Post War
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 the 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.
Written by Diana Athill
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
On radio
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Reader | Stephanie Cole |
| Author | Diana Athill |
| Abridger | Kirsteen Cameron |
| Producer | Kirsteen Cameron |
Broadcasts
Mon 7 Dec 201509:45BBC Radio 4 FM- Tue 8 Dec 201500:30BBC Radio 4
- Mon 18 Dec 201714:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 19 Dec 201702:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 5 Oct 202608:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 5 Oct 202613:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 5 Oct 202619:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 6 Oct 202603:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
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