After a Funeral Book

It's actually 4.5 stars, more of which later. I discovered Diana Athill last year and I adore her. It's not just that she is formidable and almost 100 years old, although I am thoroughly impressed by her personality. More importantly, however, I enjoy her writing voice: it's unsentimental, incisive and clear. She admits herself that she loves to observe people and likes to gossip and decades of practice have honed her ability to perceive the truth of people and their relationships to perfection. She is the only person I've ever wanted to ask for relationship advice. The story in this book, of the rise and fall (mostly fall) of her close friend, an Egyptian writer, is ideal for showcasing her abilities.

So why not 5 stars? The main strength of the book, her analytical and non-judging approach is also its weakness. Athill says of herself (on page 113 in my Kindle version) that she is "one of those people who are hardly ever totally involved in an emotion". That detachment she describes is also present in the book. I understand, of course, that this is how she manages to write such sharply revealing prose. Without that distance, this book would not exist or would lack the qualities I must admire. But I'm still detracting half a star for it. One might call it an emotional choice.