Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Opposition | 19960527 | 20230213 (BBC7) 20230214 (BBC7) | When Florence plans to open a bookshop in Hardborough it is clear she will have powerful local opposition. 'It is a peculiar thing to take a step forward in middle age, but having done it I don't intent to retreat' Written by Penelope Fitzgerald Read in ten parts by Maggie Steed. Abridged and produced by David Hunter First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1996. Florence plans to open a bookshop but there is local opposition. Read by Maggie Steed. |
| 02 | Haunted | 19960528 | 20230214 (BBC7) 20230215 (BBC7) | The bookshop premises are haunted by a 'rapper', and Florence is invited to a party at The Stead. 'Poltergeists, in Hardborough, were called rappers. 'Your rapper's been at my adjustable spanners' said the plumber.' Written by Penelope Fitzgerald Read by Maggie Steed Abridged and produced by David Hunter First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1996. The bookshop premises are haunted by a poltergeist. Read by Maggie Steed. |
| 03 | Preparations | 19960529 | 20230215 (BBC7) 20230216 (BBC7) | Despite opposition Florence prepares to open her shop. Read by Maggie Steed. |
| 04 | Disaster | 19960530 | 20230216 (BBC7) 20230217 (BBC7) | Florence's lending library gets off to a disastrous start. Read by Maggie Steed. |
| 05 | Christine | 19960531 | 20230217 (BBC7) 20230218 (BBC7) | Ten year old Christine is a formidable organiser for Florence. Read by Maggie Steed. |
| 06 | Poltergeist | 19960603 | 20230220 (BBC7) 20230221 (BBC7) | The poltergeist makes a chilling visit. |
| 07 | Invite | 19960604 | 20230221 (BBC7) 20230222 (BBC7) | Florence is invited into Mr Brundish's lair to discuss Lolita. Read by Maggie Steed. |
| 08 | Problems | 19960605 | 20230222 (BBC7) 20230223 (BBC7) | Lolita brings a surge of sales but other problems too. Read by Maggie Steed. |
| 09 | Turning Tide | 19960606 | 20230223 (BBC7) 20230224 (BBC7) | The tide is unmistakably turning against Florence's enterprise. Read by Maggie Steed. |
| 10 | Conclusions | 19960607 | 20230224 (BBC7) 20230225 (BBC7) | The final chapter of Florence's business in remote Hardborough. Mr Brandish, a lone supporter of Florence, tackles her biggest critic. But the truth is twisted once again. Written by Penelope Fitzgerald Concluded by Maggie Steed Abridged and produced by David Hunter First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1996. The final chapter of Florence's business. Read by Maggie Steed. |