Episode 2
1960s Glasgow. Ailsa is placed in a strict orphanage. Confused and unhappy, she loses her bearings. Read by Maureen Beattie.
Seven year old Ailsa Dunn adores her handsome Da and her pretty Ma but when alcohol intrudes chaos reigns and she and her sister are removed from home and taken to an orphanage. This is the Glasgow of the late 1960s and the strict regime is fiercely resented by the two feisty girls. Confused and unhappy Ailsa loses her bearings until she meets an inspirational teacher and timidly asks if he will teach her to play the piano.
Maureen Beattie reads Alison Gangel's vibrant memoir.
Producer: Jane Marshall
A Jane Marshall Production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.
Last on
Broadcasts
Tue 25 Jan 2011 09:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM- Wed 26 Jan 2011 00:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Tue 12 Jan 2016 14:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 13 Jan 2016 02:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.