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4 Extra Debut. Written in her 90s, Diana Athill debunks the myth that Britain in the 1940s and 50s was a mire of dreariness. From December 2015. Episode 1 of 5.

Stephanie Cole reads from the collection of essays by acclaimed writer Diana Athill.

Written from the vantage point of her late nineties, Athill's essays are wise, cheering and thought-provoking. They range from gentle (her love of beautiful clothes), heartbreaking (the miscarriage of a much-wanted child) to salutary (her difficult decision to relinquish her independence and move into a care home).

In this first essay, "Post-War", Athill delights in debunking the myth that Britain in the 1940s and 1950s was a mire of dreariness. A young woman when the war broke out, peace and its aftermath was a time of joy, freedom and optimism.

Photo credit: Mark Crick

Written by Diana Athill

Read by Stephanie Cole

Abridged and Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.

15 minutes

Last on

Tue 19 Dec 2017 02:45

Credits

Role Contributor
Reader Stephanie Cole
Author Diana Athill
Abridger Kirsteen Cameron
Producer Kirsteen Cameron

Broadcasts

  • Mon 7 Dec 2015 09:45
  • Tue 8 Dec 2015 00:30
  • Mon 18 Dec 2017 14:45
  • Tue 19 Dec 2017 02:45

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