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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

Matti Houghton

Richard Dillane

Sian Thomas

Lu Kemp

Laura Rees

Robert Forrest

The Pillow Book: Series 5: Episode 5

Drama: Crime

Episode 5

Series 5

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

At her own risk, Shongon continues to investigate a mystery that Yukinari considers solved

Shonagon is asking questions and looking into dark corners. Yukinari fears for her safety and struggles to understand why she will not let this mystery lie.

The concluding episode in a new series of Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th century Japan. 

Yukinari has returned to the palace to discover that his lover, the Lady Shonagon, is married. Shonagon claims to want peace and tranquillity and yet her determination to unravel the mystery of a crime committed on the Palace grounds threatens her favoured position in the palace. Shonagon is asking questions, and looking into dark corners, and Yukinari fears for her safety while he struggles to understand why she will not let this mystery lie. 

Meanwhile the Emperor's new pet, a tiger all the way from India, roars inside 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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