Somewhere Towards the End
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Guardian, The Times, Daily Mail, New Statesman, Observer
Metro, Claire Allfree
"A convivial memoirist, full of clarity and wit, original thought and understated insight"
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
173 of 176 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I bought this book whilst staying in Scotland with my husband's 86 year old grandmother and spent many a happy hour curled up by the fire reading it. In fact, I read only little bits at a time, so that I could prolong the enjoyment! I was surprised to read the damning reviews when I logged onto Amazon to add my two cents, having just finished the book on a sunny Sunday morning.
Though I did not relate to a lot of Athill's experience - having lived a very different life myself with an avid interest in monogamous love and motherhood - I admired her for having a strong sense of self at a time when women were often forced into loveless marriages and motherhood against their better judgment, because society expected it of them. What's more, she is not afraid to write about her convictions, though she knows that they will not be palatable to everyone - there's something about women who reject mothering that people still hold deep prejudices against (especially if the woman in question enjoys carnal pleasures for their own sake - shock horror!).
I think she has been accused in one of these reviews of not having truly loved another - she freely admits at the end of her book to a regret at having 'that nub of coldness at my centre' and bravely tells the story of her shameful disinterest in her cousin's young family. This is not the work of self-interest; she willingly reveals her faults and muses on her failings. It seems that at the age of 89, however, she has come to accept herself as she is...
I found her voice warm and witty and her life, being so different to those of her generation I had heard before (realistically, how many womens' voices of that generation do we hear?), fascinating. Her frankness and honesty about her sexual choices is so refreshing and empowering for other women.
Reading it whilst staying with an 86 year old was the real clincher for me though. I found myself comparing her sharpness and alert eye for detail with my dear relative's slightly fading one. Their life stories could not be more different - one chose marriage, children, grandchildren whilst the other chose books, lovers, friends - and I found myself amazed at Athill's incredible ability to tell a story at such a ripe old age! What an amazingly alert and astute mind!
Yes, it's short, yes, she chose a different life to that we expect a woman of her age to have experienced but it is truly a pleasure to read, and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Though I did not relate to a lot of Athill's experience - having lived a very different life myself with an avid interest in monogamous love and motherhood - I admired her for having a strong sense of self at a time when women were often forced into loveless marriages and motherhood against their better judgment, because society expected it of them. What's more, she is not afraid to write about her convictions, though she knows that they will not be palatable to everyone - there's something about women who reject mothering that people still hold deep prejudices against (especially if the woman in question enjoys carnal pleasures for their own sake - shock horror!).
I think she has been accused in one of these reviews of not having truly loved another - she freely admits at the end of her book to a regret at having 'that nub of coldness at my centre' and bravely tells the story of her shameful disinterest in her cousin's young family. This is not the work of self-interest; she willingly reveals her faults and muses on her failings. It seems that at the age of 89, however, she has come to accept herself as she is...
I found her voice warm and witty and her life, being so different to those of her generation I had heard before (realistically, how many womens' voices of that generation do we hear?), fascinating. Her frankness and honesty about her sexual choices is so refreshing and empowering for other women.
Reading it whilst staying with an 86 year old was the real clincher for me though. I found myself comparing her sharpness and alert eye for detail with my dear relative's slightly fading one. Their life stories could not be more different - one chose marriage, children, grandchildren whilst the other chose books, lovers, friends - and I found myself amazed at Athill's incredible ability to tell a story at such a ripe old age! What an amazingly alert and astute mind!
Yes, it's short, yes, she chose a different life to that we expect a woman of her age to have experienced but it is truly a pleasure to read, and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read this book in 2008 and loved every page of it. How refreshing to share the thoughts and reflections of a woman who determined to manage her life in her own way, rather than following convention. Agreeing or disagreeing with Diana Athill isn't really the issue, just enjoy an honest and heart-warming story.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is so good that I immediately re-read it so that the pearls of wisdom would be firmly captured. Diana Athill,in her tenth decade and drawing on her experience, writes clearly and honestly about things which many of us are afraid to face head on. Sex,enjoyed with various lovers up to the age of seventy,cheered her up. When sex ebbs other things are clarified - her atheism,her understanding of the Universe.
Luck plays a part in the years prior to death and immediacy of dying - which can be "nasty". She deals with activities in old age and caring and being cared for. You feel better for her sharing her thoughts with you. She recommends books concerning her interest in the Industrial Revolution.Her discovery that she could write,late in life, made her a more rounded person as well as giving her much satisfaction.
Certain people - those affected by poverty,ill-health,unhappy childhoods or lack of education would not be touched by the book,she admits, but for many this book will help in the business of getting through old age.
Luck plays a part in the years prior to death and immediacy of dying - which can be "nasty". She deals with activities in old age and caring and being cared for. You feel better for her sharing her thoughts with you. She recommends books concerning her interest in the Industrial Revolution.Her discovery that she could write,late in life, made her a more rounded person as well as giving her much satisfaction.
Certain people - those affected by poverty,ill-health,unhappy childhoods or lack of education would not be touched by the book,she admits, but for many this book will help in the business of getting through old age.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brave sensible woman
I found Diana Athill totally refreshing, and being 69 I enjoyed her take on life and agreed with her acceptance of the whole of it - you can't do anything about it now! Read more
Published 2 months ago by bruyere
This is not a woman I would want to meet
As an 80 year old retired professional, I opened this book with "Great Expectations"! Unfortunately, I was "Greatly Disappointed". Read more
Published 4 months ago by jaronly
A Guide for Old Age
Diana Athill is a wonderful writer; unsentimental about reaching towards the end of her life, and serving as a guide to us who bring up the rear.
Published 6 months ago by Carole A. Atkinson
Laughter and Tears.
This book is simply beautiful; honest yet dignified, funny, warm, touching, poignant. I have never read anything quite like it. Buy it.
Published 7 months ago by Ms. S. A. Freeman
A wonderful read, although uneven
It is a measure of this book's controversy that it has stirred up so many, differing, reviews. It is certainly not a self-help book for the ageing, nor is it a standard biography. Read more
Published 13 months ago by P. Burnard
Athill retains her clarity of vision
At 89 it is pretty amazing to still be writing publishable books. Diana Athill's lucid prose and her clarity of vision is a joy to read.
Published 15 months ago by Mrs. E. A. Carter
Somewhere towards the end
I started this book with great expectations but I have set it aside for the moment as I it appears to dwell on this ladies past liasons which may be of great interest to some but... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Mrs. S. A. M. Williams
What an amazing woman
What an amazing woman! A book about getting old - and seeing the world through those eyes applying all the experience of life. A book of honesty and integrity and quiet wit. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Summermoonstone
A new look at approaching death
This is a very inspiring book about the author who has lived a very full and interesting life and who is totally truthful about it. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Amber
Somewhere towards the end
Excellent easy to read book. She comes over just as did in her TV programme.
Published 20 months ago by Zarina
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