Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

The Pillow Book

Drama: Classic & Period

Drama: Historical

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Robert Forrest's thriller, inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court.

BBC Radio 4 LW

15 Minute Drama: The Pillow Book

Ruth Gemmell

Cal MacAninch

Joseph Arkley

Matti Houghton

Richard Dillane

Sian Thomas

Lu Kemp

Robert Forrest

The Pillow Book: Series 5: Episode 2

Drama: Crime

Episode 2

Series 5

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Pillow Book, Series 5, Episode 2

Yukinari finds his presence in the palace is not welcomed and Shonagon's mind diverted.

Yukinari finds his presence in the palace is not welcomed and Shonagon's mind diverted by other matters.

Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari reunite for a new mystery in 10th century Japan.

Yukinari has returned to the palace to ask the Lady Shonagon to be his wife, only to discover that his lover is already married. Furthermore, Shonagon is obsessed by a new mystery, one that Yukinari cannot understand: the mystery of her friend's marriage - a passionate affair between a woman of royal blood and a young low-born poet that seems to be moving towards an increasingly dark place. 

Meanwhile, the entire palace is captivated by the Emperor's new pet - a tiger sent all the way from India. 

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.   

Written by Robert Forrest.

Directed by Lu Kemp.

The Pillow Book: Series 5

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

By Robert Forrest. Shonagon and Yukinari reunite for a new mystery in 10th-century Japan

Robert Forrest's thriller, inspired by the diaries of Sei Shonagon. Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari reunite for a new mystery in 10th-century Japan

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Pillow Book

Series 5

Episode 2

Contributors

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4