The Human Circadian Pacemaker is by KJ Orr. Following a lengthy mission to space, a newly returned astronaut readjusts to daily life, and his wife struggles to negotiate his changed and shifting rhythms.

The fourth of the five shortlisted stories in contention for the BBC National Short Story Award 2011. This year's shortlist brings an exciting mix of stories ranging from the contemporary, the intriguing to the poignant by established and newer writers. Now in its sixth year the BBC National Short Story Award is an exciting annual award that celebrates the best of the contemporary British short story. The five stories shortlisted for the award will be announced on the evening of Friday, 9th September, on Radio 4's flagship arts programme Front Row, and the winning entry live at the awards ceremony in central London on Monday, 26th September.

Read by Indira Varma.
Abridged by Sally Marmion
Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Show less