Michael ‘Parky’ Parkinson’s latest book starts out being a history of his close relationship with his father, John William Parkinson, Yorkshireman, miner, humourist and cricketer. However, Michael arranged for his youngest son, Mike Parkinson, to help out and Mike writes a few surprisingly honest chapters about his relationship with his father, grandfather, mother and grandmother.

Even though Michael states he found these chapters uncomfortable reading, he did not request they be toned down. Parky does own up – before we get to read what his youngest son writes – to a tendency to fret; to be taciturn; to having a short fuse; and is definitely ‘not full of optimism and vim in the face of adversity’. Mike goes much further.

John William Parkinson spent much of his life underground, in partial darkness, digging out coal with the possibility of death – through cave-ins and lack of oxygen – at any moment. Many of his work-mates were unable to cope with the demands mining placed upon body and spirit and, sadly, took to drink as a way to relax. Parky’s father decided the best cure for all ailments was a good dose of fresh air and an even bigger injection of sporting content, especially cricket.

This family story is far more than a mere collection of misty-eyed reminiscences. The book goes outside the Parkinson family to include candid comments on other father/son relationships. Emotional moments from James Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Tom Hanks and a few others will enthral; the disturbing disclosure by the 6th Earl of Carnarvon will raise your blood pressure.

Every son who has struggled with a father/ son relationship or lack of one should read this book.

Reviewed by Clive Hodges