The new young Empress has been on the throne for a year, and the iron-fist of her rule is being felt by all within the Imperial Palace.

Meanwhile, the Empress Teishi is in child-bed. While the Emperor waits fretfully outside, only Lady Shonagon is permitted to attend her.

The final mystery in the long-running thriller set in 10th century Japan - and the final ever encounter with Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's The Pillow Book is inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Omnibus of five parts.

Shonagon .... Ruth Gemmell
Yukinari .... Cal MacAninch
The Emperor .... Paul Ready
Empress Teishi .... Laura Rees
Empress Shoshi .... Bobby Rainsbury

Director: Lu Kemp

A BBC Scotland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018. Show less