Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Tea At The Midland | 20101115 | The first of the shortlisted stories in contention for this major award is Tea at the Midland by David Constantine. What begins as a romantic outing for a couple turns into an afternoon fraught with tension as a piece of artwork exposes fundamental differences in their outlooks on life. The reader is Sian Thomas. It is followed by the award-winning Irish novelist and short story writer, Colm T ib퀀n, on a very personal selection of extracts from his favourite short stories. Produced by Gemma Jenkins and Emma Harding. A link to a free podcast of the story will be available for download for two weeks after broadcast from the BBC Radio 4 website, where you can also watch previews of the other shortlisted stories and join the debate about this year's shortlist. By David Constantine. A couple's romantic outing turns fraught over a piece of artwork. |
| 02 | Butcher's Perfume | 20101116 | The next of the five stories shortlisted for this prestigious award for published writers is Butcher's Perfume by Sarah Hall. This gritty coming-of-age story is set in Carlisle where a disturbing event binds a teenage girl to the awe-inspiring Slessor family in which the wild blood of the region runs strong. Read by Emma Rydal. Abridged by Sally Marmion. Produced by Gemma Jenkins. A link to a free podcast of the story will be available for download for two weeks following broadcast from the BBC Radio 4 website, where you can also watch previews of the other shortlisted stories and join the debate about this year's shortlist. By Sarah Hall. A disturbing event binds a teenage girl to the awe-inspiring Slessor family |
| 03 | If It Keeps On Raining | 20101117 | The next shortlisted story in contention for this major award by established writers is If it Keeps on Raining by Jon McGregor. Early morning is the time when a man stands in his door way looking out at the river, reflecting on the traumatic experiences of his past, and his expectations for the future. Read by Ron Cook. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Produced by Elizabeth Allard. A link to a free podcast of the story will be available for download for two weeks after broadcast from the BBC Radio 4 website, where you can also watch previews of the other shortlisted stories and join the debate about this year's shortlist. By Jon McGregor. A man stands in his doorway, reflecting on his traumatic past. |
| 04 | My Daughter The Racist | 20101118 | The next shortlisted story in contention for this major award for established writers is My Daughter the Racist by Helen Oyeyemi. Set against the backdrop of a country occupied by foreign soldiers, a mother is determined to see her outspoken child grow up and will do whatever it takes to protect her daughter's independent spirit from coming to harm. Read by Sirine Saba. Abridged and produced by Gemma Jenkins. A link to a free podcast of the story will be available for download for two weeks following broadcast from the BBC Radio 4 website, where you can also watch previews of the other shortlisted stories and join the debate about this year's shortlist. By Helen Oyeyemi. A mother is determined to protect her daughter's independent spirit. |
| 05 | Haywards Heath, By Aminatta Forna | 20101119 | The fifth story in contention for this major award for established writers is Haywards Heath by Aminatta Forna. Memories of a lost love lead to a reunion, but things take an unexpected turn. Read by Hugh Quarshie. Produced by Elizabeth Allard. A link to a free podcast of the story will be available for download for two weeks following broadcast from the BBC Radio 4 website, where you can also watch previews of the other shortlisted stories and join the debate about this year's shortlist. The fifth shortlisted story in contention for this major award. |