Instead of a Letter

Rating:
Summary: A Minor Classic
Review: This is a brilliant autobiography by a well-known figure in the publishing world.

First published in 1962, this book falls into the great tradition of autobiographical writings by female British authors in the middle decades of the 20th century, including Nancy and Jessica Mitford, Monica Dickens, and Barbara Pym. Athill is more serious than these writers, but also more literary. She describes her childhood and youth as a member of the poor end of a wealthy family, her failed first love (which nearly ruined her sense of self), and her struggle to come back to life. Although this may sound depressing, it is not. Athill's way with words and her insightful and detached view of her own life engrossed me from beginning to end.

Athill claimed that she had written this book to discover the truth about herself and about what her life has been for. A very honest book by a very good writer.