With Gretchen’s blessing and encouragement, Jean takes Margaret for an outing in London.

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