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BBC Radio 4 FM

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

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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 4

Drama: Crime

Episode 4

Series 5

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

A tragedy has happened, and Shonagon is determined to unravel the mystery.

A tragedy has happened, and Shonagon is determined to unravel the mystery, with or without Yukinari's help.

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's to be his wife, only to discover his lover is already married. Furthermore, the Lady Shonagon has become 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 mystery has now met a tragic end, but Shonagon is sure that the explanation everyone else seems so prepared to accept is far from being the whole truth. 

Meanwhile, the Emperor's new pet, a tiger sent all the way from India, paces in its cage in the palace grounds. 

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

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