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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: Midwinter Break

Frances Tomelty

Bernard MacLaverty

Kirsteen Cameron

Book at Bedtime: Midwinter Break: Episode 3

Midwinter Break

Episode 3

BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime, Midwinter Break, Episode 3

Stella slips out on a private errand, while Gerry wrestles with a long-buried memory.

Stella and Gerry are on holiday in Amsterdam. Rather than doing them good, the break is exposing rifts in their 40-year marriage. Frances Tomelty reads Bernard MacLaverty's novel.

The new novel by Bernard MacLaverty, his first in sixteen years, is a profound examination of human love, loss and faith.

A retired Northern Irish couple, Stella and Gerry Gilmore, fly from their home in Glasgow to Amsterdam for a long weekend: a holiday to refresh the senses, to do some sightseeing, to take stock. 

Their relationship seems safe, easy, familiar but over the course of a few days it becomes clear that their growing differences may be too much for their 40-year marriage to withstand. Gerry, once an architect, is a heavy drinker who is set in his ways. Stella, a retired teacher, is tired of his lifestyle and angry at his constant undermining of her religious faith.


Reader: Frances Tomelty

Writer: Bernard MacLaverty

Abridger: Kirsteen Cameron

Producer: Kirsteen Cameron.

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

Bernard MacLaverty's profound examination of love, loss and faith. Read by Frances Tomelty

Bernard MacLaverty's first novel in 16 years is a profound examination of human love, loss and faith. Read by Frances Tomelty.

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