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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: Time and Change

Ruth Gemmell

Cal MacAninch

Alexander Morton

Victoria Liddelle

Robert Forrest

Lu Kemp

The Pillow Book: Series 6: Episode 4

Drama: Crime

The Pillow Book: Time and Change

Episode 4

Series 6

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Pillow Book, Series 6, Episode 4

Unsolicited truths begin to emerge between Shonagon and her friend Saisho.

Shonagon feels trapped in the women's quarters and, in the intensity of the situation, unsolicited truths begin to emerge between her and her friend Saisho.

Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari return to solve a new mystery in 10th Century Japan.

Despite her conviction that she is unable to bear children, Shonagon has fallen pregnant by Yukinari. She has gone into labour prematurely, and the process is long and troubled. Assisted by her friend Saisho, Shonagon feels trapped in the women's quarters and, in the intensity of the situation, unsolicited truths begin to emerge between the two women.

Meanwhile, Yukinari, believing the child to be due a month later has answered the invitation of a childhood friend, Takashi. The two have been revisiting their youth, drinking and climbing hills together. But Yukinari begins to suspect that he has been summoned here, not for a holiday, but in a professional capacity - to uncover the mystery behind his friend's wife's murder.

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 6

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. Lady Shonagon and Yukinari return. But this time, not together

By Robert Forrest. Thriller set in 10th-century Japan. Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari return. But this time, not together

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