The Pillow Book

Original version

BBC Radio 4

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Drama: Classic & Period

Drama: Historical

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

Robert Forrest's thriller, inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th-century Japanese court.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Ruth Gemmell

Cal MacAninch

Laura Rees

Paul Ready

Jessica Hardwick

Robert Forrest

Lu Kemp

The Pillow Book: Series 7: Episode 3

Episode 3

Series 7

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Pillow Book, Series 7, Episode 3

A new mystery set in 10th century Japan for Lady Shonagon and her Lieutenant Yukinari.

Robert Forrest's popular thriller set in 10th century Japan. The Emperor has become fascinated by a feral girl raised among wolves, who speaks like a ladies' daughter.

Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari return!

The feral girl is sheltered and housed within the Palace walls, given Lady Shonagon as her tutor, and allowed to frequent the company of the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor insists that the girl has something to teach them, and that he for one intends to listen.

Meanwhile, there is trouble abroad beyond the palace walls – forest fires, earthquakes and wolves coming out of the hills and down into the towns. The people of the palace are beginning to wonder whether the girl wields an uncanny power over it all.

Inspired by the writings of Sei Shonagon, a poet and lady-in-waiting to the Empress of the 10th Century Japanese court.

Written by Robert Forrest.

Shonagon...Ruth Gemmell
Yukinari...Cal Macaninch
Empress...Laura Rees
Emperor...Paul Ready
Uzume...Jessica Hardwick

Directed by Lu Kemp.

A BBC Scotland Production for Radio 4.

The Pillow Book: Series 7

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

By Robert Forrest. Mystery thriller set in 10th-century Japan.

By Robert Forrest. Lady Shonagon and Lieutenant Yukinari return for a new mystery set in 10th-century Japan.

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