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Book of the Week

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Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

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Book of the Week: Matthew Sweet - The West End Front

Book of the Week: Matthew Sweet - The West End Front: Episode 2

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The West End Front

Episode 2

Matthew Sweet - The West End Front

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Matthew Sweet - The West End Front, Episode 2

As the bombs rain down, a group of East Enders storm the Savoy in demand of shelter.

As the Blitz begins in earnest, a group of East Enders storm the Savoy in demand of decent shelter for all. Read by Kenneth Cranham.

Kenneth Cranham reads Matthew Sweet's dark history of the scandalous life above and below stairs in London's grand hotels during the Second World War. While bombs rain down on London's East End, life in the capital's glittering hotels carries on regardless, with hotels like the Ritz, the Dorchester, the Savoy and Claridge's becoming mini Casablancas, where spies and con artists, traitors and royalty rub shoulders under the reinforced ceilings.

Today: as the Blitz begins in earnest, a group of East Enders storm the Savoy in demand of decent shelter for all. 

Reader: Kenneth Cranham
Producer: Justine Willett
Abridger: Viv Beeby.

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Matthew Sweet's dark history of life in London's grand hotels during WWII

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Matthew Sweet - The West End Front

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