The funny, incredibly clever, and surprisingly touching autobiography about growing up in India and education in the 1960s in London, from the author of Diplomatic Baggage.

“Charming” - The Times
“Magical and stylish” - Daily Mail
“Wherever she writes from around the world, her warmth and sharp observations never fail to delight” - Financial Times

Brigid Keenan was never meant to live an ordinary life. From her early beginnings – a colorful childhood in India interrupted by independence and separation, then a return to dull post-war England and a postgraduate course in Paris with daughters of presidents and princes – normalcy did not seem to be her fate. When, at ten years old, she heard her mother describe her as “hopelessly ugly,” she decided immediately to look elsewhere: to charm, eccentricity, character, a career – anything, to avoid ending up at the bottom of the heap.

Fate often gave Brigid a helping hand – in the late 1950s, during her teenage years, she found work as an assistant at the Daily Express in London and at the tender age of twenty-one became fashion editor at the Sunday Times. It was the dawn of the swinging sixties, and London was the place to be. Brigid collaborated with David Bailey and Jean Shrimpton, styled her hair with Vidal Sassoon, drove around London in a mini-van, covered Paris Fashion Weeks, and was described by the press as a “Young Meteorite.” Despite her efforts, her enthusiasm – and her occasional naivety – could lead to awkward moments, like when she appeared to cover the Vietnam War in a mini skirt…

With honesty, humor, and surprisingly touching moments, Full Marks for Trying is an autobiography of coming of age that will entertain, delight, and have you laughing out loud.

“So funny, honest, and touching” - Deborah Moggach
“Vividly funny… charmingly different with a sharp memory” - Saga

Pages: 208, Year of Publication: 0601, Dimensions: 12.8x12.8cm