From the Cradle to the Grave is a collection of eight stories. The authors are all masters of the short-story genre, leading us into imaginary worlds which feel as familiar as reality. This collection of short stories explores the trials of life from youth to old age: the idealism of young people, the stresses of marriage, the anxieties of parenthood, and the loneliness and fears of older people. There is a wide variety of styles of writing, from black humour and satire to compassionate and realistic observation of the follies and foibles of humankind.

​

Before each story you can fin a short biographical note on the author and an introduction to the theme and characters of the story. And after each story you will be able to find notes that can help you understand the cultural references or archaic and dialect words unlikely to be found in dictionaries. 

​

Consider the questions on the story's theme and characters, which you can find after each story, because we will be discussing them in our session of the reading club.