What Is a Story?

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What Is a Story?: Episode 1: First Times

Episode 1

Episode 1: First Times

First Times

BBC Radio 4 - What Is a Story?, First Times

Marina Warner looks at early experiences of stories.

A look at the world of contemporary storytelling as Marina Werner examines our early experiences of stories. From 2015.

Starting with an examination of our early experiences of stories, Marina Warner looks at the world of contemporary fiction. 

In the company of leading contemporary writers, she considers a story and story writing from a different angle.

Marina speaks with writers as diverse as Julian Barnes, Michelle Roberts, Fanny Howe, Marlene van Niekerk, Alain Mabanckou, Lydia Davis, Edwin Frank, Elleke Boehmer, Wen-Chin Ouyang, Daniel Medin, Nadeem Aslam and Laszlo Krasznahorkai.

There are questions around the boundaries between fact and fiction which Marina believes are central to any consideration of storytelling, since readers' pleasure depends so much on trust built up between the storyteller or writer and the audience.

Over ten episodes, there are discussions on the reasons for writing, writers as witnesses and political interaction.

Marina was Chair of the Man Booker International Prize 2015 and the series draws on the expertise of the International Booker judging panel, the views of the shortlisted writers, as well as other key literary talent.

Producer: Kevin Dawson
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio first broadcast in July 2015.

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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Factual

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Marina Warner explores the world of contemporary fiction

Marina Warner, in the company of leading international writers, explores the world of contemporary fiction

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What Is a Story?

Episode 1: First Times

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