Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20110725 | Derek Jacobi reads this prizewinning novel set in the sweltering summer of 1938 when Portugal was under the Fascist shadow of Spain. Pereira Maintains tells a tale of reluctant heroism. The editor of the arts page of a Lisbon newspaper, Dr Pereira, wants nothing to do with politics. Something of an academic he spends his time immersed in nineteenth century French literature. His closest confidante is a photograph of his late wife. But all this changes when he meets Francesco Monteiro Rossi, a charismatic young man with links to the anti-Franco International Brigade. As Pereira comes to realise the extent of the suppression of free speech in the country he loves, he is drawn into a reckless act of rebellion. Abridged by Jane Marshall. Produced by Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Pereira wants nothing to do with politics, but then he meets Francesco Monteiro Rossi. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 02 | 20110726 | Dr Pereira has met a charismatic young man and offered him a job on the culture page of his newspaper but he is concerned by the company the young man keeps, for this is Portugal in 1938 and one has to be careful who one is seen with and what one says. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Pereira has offered a charismatic young man a job on his newspaper. Derek Jacobi reads. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 03 | 20110727 | Pereira has taken on a young assistant to help him with the culture page of a Lisbon newspaper. But the young man, though charming and eager to help, writes articles that are unpublishable in the repressive political climate of Portugal in 1938. And yet inexplicably, Pereira finds himself paying the young man out of his own pocket. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. Pereira's assistant is writing articles that are unpublishable in Portugal in 1938. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 04 | 20110728 | Pereira escapes from Lisbon to a health spa in the country but when he returns to the city he discovers his young assistant is in need of his help. In spite of the fact that he is putting his own reputation at risk Pereira finds himself agreeing to the unusual request. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. Pereira's assistant is in a fix and he asks for help. Read by Derek Jacobi. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 05 | 20110729 | Pereira is worried that his young assistant is being drawn into politics by his beautiful girlfriend. His fears are confirmed when the young man fails to keep an appointment at the Caf退 Orquidea, but the girl comes in his place and tells Pereira that he has gone to Alentejo, to recruit dissidents to go and fight the fascist regime in Spain. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. Pereira worries that his assistant is being drawn into politics by his beautiful girl. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 06 | 20110801 | Unsettled by his conversations with his new assistant Pereira goes to a clinic in Parede where he has time to reflect on his past and to discuss with his doctor the importance of the soul. And he considers his discomfort with the political climate in his beloved homeland and wonders what he can do. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. At a clinic in Parede, Pereira meets a doctor who is prepared to talk about the soul. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 07 | 20110802 | Pereira is troubled, by the repression in the country he loves, by his own reluctance to get involved and by his young assistant and his girlfriend who seem prepared to risk everything for a cause they believe in. After long talks about the soul with a doctor at a clinic in Parede, he goes to seek out his old friend Father Antonio to see what advice he can give. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. Pereira's assistant is in trouble and he needs money. Read by Derek Jacobi. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 08 | 20110803 | As the fighting in Spain intensifies Pereira is told to modify the content of his culture page in the weekly Lisbon newspaper. Irritated by the interference and the overbearing attitude of his editor, he wonders what is becoming of his beloved Portugal. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. As the fighting in Spain intensifies Pereira is told what to put in his culture page. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 09 | 20110804 | Pereira's assistant returns from Alentejo where he has been recruiting for the International Brigade. His cousin has been arrested and he is on the run from the authorities. In spite of the danger Pereira offers him shelter. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. Pereira's assistant is on the run and needs somewhere to hide. Derek Jacobi reads. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |
| 10 | 20110805 | There's a knock on Pereira's door and three men who call themselves political police burst in to the apartment. They are looking for Pereira's assistant and they say he needs to be taught a lesson. Finally Pereira has to make a choice. Written by Antonio Tabucchi Read by Derek Jacobi Producer: Jane Marshall A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4. Three men who call themselves political police burst in to Pereira's apartment. Readings from modern classics, new works by leading writers and world literature |