Andrea Riseborough reads this earthy, sensual fable by Sarah Hall. A husband is shocked out of his complacency when his wife undergoes a remarkable transformation.

Written by Sarah Hall
Abridged by Julian Wilkinson
Produced by Gemma Jenkins

The BBC National Short Story Award is one of the most prestigious and established awards for a single short story. The 2013 shortlist reveals the strength and depth of the current short story scene, with five very different but equally beguiling stories vying for the top position and the £15,000 Award. From the pens of writers both hugely acclaimed and very new, come tales that range from the magical to the all too real. Surprising twists, quiet grief and vivid imagination are hallmarks of this year's bumper crop.

The readers include Hattie Morahan, Andrea Riseborough and Claire Skinner. Running across the week (and with the authors interviewed on Front Row the previous evening) listeners can enjoy a literary treat at 15.30 each afternoon from Monday, 23rd September and maybe choose their own favourites. The winner and the runner-up will be announced live on Front Row on Tuesday, 8th October. The stories will be available as a free download following broadcast, and in an anthology published by Comma Press. Show less