The Heart of Denis Noble by Alison MacLeod is the imagined recreation of the pioneering biologist's eureka moment, the point at which he came to understand the machinations of the human heart. It is the next of five stories shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award 2011. This year's shortlist is an exciting mix of short fiction by established and newer writers ranging from the contemporary, the intriguing, to the poignant. 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 winner will be announced on the evening of Monday, 26th September, live from the award ceremony, on Radio 4's flagship arts programme, Front Row.

Read by Tim Pigott-Smith
Abridged by Viv Beeby
Produced by Elizabeth Allard. Show less