Sylvia SmithBorn in East London to working-class parents as the Second World War was drawing to a close, Sylvia Smith ducked out of a career in hairdressing at the last minute to begin a life of office work. A driving licence and a school swimming certifiate were her only qualifications, although she was also quite good at dressmaking. Misadventures was her first book. She died on 23 February 2013. Read More Read Less