麻豆约拍

Carol Evans's bra has blown off the washing line into some tall leyandii. As she struggles to retrieve it, two teenage girls next door laugh cruelly at their elderly, widowed neighbour. Their thoughtless comments are juxtaposed with Carol's own recollections of her deceased husband - with whom she continued to enjoy a warm and loving relationship following her mastectomy. Clever and moving story read by Emma Fielding.

Carys Bray's collection of short stories, Sweet 麻豆约拍, won the 2012 Scott Prize.

With psychological insight and lightness of touch frequently found in fairy tales, Carys Bray delves under the surface of ordinary lives to explore loss, disappointment, frustrated expectations and regret. Described as 'not just excellent, but significant', by poet and critic Robert Sheppard, these dark and lyrical stories illuminate extraordinary and everyday occurrences with humanity and humour.

Bray's stories are never afraid to expose the darkness that exists behind suburban front doors, but at their heart are brave, moving evocations of what it means to be at home with those you love.

Abridged by John Peacock
Producer David Blount

Made for 麻豆约拍 Radio 4 Extra by Pier Productions.