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The Crying Book by Heather Christle (Omnibus)

American poet Heather Christle draws on scientific research, as well as her own experience, to investigate how and why we cry.

Shedding tears is a universal human experience, but why - and how - do we cry?ΜύΜύ Μύ

American poet Heather Christle has lost her dear friend Bill to suicide and must now reckon with her ownΜύdepression. In this personal, lyrical book she faces her grief by researching the act of crying.Μύ Μύ

In her Ohio home, Christle assembles a β€œcrybrary” in which she investigates the science and art of tears:Μύ from their chemical composition to their depiction in literature. Moving deftly between poetry and prose,Μύ she lays bare her own experience. Following her preoccupation with tears back to its origins, she recalls crying in a car after being dumped; lying in tears on the bathroom floor after an argument with her husband. Anticipating the arrival of her first child, she considers the tears of infants and parents. A friendΜύ and fellow poet dies, so Heather turns to the Internet for crying folklore and remedies for tears.Μύ Μύ

When a young Black man is shot by the police in Walmart, Heather’s investigation becomes political andΜύshe researches the power and meaning of β€œwhite lady tears”. She also mines history for attitudes to cryingΜύand mental illness by exploring the relationship between 19th century feminist writer Charlotte PerkinsΜύGilman - who suffered from depression - and her physician Silas Weir Mitchell.Μύ Μύ

Finally, Heather visits Bill’s grave and with some help from her mother, makes peace with her own family history of depression.Μύ Μύ

The Crying Book is an honest, thought-provoking and surprising reflection on life, loss and mental illness.Μύ Μύ

Omnibus of five parts read by Alexandra Metaxa, featuring Paterson Joseph, Alibe Parsons, Oliver Soden and Sofia Pedersen.

Abridged by Joanne RowntreeΜύ

Produced by Miranda Hinkley
Assistant Producer Alexandra Quinn
Μύ
A Loftus Media production for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 first broadcast in February 2020.

1 hour, 10 minutes

Last on

Sun 17 Mar 2024 02:30

Broadcasts

  • Sun 1 Mar 2020 09:00
  • Sun 1 Mar 2020 20:00
  • Sat 16 Mar 2024 07:30
  • Sat 16 Mar 2024 12:30
  • Sat 16 Mar 2024 18:30
  • Sun 17 Mar 2024 02:30