Sometime in 2012, I listened to a snippet from a radio interview with the extraordinary (then 95 year-old) editor and writer, Diana Athill (d.2019).
I was struck by her stoic certainty that people live on beyond death: “Words don’t die – I do think people live on in what they’ve done and what they’ve said”. She intimated that through dead people’s words, we know them properly. I completely understand what she means.
From an early age, I found inspiration, solace, ideas and drive from the books I read. From the words of dead people, mostly.
Beatrix Potter (d. 1943), and her tales; Enid Blyton and her Famous Five (d.1968 - I would have started reading her stories shortly after); Joyce Lankester Brisley (d. 1978 -still alive as I read her Milly-Molly-Mandy series).
Then came Louisa M.Alcott (d. 1888) and her Little Women for starters, and later Jane Austen (d. 1817), D.H Lawrence (d. 1930), George Eliot (d. 1880), Somerset Maugham (d. 1965) to name a few. More recently Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (d. 2010).
It’s a strangely uplifting thought that brings comfort to know the words of dead people not only live on, but still have much to teach and give us, regardless of decades, centuries passing.
Perhaps intuitively this is what inspired me from my youngest childhood to become a writer. I wanted to be a published author so that when I am dead, people might know me properly through my words.
Photo: Jocelyn Bain-Hogg, 2010 / one of the proposed jacket cover head shots for my book
Is this why we write? So people might know us properly? Or is it more that we can leave something tangibly learned, entertaining and important for generations to come? That way they might have insight into a period in history passed? Be somehow moved, inspired, consoled – as I was, growing up – by the words of dead people?
In their books, in their words, they are not dead. Diana Athill was right, words don’t die, only the people who wrote them do.
My first book, Carefree – the significance of a meaningful existence on Life and on Andromeda, was published on 27 May, 2010. I have made a start at making sure I live on through my words…so people might know me properly, dead or alive.
Message me directly on substack if you’d like to purchase a signed copy. Hardback: £7.99 + postage
Or email me here to order a copy. Reader reviews below.
READER REVIEWS:
No. 1 / A radical read
“I cherish this book for the honesty and integrity of the autobiographical content which is stunningly expressed, and also the parallel fictional piece 'Life on Andromeda' which highlights so much about the shameful destructive nature of humans on earth....The book is so clear and easy to digest, yet emotionally complex and constantly intriguing as I dip in and out of relevant chapters. I can't rate it highly enough, and look forward to reading more from this author!”
No. 2 / Some hard hitting truths in this book
“This has proved to be a fabulous read that has shown me how anyone can overcome anything life throws at you given the right attitude, set of beliefs and inner determination.
Much of what Yensa Manor writes about has some shocking personal detail to it. The eternal optimism and brutal honesty is something very few are capable of and even fewer would have the stamina to maintain throughout the challenges of this life story.”
No. 3 / An inspiring read
“The raw, brutal honesty with which Yensa Manor describes her own, very personal journey gives the reader a rare insight into a life laid open. I have not read anything before which deals with themes of anger fear, trauma, grief in such a head on fashion and while at times uncomfortable for the reader, they never overwhelm the story because at its heart, this is a journey based on hope and the determination to grow, renew and overcome.
I was so inspired by the incredible inner strength displayed time and time again. The author seems to have an unwavering resilience to weather any storm, built on a clear set of beliefs and fundamental positivity. Reading this book has certainly made me reflect on how I approach life's challenges and its teachings have given me simple guidance on effective ways to face whatever lies ahead.
Amanda Yensa Manor © London, 2025