Detained in the New York debtors prison, Smith writes to his father and reflects on his experiences so far.

His cellmate is a more immediate cause for concern.

This is New York in its infancy, a place where a young man with a fast tongue can invent himself afresh, fall in love, and find a world of trouble.

Francis Spufford’s novel read by Jamie Parker

Abridged by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters
Producer: Jill Waters

A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2017. Show less