Great Lives

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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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Factual: Life Stories

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

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Great Lives: Sybille Bedford, author of Jigsaw and A Legacy

Sybille Bedford, author of Jigsaw and A Legacy

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, Sybille Bedford, author of Jigsaw and A Legacy

Sara Wheeler nominates her literary hero, Sybille Bedford.

Sybille Bedford was the writer's writer, and author of A Legacy.

Sara Wheeler first read Sybille Bedford in her early twenties, and discovered a dazzling writer. The book she read was called A Visit to Don Otavio. It's set in Mexico, a country Bedford wanted to visit because of its 'long nasty history in the past and as little present history as possible.' Born Sybille von Schoenebeck in 1911 in Germany, she lived in Italy, France, California and London, and her book Jigsaw was nominated for the Booker prize. But by her own admission she never sold many books.
Sara Wheeler is the author of Terra Incognita - about her travels in Antarctica. Victoria Glendinning adds her thoughts and wit to the programme.
There are archive contributions from Hilary Spurling, Sue McGregor and Sybille Bedford too.
The presenter is Matthew Parris

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

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Great Lives

Sybille Bedford, author of Jigsaw and A Legacy

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