In Glenn Patterson’s novel, Number 5 is a three-bedroom terrace house in suburban Belfast. From the 1950s to the present day, successive occupants fill the house with their troubles and joys. As fashions and tastes change according to each of Number 5’s owners, so the social fault lines of the city shift. Yet the presence of those who have gone before lingers on.

It is now the 1960s, and Number 5s previous owners Stella and Harry have sold up and moved to Australia. The new owners, Rodney and Margaret are a quiet couple who aren’t great social mixers except for the annual Hogmanay at the home of Hungarian neighbour, Andras Hideg.

Author: Glenn Patterson
Patrick Fitzsymons reads Part 2 – McGOVERN
Produced and abridged by Eoin O’Callaghan
Executive Editor: Andy Martin Show less