Somewhere Towards the End: A Memoir by Diana Athill
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Book Reviews of Somewhere Towards the End: A Memoir
Book Review: Food for the Soul
Summary: 5 Stars
An excellent book for anyone grappling with the issues of aging. It's inspiring to know someone approaching her ninth decade can still be so vibrant and articulate. It gives me hope for my own future and ambitions for projects yet to be accomplished as the days wind down.Book Review: Don't want it to end!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'd never heard of or read Diana Athill before this memoir. I'm savoring EVERY last word. Can't bear to reach the end. She's so lucid and lovely in her quiet acceptance of life as it is here and now.Book Review: "So here I go, into advanced old age, towards my inevitable and no longer distant end,
Summary: 4 Stars
...without the `support' of religion and having to face the prospect ahead in its bald reality."
I really enjoyed this memoir by an elderly lady with a great attitude. We all should age and look at the twilight years in such a positive way! Although I disagree with her philosophically on some issues (e.g., marital infidelity - see Ch 2 and p 81), I still enjoyed reading her words of wisdom: (p 20) "a broken heart mends much faster from a concussive blow than it does from slow strangulation;" (p 75) "...once past eighty one has no right to complain about dying...;" (p 127) a wonderful plant metaphor about what keeps persons "going through the motions of care;" and the best of the best (p 148) "Do Not Think Yourself Important."
It's interesting to learn what she has to say about the bible and death considering she is an atheist. She never had children or married, but she did have lovers, related details of which she shares quite unabashedly. She also shares experiences she's had with others in her life. Ms. Athill's memoir provides a thought provoking, intriguing view of life, especially the twilight years, by a well-versed, well-read woman Somewhere Towards the End. Also good: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, god is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens.
Book Review: Honest and realistic sharing
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this book because I am in my 71st year and find that people are reluctant to talk about death or impending death. The author tackled the subject head on with clarity, humilty, humour and wisdom gained over years of facing her everyday life with honesty. Talking about how to deal with the changes that old age can bring and how they can be managed on a day to day basis without too much resistance and a deal of acceptance was very helpful. It is well worth reading and left me with a feeling of peace and the occasional chuckle.
Book Review: Somewhere towards the End
Summary: 4 Stars
Somewhere towards the end I realized that I liked Diana Atwell and that she felt like a new friend. She is honest and forthright and tells it like it is. I shared this book with my 98 year old friend who also was enthusiastic about her and said that she wish she could have known her. I have just finished reading "Stet" and have another Diana Atwell book on order. It's not a great banquet, but rather a cup of good coffee (or tea) with a new friend that you enjoy getting to know.