Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20141208 | A finely wrought and lyrical novel that recounts the life-span of a quiet and shy woman, Tess Lohan; from her childhood in 1940s rural Ireland, her emigration to New York in the early 1960s, becoming a single mother and raising her son in the 1970s and 1980s, right through to the present day. Short-listed on publication for the Irish Book Awards, this beautifully evoked novel opens with Tess aged seven, trying to understand and come to terms with her mother's death. Mary Costello grew up in County Galway. Her collection of short stories, The China Factory, was nominated for the Guardian First Book Award. Academy Street is her debut novel, about which J M Coetzee wrote: 'With extraordinary devotion, Costello brings to life a woman who would otherwise have faded into oblivion. Read by Niamh Cusack. Written by Mary Costello. Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron. Produced by Kirsteen Cameron. Mary Costello's lyrical debut, shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards, read by Niamh Cusack Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 02 | 20141209 | Mary Costello's finely wrought debut novel tracing the arc of a quiet and sensitive woman's life - from Tess Lohan's childhood in 1940s rural Ireland through to her emigration to America and a career as a nurse in New York. "The house is too quiet now." Seven-year-old Tess flounders in the aftermath of her mother's death. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron In the aftermath of her mother's death, young Tess is beset by grief. Read by Niamh Cusack Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 03 | 20141210 | Mary Costello's acclaimed debut novel - nominated for the Irish Book Awards - traces the arc of a quiet woman's life: from Tess Lohan's childhood in 1940s rural Ireland through to her emigration to America and a career as a nurse in New York. Life continues for the Lohan family, baby Oliver returns home and Tess is sent away to boarding school. Years pass and then Tess's beloved sister Claire is invited to go out to America and it seems that things will never be the same again. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Life continues for the Lohans, as Tess goes away to boarding school. Read by Niamh Cusack. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 04 | 20141211 | In this fine debut, shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, Mary Costello recounts the life of Irish farmer's daughter, Tess, in a series of spare vignettes that are punctuated by beautifully evoked epiphanies. In tonight's episode, set in 1962, Tess leaves Ireland behind to make a new life for herself in America, joining her beloved sister Claire in New York. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Tess leaves Ireland to follow her beloved sister Claire to New York. Read by Niamh Cusack Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 05 | 20141212 | Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, Mary Costello's debut is a tender portrayal of a quiet woman's life. It's 1962, and Tess has left Ireland to make a new life for herself in America, working as a nurse in New York. Shy and reticent, she has been introduced to her flatmate's cousin, David, and he has left a deep impression upon her. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Tess is wholly preoccupied by thoughts of David. Niamh Cusack reads Mary Costello's novel. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 06 | 20141215 | Mary Costello's acclaimed debut - shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award - traces the arc of a quiet woman's life: from Tess Lohan's childhood in 1940s rural Ireland through to her emigration to America and a career as a nurse in New York. Flooded with feelings of confusion and shame, Tess is left reeling in the aftermath of her brief affair with David. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Tess is left reeling in the aftermath of her brief affair with David. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 07 | 20141216 | Mary Costello's acclaimed debut - shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award - traces the arc of a quiet woman's life: from Tess Lohan's childhood in 1940s rural Ireland through to her emigration to America and a career as a nurse in New York. Resolute in her decision to raise her son alone, Tess vows never to explain herself to anyone again. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron In the wake of her decision, Tess vows never to explain herself again. Niamh Cusack reads. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 08 | 20141217 | Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, Mary Costello's acclaimed debut traces the arc of a quiet woman's life: from Tess Lohan's childhood in 1940s rural Ireland through to her emigration to America and a career as a nurse in New York. Tess has never again heard from David and has raised their son, Theo, alone. Now aged 14, Theo is old enough to ask some tough questions. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Theo, now aged fourteen, has some tough questions for Tess. The reader is Niamh Cusack. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 09 | 20141218 | Mary Costello's acclaimed debut - which has been shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award - traces the arc of a quiet woman's life: from Tess Lohan's childhood in 1940s rural Ireland through to her emigration to America and a career as a nurse in New York. Close to retirement, Tess's life has settled into a contented rhythm; enjoying her family and taking great pleasure in reading. But fate intervenes and she must cope with a terrible loss. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Close to retirement, Tess enjoys a new-found contentment - until fate intervenes. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 10 | 20141219 | Mary Costello's acclaimed debut - which has been shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award - traces the arc of a quiet woman's life: from Tess Lohan's childhood in 1940s rural Ireland through to her emigration to America and a career as a nurse in New York. Carrying the sorrow for her loss deep within her, Tess returns to visit her family in Ireland - her first trip back since she left in 1962. Read by Niamh Cusack Written by Mary Costello Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Tess returns to Ireland for the first time in forty years. Read by Niamh Cusack. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |