The Vanishing Futurist By Charlotte Hobson

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Read by Barbara Flynn

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Young Gerty Freely travels to Moscow to become a governess.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Moscow to become a governess with a family. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

The world sinks deeper into war and brings seismic change both in Russia and in Gerty herself.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Read by Barbara Flynn

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

The war leads to seismic change in Russia.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

The world sinks deeper into war and brings seismic change both in Russia and in Gerty herself. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

While the Kobelevs leave Moscow, Gerty and Slavkin remain at the house on Gagarinsky Lane.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Read by Barbara Flynn

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

The Kobelevs leave but Gerty stays in Moscow.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

While the Kobelevs leave Moscow, Gerty and Slavkin remain at the house on Gagarinsky Lane. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

Pasha and Sonya have returned to Moscow and the Kobelevs' house becomes the Institute Of Revolutionary Transformation.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Read by Barbara Flynn

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Work begins in the revolutionary commune.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

Pasha and Sonya return and the Kobelevs' house becomes the Institute Of Revolutionary Transformation. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

Amid rising tensions within the commune, Slavkin builds his Propaganda Machine.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Read by Barbara Flynn

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

Amid rising tensions within the commune, Slavkin builds his Propaganda Machine. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

To Gerty's chagrin, Sonya begins to assist Slavkin in the building of the Socialisation Capsule.

Meanwhile the whole commune waits anxiously for news of Pasha and Volodya.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war.

Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Charlotte Hobson's novel abridged in ten parts by Jeremy Osborne.

Read by Barbara Flynn.

Producer: Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Sonya helps with the Socialisation Capsule and the commune seek news.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

Sonya assists building the Socialisation Capsule, while the commune awaits news of Pasha and Volodya. Read by Barbara Flynn.

To Gerty's chagrin, Sonya begins to assist Slavkin in the building of the Socialisation Capsule. Meanwhile the whole commune waits anxiously for news of Pasha and Volodya.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

Sonya helps with the Socialisation Capsule and the commune seek news on Pasha and Voldoya.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

While the commune starts to fragment, Gerty's life changes forever.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Read by Barbara Flynn

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Gerty has some life-changing news.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

While the commune is beginning to fragment, Gerty's life changes forever. Supernatural mystery read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

Gerty unburdens herself on Pelyagin.

And dramatic events spark the communal experiment to an end.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war.

Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Charlotte Hobson's novel abridged by Jeremy Osborne.

Read by Barbara Flynn.

Producer: Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Dramatic events spark the end of the commune.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

Gerty unburdens herself on Pelyagin and dramatic events bring the communal experiment to an end. Read by Barbara Flynn.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

Dramatic events bring the end of the commune.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

Following Slavkin's disappearance, Gerty and Pasha take drastic steps to try and find him.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Read by Barbara Flynn

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2020.

Gerty takes drastic steps to look for Slavkin.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

Following Slavkin's disappearance, Gerty and Pasha take drastic steps to try and find him. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

`No word has been heard from him since

Gerty and Pasha uncover the truth about the mysterious Laboratoria 37.

Early in 1914, 22-year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war.

Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since [ - ] Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Charlotte Hobson's novel abridged by Jeremy Osborne.

Concluded by Barbara Flynn.

Producer: Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Early in 1914, young Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

Gerty and Pasha learn finally uncover the truth about the mysterious Laboratoria 37. Concluded by Barbara Flynn.

Gerty and Pasha learn the truth about the mysterious Laboratoria 37.

In London, 1974, Gerty begins a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

Written by Charlotte Hobson

Read by Barbara Flynn

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

Charlotte Hobson graduated from Edinburgh University with a first in Russian. Thereafter she travelled widely in the former Soviet Union, working as an interpreter in the Caucasus, a translator, and dabbling in civil rights. Her book, Black Earth City (2002) won a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize and the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award 2002. The Vanishing Futurist was her first novel, published in 2016.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2020.

Gerty and Pasha learn the truth about the mysterious Laboratoria 37. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

Early in 1914, 22 year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, 82 year-old Gerty embarks on a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war.

Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since - Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes written by Charlotte Hobson.

Read by Barbara Flynn.

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

In 1974, Gerty Freely writes a memoir for her daughter, recalling life in 1914 Russia.

Early in 1914, Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

In 1974, Gerty Freely writes a memoir for her daughter, looking back to 1914 Russia, war and revolution. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

To Gerty's chagrin, Sonya begins to assist Slavkin in the building of the Socialisation Capsule.

Meanwhile the whole commune waits anxiously for news of Pasha and Volodya.

Early in 1914, 22 year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, 82 year-old Gerty embarks on a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war.

Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since - Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes written by Charlotte Hobson.

Concluded by Barbara Flynn.

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Early in 1914, Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

To Gerty's chagrin, Sonya begins to assist Slavkin in the building of the Socialisation Capsule. Concluded by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]

To Gerty's chagrin, Sonya begins to assist Slavkin in the building of the Socialisation Capsule.

Meanwhile the whole commune waits anxiously for news of Pasha and Volodya.

Early in 1914, 22 year-old Gerty Freely travels to Russia to work as a governess, little-knowing the huge upheavals in the world and in her own life that lie ahead.

In London, 1974, 82 year-old Gerty embarks on a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war.

Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

“No word has been heard from him since - Yet the idea persists that one day he will reappear. ?

Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes written by Charlotte Hobson.

Concluded by Barbara Flynn.

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.

Early in 1914, Gerty Freely travels from Cornwall to Russia to work as a governess.

To Gerty's chagrin, Sonya begins to assist Slavkin in the building of the Socialisation Capsule. Concluded by Barbara Flynn.

In London, 1974, 82 year-old Gerty embarks on a memoir for her daughter Sophy, looking back at that extraordinary time of war, revolution and civil war. Most of her memories are centred on a young inventor, Nikita Slavkin, who mysteriously disappeared in 1919 and was subsequently celebrated in Soviet culture as The Vanishing Futurist.

An omnibus of the last five episodes of ten.

Read by Barbara Flynn.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September/October 2020.

In 1974, Gerty Freely writes a memoir, about her life in Russia in the early 1900s

In 1974, Gerty Freely writes a memoir for her daughter, recalling Russia, war, revolution and beyond. Read by Barbara Flynn.

[LISTEN NOW]