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Written in her 90s, Diana Athill debunks the myth that Britain in the 1940s and 50s was a mire of dreariness.

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

Written from the vantage point of her late 90s, 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.

Diana Athill's book, first published in 2015.

Read by Stephanie Cole

Abridged in five parts and produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.

Photo credit: Mark Crick

15 minutes

Last on

Tue 6 Oct 202603:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Credits

ReaderStephanie Cole
AuthorDiana Athill
AbridgerKirsteen Cameron
ProducerKirsteen Cameron

Broadcasts

  • Mon 7 Dec 201509:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Tue 8 Dec 201500:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 18 Dec 201714:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 19 Dec 201702:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 5 Oct 202608:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 5 Oct 202613:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 5 Oct 202619:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 6 Oct 202603:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra