Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

The Corncrake Wife

Episode 3 of 5

A job with the RSPB sees Amy scouring the islands nightly, listening for rare Corncrakes.

Amy Liptrot's incisive memoir of overcoming alcoholism amid the luminous Orkney landscape.

Liptrot grew up on a sheep farm on Orkney. She was shaped by the wind-swept islands, but longed for the excitement of the city. A move to London led to a life that was hedonistic and fun but she was unable to control her drinking. Her alcoholism exposed her to some terrifying situations and left her lost and lonely. At thirty she finds herself washed up back home in Orkney, and discovers that this place she once longed to escape is curative, its wildness and lore playing an essential part in her recovery from addiction.

Today: a job with the RSPB sees Amy scouring the islands nightly, listening for rare Corncrakes.

Written by Amy Liptrot
Read by Tracy Wiles
Abridger: Sara Davies
Producer: Simon Richardson.

15 minutes

Last on

Thu 21 Jan 2016 00:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Reader Tracy Wiles
Author Amy Liptrot
Abridger Sara Davies
Producer Simon Richardson

Broadcasts

  • Wed 20 Jan 2016 09:45
  • Thu 21 Jan 2016 00:30

Listen to more Audio Books

Listen to more Audio Books

Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.

Opening Lines

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?

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

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.