BBC program on memoirist Diana Athill

dpaterso · Jul 1, 2010

A fascinating program, which UK viewers should still be able to catch on BBC iPlayer for the next few days.

Imagine - 2010/11 - 4. Growing Old Disgracefully
http://bbc.co.uk/i/sz455/

"No one writes more frankly about sex, love and death than Diana Athill."

At the age of 92, Diana Athill is suddenly a celebrity. Her frank and entertaining memoirs, mainly written after the age at which most people retire, chart a life less ordinary. She's had a string of love affairs, mainly with married, black and/or younger men; enjoyed fifty years of success as an editor, worked with writers as distinguished as Jean Rhys, Norman Mailer and VS Naipaul; and led a privileged childhood in a Norfolk mansion. Recently, she has chosen to go into an old people's home, where they take people 'who have had interesting lives'. Alan Yentob meets her to discuss her life, her work - and her outspoken thoughts on death.

-Derek

Wayne K · Jul 1, 2010

I can't watch it because I'm in Americaland, but thanks for the name and this

"No one writes more frankly about sex, love and death than Diana Athill."

Maybe I can learn a few things. I write sex love and death pretty well, so maybe if I read her work can help push me over the hump to greatness.

Maybe not, but don't bet against me

Wayne K · Jul 1, 2010

I'll tell ya, I'm intrigued by a woman her age who writes about sex.

dpaterso · Jul 1, 2010

I'm a-thinkin' maybe it'll cross the Pond to BBC America or otherwise end up piecemeal on YouTube or similar sites, so even if you can't watch the program now at least you'll know what to look out for, if and when. For 92, she was sharp as a razor and able to call on long, detailed memories.

-Derek

Sophia · Jul 1, 2010

Very moving and thought provoking; thanks for that link.

jerrywaxler · Jul 21, 2010

Nicely written

In addition to the attractiveness of the blurb, it's surprisingly pleasantly written. I'm about 2/3 through and enjoying it immensely.

Jerry

BBC program on memoirist Diana Athill

dpaterso

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Wayne K

Wayne K

dpaterso

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

Sophia

jerrywaxler