The Astronomer
By John Updike. Walter's religious revival is at its height, so he is not looking forward to the arrival of his dinner guest, an imposing and revered scientist.
As part of Radio 4's Capturing America series, Mark Lawson selects short pieces by five American authors.
By John Updike. Walter's religious revival is at its height, and he has a near obsession for Kierkegaard. So he is not looking forward to the arrival of his dinner guest, the imposing and revered scientist and astronomer Bela. However, it's not theological debate but after-dinner chit chat that peels away Bela's bravura, and Walter realises that perhaps his guest is not so invincible after all.
Read by Kerry Shale.
Last on
Broadcast
- Thu 11 Feb 201022:45BBC Radio 4
Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.
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
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
Short stories to keep
The fiction podcast featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
