As part of Radio 4's Capturing America series, Mark Lawson selects short pieces by five American authors.

By John Updike. Walter's religious revival is at its height, and he has a near obsession for Kierkegaard. So he is not looking forward to the arrival of his dinner guest, the imposing and revered scientist and astronomer Bela. However, it's not theological debate but after-dinner chit chat that peels away Bela's bravura, and Walter realises that perhaps his guest is not so invincible after all.

Read by Kerry Shale. Show less