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Written as she approached her 98th birthday, Diana Athill shares her thoughts and feelings about death. Read by Stephanie Cole.

Stephanie Cole reads from the collection of essays by the acclaimed editor and writer Diana Athill.

Written from the vantage point of her great age, Athill's writing is honest, cheering and thought-provoking. In this fourth essay, "Dead Right", she examines her thoughts and feelings about death.

Read by Stephanie Cole

Abridged and Produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.

** Photo credit: Mark Crick

12 days left to listen

15 minutes

Last on

Fri 9 Oct 2026 03:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

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The Decision

Next

A Life of Luxuries

See all episodes from Alive, Alive Oh! And Other Things That Matter by Diana Athill

Credits

Reader Stephanie Cole
Author Diana Athill
Abridger Kirsteen Cameron
Producer Kirsteen Cameron

Broadcasts

  • Thu 10 Dec 2015 09:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Fri 11 Dec 2015 00:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Thu 21 Dec 2017 14:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 22 Dec 2017 02:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 8 Oct 2026 08:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 8 Oct 2026 13:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 8 Oct 2026 19:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 9 Oct 2026 03:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra