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Diana Athill reveals how she relinquished her independence by moving into a London care home. 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 cheering and thought-provoking.

In her next essay, she explains the process by which she relinquished her independence and moved into a residential care home in north London.

Read by Stephanie Cole

Abridged and produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.

** Photo credit: Mark Crick

14 days left to listen

15 minutes

Last on

Thu 8 Oct 2026 03:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Credits

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

Broadcasts

  • Wed 9 Dec 2015 09:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Thu 10 Dec 2015 00:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 20 Dec 2017 14:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 21 Dec 2017 02:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 7 Oct 2026 08:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 7 Oct 2026 13:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 7 Oct 2026 19:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 8 Oct 2026 03:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra