In Certain Circles

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Comments

You only think of orphans in fairytales

20150216

Over a tennis match, orphans Anna and Stephen are welcomed into the rarified world of the Howard family.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle, Stephen and Anna, two orphans, whose lives until now have been very different from those of the Howards. But despite this, these four will spend the rest of their lives moving in and out of each other's shadows.

'Harrower evokes the waste and futility of a decadent class with all the bite and poignancy of F Scott Fitzgerald,' Eimear McBride, New Statesman

Author: Elizabeth Harrower is regarded as one of Australia's most important postwar writers, and is enjoying a recent literary revival. Born in Sydney in 1928, her first novel, Down in the City, was published in 1957 and was followed by The Long Prospect (1958) and The Catherine Wheel (1960). Her most well-known work, The Watch Tower, was published in 1966 to huge acclaim.

Four years later she finished In Certain Circles , but withdrew it before publication for reasons she has never publicly spoken of. The manuscript was rediscovered recently by her publisher who felt it should be published immediately. Harrower has since received rave reviews, including comparisons with Emile Zola and F Scott Fitzgerald.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Just don't develop a social conscience now

20150217

Zoe struggles with her emotions when she discovers that Stephen is leaving.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle, Stephen and Anna, two orphans, whose lives until now have been very different from those of the Howards. The impact of this meeting will resonate for decades.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel set in postwar Sydney.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

This is not my life

20150218

Anna strikes out on her own, and finds a new life.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle, Stephen and Anna, two orphans, whose lives until now have differed from those of the Howards in almost every way.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time now.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

He's not easy

20150219

After the death of her beloved mother, Zoe makes an unexpected choice.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. the impact of this meeting will resonate for decades.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time now.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

'i'm Marvellously Happy'

20150220

The unlikely marriage between Zoe and Stephen continues to raise eyebrows.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

It was enough that he existed

20150223

The bleakness of unrequited and of married love.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

No one knows me

20150224

While Anna remains defiantly single, Zoe regrets her own defiance in marrying Stephen.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

It harmed him

20150225

Zoe realises that not everyone can bear to be loved.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Something's happened to Anna

20150226

The devastating fallout from the arrival of an unexpected letter.

Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

You must solve yourself

20150227

Endings and new beginnings, as Anna and Zoe realise what love is.

Conclusion of internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel written in 1971 and finally published in 2015.

This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard.

Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades.

Reader: Penny Downie

Abridger: Sally Marmion

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.

Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel set in postwar Sydney.

Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Comments
01	You only think of orphans in fairytales	20150216	Over a tennis match, orphans Anna and Stephen are welcomed into the rarified world of the Howard family. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle, Stephen and Anna, two orphans, whose lives until now have been very different from those of the Howards. But despite this, these four will spend the rest of their lives moving in and out of each other's shadows. 'Harrower evokes the waste and futility of a decadent class with all the bite and poignancy of F Scott Fitzgerald,' Eimear McBride, New Statesman Author: Elizabeth Harrower is regarded as one of Australia's most important postwar writers, and is enjoying a recent literary revival. Born in Sydney in 1928, her first novel, Down in the City, was published in 1957 and was followed by The Long Prospect (1958) and The Catherine Wheel (1960). Her most well-known work, The Watch Tower, was published in 1966 to huge acclaim. Four years later she finished In Certain Circles , but withdrew it before publication for reasons she has never publicly spoken of. The manuscript was rediscovered recently by her publisher who felt it should be published immediately. Harrower has since received rave reviews, including comparisons with Emile Zola and F Scott Fitzgerald. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
02	Just don't develop a social conscience now	20150217	Zoe struggles with her emotions when she discovers that Stephen is leaving. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle, Stephen and Anna, two orphans, whose lives until now have been very different from those of the Howards. The impact of this meeting will resonate for decades. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel set in postwar Sydney. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
03	This is not my life	20150218	Anna strikes out on her own, and finds a new life. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle, Stephen and Anna, two orphans, whose lives until now have differed from those of the Howards in almost every way. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time now. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
04	He's not easy	20150219	After the death of her beloved mother, Zoe makes an unexpected choice. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. the impact of this meeting will resonate for decades. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time now. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
05	'i'm Marvellously Happy'	20150220	The unlikely marriage between Zoe and Stephen continues to raise eyebrows. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
06	It was enough that he existed	20150223	The bleakness of unrequited and of married love. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
07	No one knows me	20150224	While Anna remains defiantly single, Zoe regrets her own defiance in marrying Stephen. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
08	It harmed him	20150225	Zoe realises that not everyone can bear to be loved. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
09	Something's happened to Anna	20150226	The devastating fallout from the arrival of an unexpected letter. Internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel was written in 1971 and was finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel, published for the first time in 2015. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature
10	You must solve yourself	20150227	Endings and new beginnings, as Anna and Zoe realise what love is. Conclusion of internationally acclaimed Australian author Elizabeth Harrower's novel written in 1971 and finally published in 2015. This tale of love, class and freedom is set among the grand houses and lush gardens of Sydney Harbour just after the Second World War, following the lives of Zoe and Russell Howard. Charismatic and confident, the children of affluent and loving parents, they welcome into their circle two orphans, Stephen and Anna. It's a meeting that will resonate for decades. Reader: Penny Downie Abridger: Sally Marmion Producer: Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015. Penny Downie reads Elizabeth Harrower's 1971 novel set in postwar Sydney. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature