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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

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Book at Bedtime: Midwinter Break

Frances Tomelty

Bernard MacLaverty

Kirsteen Cameron

Book at Bedtime: Midwinter Break: Episode 5

Midwinter Break

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime, Midwinter Break, Episode 5

The growing tension between Stella and Gerry exposes cracks in their 40-year marriage.

In Amsterdam for a long weekend, the growing tension between Stella and Gerry exposes cracks in their 40-year marriage.

Frances Tomelty reads the new novel by Bernard MacLaverty, his first in sixteen years.

A retired Northern Irish couple, Stella and Gerry, are in Amsterdam for a long weekend. Although their relationship appears safe, easy, familiar it's increasingly clear that their growing differences may be too much for their forty-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. 

As the tension grows between them, Stella becomes increasingly distant, while Gerry wrestles with long-buried memories of a distressing experience from early in their marriage.


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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