Yesterday Morning: A Very English Childhood

Unfortunately, I had to give this book up as a bad job. I bought it as was impressed with rave reviews about the author, who had recently died. I cannot say anymore as life is too short to be doing things one doesn't want to do and this book is too trivial for me.

Ms Athill's prose flows so easily, it's a joy to read. Her memory and account of events which took place more than 80 years ago are so lively and fresh. She makes them sound as if they happened yesterday.Her memories are vivid and detailed giving the reader a priviliged view into a world long since disappeared. As social history her depictions of life, influences and events within her family and close circle are shrewdly accounted without affectation. She is honest, sharp and more than anything, amusing. She has such joie de vivre and sparkle. A truly fine book by a wonderful lady. I'm about to start on her two most recent works (Stet reviewed below covers her publishing years) to complete the circle of a most remarkable life. Thank you Ms Athill for sharing!

Interesting memoir.Shows what life was like in those times .Has a dreamlike quality...really enjoyed it.

Although quite a bit of this is repetitive if you've read "Instead of a Letter", I much enjoyed this book and her clear memory of what it was like to be a small girl, living much of the time in her imagination. She's very clear headed about her privileged life and the attitudes of those around her - which she fully overcame as an adult!

On the surface this is about someone who has lead a very privileged childhood, but many of the occurrences will translate into the general experience of growing up for all levels of society. Diana is very honest about her experiences and this all adds up to a very enjoyable read.

I sent Yesterday Morning as a gift. I'd read it along with all the Athill books I could find. She is a fine writer who did interesting work all her life. Here, observing, describing, commenting, she tells about her early life. I'm sure I'll find occasions to send this to other friends.

What an amazing writer Diana is so consistent and extreemy vivid writingI love the way you write please write more

Thoroughly enjoyed it