relatable to many of the daily life occurrences that can happen and make us feel awkward. You might know that she had a decade out of the spotlight and public life. I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You, is her explanation of that decade. I will not spoil the ending as I highly recommend reading this book. Miranda has battled illness across her life, and only found out four years ago that it is Lyme disease she has. The book is a journey of Miranda learning the science and mindfulness of coping when stuck at home unwell. I love how Miranda uses the term “treasures” to describe each chapter, and piece of key knowledge she imparts.
I have chosen a rather long quote from near the start of the book, both because as a young writer I relate so much to that and I think we all do. The idea we all have a “story” that we develop like a book as we go through our lives. The juxtaposition of “light” and “darkness” everyone faces is so relatable and true. Also, the way Miranda writes, “I know that I would not have been without the people,” it is a line that we can all say. People and our interactions with them, really do make our life story and identity what it is.
I agree when Miranda says, “I’ve felt connected, moved […] by them”. People are in our lives for a whole range of reasons, whether we chose them as friends or because we deal with them in a business sense. I often say that I believe people are in our lives for a reason, good or bad. Miranda shares a widely held thought on what gives life meaning. Then she takes a deep dive on her personal journey of coping with illness, infused with comic humour that she gives so well.
I could write much on this wonderful book, and hope you enjoy it and gain the same amount of insight that I did. I like how Miranda says on the days we really do not feel up to doing anything, even just doing some gentle exercises next to your bed, is something to feel happy about. Little steps are so important and self-care. This book gives you mindful, wellness, comedy and life writing all in one. A magnificent read!
Work Cited-
Photo- Flint, Sally. “sallyflint.com” SAL Flint. Date accessed: 18th March 2025. URL: sallyflint.com/book-review-on-Miranda-Hart’s-I-Haven’t-Been-Entirely-Honest-with-You.
Hart, Miranda. I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You. 1st Edition. Penguin Random House. U.K. 2024.