How Sophie's Log came to be published

From her earliest childhood, Sophie used to write about things and events and people that interested her, and as she became older she often wrote as well about her own thoughts and feelings. Sometimes her writing was in poetry form and sometimes it was in the form of diary entries or letters or notes.

At her funeral and again at her Memorial Service some of her writings were read out to the congregations. Many people kindly expressed their pleasure in hearing Sophie's words. It was suggested to the Trustees that a book should be compiled of selected writings, and sold to raise money for Sophie's Silver Lining Fund. The finished book, with illustrations also found among Sophie's papers, was published by Sophie's Silver Lining Fund in March 1999.

Sophie's Log - Publicity

The Trustees were greatly helped in promoting the book by advance reviews from Susan Hill, Joanna Trollope and Laurie Purden. These were printed inside the book, and extracts on the back cover page. Dame Judi Dench kindly wrote a foreword. Following its publication the book was sent to many newspapers and publications for review. To our delight glowing reviews were published in The Mail on Sunday, The Daily Mail and The Times Educational Supplement. It was named 'Book of the Month' by Just 17 magazine and by Yours magazine.

Regional television companies were interested in Sophie's Log, and the Large family were interviewed about the book and the aftermath of its publication.

Sophie's Log - Sales

We are most grateful for the help we have had from bookshops and book suppliers. Orders have poured in from all over the country. The book has been ordered in bookshops operating the Whitaker Telesales system. Bertrams Books and Gardners Books have facilitated many sales for us. Hatchards in Piccadilly displayed Sophie's Log in their window and agreed to stock copies. Blackwells in Oxford and Ottakars in Banbury also agreed to stock the book. The first 2000 copies sold out in three months. A further 2000 copies were printed in July 1999 , and the newspaper and magazine reviews were incorporated on the back cover and in full inside the book. There have been two reprints since.

Letters, donations and orders from readers

Probably the most moving outcome of the publication of Sophie's Log has been the outpouring, in countless letters, of readers' gratitude and appreciation of Sophie's writing. These letters have come from people of all ages, most of whom never knew Sophie at all. It seems to be particularly appealing to bereaved or troubled people.

Read some of the feedback on Sophie's Log.

After reading the book and about our Fund many readers have made donations. Sophie's Silver Lining Fund has received a considerable boost from sales of the Log and from the kind donations Sophie's writing has prompted.

Read the Foreword by our Patron, Dame Judi Dench