A series of stories by novelist Chris Paling, in which the music plays as important a role as the words.

Episode 3: Darkness in Degrees

Explosions echo through the streets of Old Damascus but life must go on for the people of the city. Each day an architect goes dutifully to his office and his small team of workers. He loves his city and he loves his family - especially his daughter. Like him, she's a strong character. They clash. But they have a ritual. Every week she gives him a new piece of music. He listens to it and they discuss it and he comes to understand a little more about her.

When a car bomb explodes outside his office it robs him of his hearing - but has it also robbed him of his beloved daughter?

Read by Kayvan Novak
Director: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Show less