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canadianbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
https://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2024/04/somewhere-towards-end.html
rkkmistry's review against another edition
4.0
She’s right…there’s not a lot of books written by 89-year olds about being old and it’s dope to see such candid and thoughtful reflections on old age that don’t stray unnecessarily into sentimentality or “you kids get off my lawn”-ness
morosoph's review against another edition
3.0
"Somewhere Towards the End" offers a dive into the process of ageing, accompanied by moments of insight and introspection. The chapters on drawing, writing, gardening, and driving offer a refreshing breeze and remind us of the importance of cherishing life's simple pleasures. From a feminist view, however, the book elicits mixed emotions. I appreciate Athill's openness and honesty, but her perspectives on life and romantic relationships may not resonate with everyone - at least not with me. I was perplexed when she talked about her "automatic shift into wifehood". Women need to stop "voluntarily" sacrificing their life or any part thereof for other people, or at least recognise the fact that caregiving is not a given.
Other minor annoyances crop up throughout the book. She used "men" to refer to humanity on multiple occasions and such language choices by an editor really detract from the overall reading experience.
Other minor annoyances crop up throughout the book. She used "men" to refer to humanity on multiple occasions and such language choices by an editor really detract from the overall reading experience.
janae126's review against another edition
3.0
Overall nice end of life (though she had 12 years left after this book was published! ) memoir. It took me a solid 40 pages (20%...) before I was interested, and not bored. I found that I have some of the thoughts she expressed, or rather could see myself having them later on and relating. I also found myself wondering if the older people I know have similar thoughts and experiences. She on and off lost me in the later third. I think it was a combination of escalation of random content, and the way said brief changes of pace were described. The last 30 or so pages seemed mostly more focused, and thus held my attention better.
2.5 stars because I just didn't love her style and tone for a lot of it. 3 stars upon completion since I was able to enjoy the last few pages.
2.5 stars because I just didn't love her style and tone for a lot of it. 3 stars upon completion since I was able to enjoy the last few pages.
murderjail's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
zhzhang's review against another edition
4.0
The topic of aging is appalling, because of the uncertainty. I remember once I love the uncertainty of life when I was young, because I gather the uncertainty could bring a lot of surprises, which makes the life exciting. Yet the uncertainty of life combined with the certainty of aging make me anxious, worried and feel unsafe. The book is very moving and delightful in a way, because the activities she described in the book are very reassuring and also offer a guideline.
katariv's review against another edition
4.0
A poignant mediation on aging and the inevitably of death, written by a woman who has lived an unconventional and fascinating life. I’m not usually a fan of memoir as a genre, but Athill does something very special here.