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)

Book at Bedtime

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Drama

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and literature from around the world

BBC Radio 4 LW

Book at Bedtime: The Goldfinch

Jamie Parker

Di Speirs

Sally Marmion

Donna Tartt

Book at Bedtime: The Goldfinch: Episode 5: What Are You Doing Here?

The Goldfinch

Episode 5

Episode 5: What Are You Doing Here?

What Are You Doing Here?

BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime, The Goldfinch, What Are You Doing Here?

Under the hapless care of his father, Theo's life becomes increasingly anarchic.

In Las Vegas and under the hapless care of his father, Theo's life becomes increasingly anarchic - only his new friend Boris offers consolation.

Donna Tartt shot to fame with her iconic first novel, The Secret History, an instant bestseller. This was followed by The Little Friend in 2002. Now, eleven years later, her eagerly awaited, much anticipated third novel, The Goldfinch, comes to Book at Bedtime, beginning on the eve of world wide publication.
At the heart of the novel lies a masterwork by the Dutch painter Carel Fabritius, a picture of a small chained bird, The Goldfinch. This tiny painting becomes the only certainty for thirteen year old Theo Decker when his secure world with his devoted mother is shattered and life becomes fallible and frightening. From the chaos of existence with his foolish, reckless father, and a passionate friendship with the crazy, warm-hearted, wild Boris, to the drawing rooms of the Upper East Side and a dusty downtown antique shop, Theo is left to find his own way through his teenage years and into adulthood. The painting is his talisman, his touchstone, until it draws him into a murky criminal underworld of drugs, art theft and fatal dealings.
Tartt follows Theo through grief, teenage delinquency, passionate friendship and obsessive love, in a story of enthralling suspense, peopled with unforgettable characters. As the drama reaches its gripping conclusion, Theo may or may not find out how to survive.

In today's episode: 'What are you doing here?' In Las Vegas and under the hapless care of his father, Theo's life becomes increasingly anarchic - only his new friend Boris offers consolation.

Donna Tartt was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, and is a graduate of Bennington College. She is the author of the novels The Secret History, The Little Friend, and The Goldfinch.
The reader is Jamie Parker.
The abridger is Sally Marmion
The producer is Di Speirs.

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

Donna Tartt's eagerly-awaited third novel is a story of art, obsession, love and loss

Donna Tartt's eagerly-awaited third novel. A story of devastating loss, surprising friendships, antiques, art thefts and obsessive love

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Book at Bedtime

The Goldfinch

Episode 5: What Are You Doing Here?

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4