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Book at Bedtime

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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: Reading Europe - Italy: The Parrots

Sam Rix

Anthony Head

Oliver Ford Davies

Filippo Bologna

Howard Curtis

Richard Hamilton

Simon Richardson

Book at Bedtime: Reading Europe - Italy: The Parrots: Episode 8: When Fate Shows Its Hand

Reading Europe - Italy: The Parrots

Episode 8

Episode 8: When Fate Shows Its Hand

When Fate Shows Its Hand

BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime, Reading Europe - Italy: The Parrots, When Fate Shows Its Hand

Filippo Bologna's biting satire of Italian literary life. Three men compete for a career-defining book prize. Today: The Beginner makes a plea.

In 'Reading Europe', Radio 4 continues its journey across Europe exploring the best in contemporary literature with this hugely successful Italian satire on the murky world of literary prizes. 
Three men are preparing to do battle. Their goal is a prestigious literary prize. And each man will do anything to win it. For the hip young goateed Beginner it means fame. For The Master, a dehorned old bull, it means money. And for The Writer - successful, vain but lacking in kudos - it is a matter of life and death. As the rivals lie, cheat and plot their way to victory, the day of the Prize Ceremony takes on an even darker significance.

Today: The Beginner makes a plea

The author: Filippo Bologna won the prestigious Strega Prize in 2009 for his debut novel, How I Lost the War, and understands all too well the world of Italian literary prize-giving. 
The translator: Howard Curtis has translated more than a hundred books from Italian, French and Spanish, mostly works of contemporary fiction.
The Beginner's section is read by Sam Rix
The Writer's section is read by Anthony Head
The Master's section is read by Oliver Ford Davies
Abridger: Richard Hamilton
Producer: Simon Richardson.

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

Filippo Bologna's satire on the murky world of literary awards.

Filippo Bologna's satire on the murky world of literary awards, in which three authors fight for their country's greatest honour. Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

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Reading Europe - Italy: The Parrots

Episode 8: When Fate Shows Its Hand

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