Jean visits Gretchen’s husband, Howard Tilbury in his jeweller’s shop near Covent Garden.

A novel of unexpected second chances set in 1950s England. Written by Clare Chambers

When the North Kent Echo receives a letter from a woman claiming her daughter was the result of virgin birth, they send feature writer Jean Swinney to investigate.

Jean is almost 40 and and leads a restricted life with her demanding mother.

But as she becomes more deeply involved with Gretchen, Howard and Margaret Tilbury, things begin to change.

Read by Monica Dolan

Abridged and produced by Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2021. Show less