Episodes
| Series | Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 | 20070131 | The Uninvited
By Geling Yan, read by Neil Dudgeon.
3/10. Dan's career as a fake journalist seems to be picking up steam, but he would much rather just be a banquet bug. Why can't they leave him alone to enjoy his meals in peace?
This first novel in English by a Chinese journalist is an extraordinary evocation of modern Chinese life, the apparently booming economy, the huge gap between rich and poor, and the omnipresence and corruption of the party.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Dan Dong, the factory worker turned pretend journalist, can't get a moment to himself. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature | |
| 04 | 20070201 | The Uninvited
By Geling Yan, read by Neil Dudgeon.
4/10. Dan's worst fears may be about to come true, but life as a banquet bug couldn't last forever, could it?
This first novel in English by a Chinese journalist is an extraordinary evocation of modern Chinese life, the apparently booming economy, the huge gap between rich and poor, and the omnipresence and corruption of the party.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Dan's life as a banquet-attending journalist may be coming to an abrupt end. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature | |
| 05 | 20070202 | The Uninvited
By Geling Yan, read by Neil Dudgeon.
5/10. Dan has decided it's time his wife, Little Plum, has a go at a banquet. But while she's grappling with the shark's fin soup, Dan's reputation as the peasants' champion turns up to bite him.
This first novel in English by a Chinese journalist is an extraordinary evocation of modern Chinese life, the apparently booming economy, the huge gap between rich and poor, and the omniprescence and corruption of the party.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Dan's reputation as the Chinese peasants' champion causes problems when his wife joins him Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature | |
| 06 | 20070205 | Dan's career as a fake journalist has apparently turned into a real job, but can it last? Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature | |
| 07 | 20070206 | The cull on banquet attendees begins. What will happen to Dan? Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature | |
| 08 | 20070207 | By Geling Yan, read by Neil Dudgeon.
Everyone seems to see Dan as an honest man, which is odd considering he's a fake. But when Ocean Chen calls, Dan feels obliged to go.
This first novel in English by a Chinese journalist is an extraordinary evocation of modern Chinese life, the apparently booming economy, the huge gap between rich and poor, and the omniprescence and corruption of the party.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Everyone seems to see Dan as an honest man, which is odd considering he's a fake. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature | |
| 09 | 20070208 | By Geling Yan, read by Neil Dudgeon.
Dan is at breaking point. The moral demands everyone is making of his non-existent journalistic skills are more than he can bear. But a new career beckons, one he seems very suited for; requiring no moral judgement and no skill whatever - film extra.
This first novel in English by a Chinese journalist is an extraordinary evocation of modern Chinese life, the apparently booming economy, the huge gap between rich and poor, and the omniprescence and corruption of the party.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Neil Dudgeon reads Geling Yan's novel. Dan's pretend journalism skills are at their limit. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature | |
| 10 | 20070209 | By Geling Yan, read by Neil Dudgeon.
The Nudity Banquet beckons, and Dan sets off with a light and curious heart - but there are surprises in store.
This first novel in English by a Chinese journalist is an extraordinary evocation of modern Chinese life, the apparently booming economy, the huge gap between rich and poor, and the omniprescence and corruption of the party.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Neil Dudgeon reads Geling Yan's novel. Dan attends the Nudity Banquet. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature | |
| BAB | 01 | 20070129 | The Uninvited
By Geling Yan, read by Neil Dudgeon.
1/10. Dan Dong, an unemployed factory worker, discovers that by posing as a journalist he can get access to the many promotional banquets held in Beijing every day, getting a fabulous meal and a months wages into the bargain.
But life as a journalist, even for a 'banquet bug', has its downside, bringing him into contact with the corruption endemic in modern China, and tempting him to do something about it.
This first novel in English by a Chinese journalist is an extraordinary evocation of modern Chinese life, the apparently booming economy, the huge gap between rich and poor, and the omniprescence and corruption of the party.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
A Chinese factory-worker poses as a journalist to get free meals and discovers corruption. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |