Alive, Alive Oh! And Other Things That Matter by Diana Athill (Omnibus)
Written in her 90s, Diana Athill debunks the myth that Britain was dreary in the 1940s and 50s. Read by Stephanie Cole.
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.
Omnibus of five episodes abridged by Kirsteen Cameron.
Read by Stephanie Cole.
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
On radio
Broadcasts
- Sun 11 Oct 202607:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sun 11 Oct 202612:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sun 11 Oct 202618:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 12 Oct 202602:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
