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3. The Corncrake Wife

Episode 3 of 5

A job with the RSPB sees Amy scouring the islands nightly, listening for rare Corncrakes. Read by Tracy Wiles.

A job with the RSPB sees Amy scouring the islands nightly, listening for rare Corncrakes.

Amy Liptrot's incisive memoir of overcoming alcoholism amid the luminous Orkney landscape.

Liptrot grew up on a sheep farm on Orkney. She was shaped by the wind-swept islands, but longed for the excitement of the city.

A move to London led to a life that was hedonistic and fun but she was unable to control her drinking. Her alcoholism exposed her to some terrifying situations and left her lost and lonely.

At 30 she finds herself washed up back home in Orkney, and discovers that this place she once longed to escape is curative, its wildness and lore playing an essential part in her recovery from addiction.

Abridged by Sara Davies.

Read by Tracy Wiles,

Producer: Simon Richardson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2016.

15 minutes

Last on

Thu 12 Jun 202503:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

2. Back from the Brink

Next

4. Rose Cottage

See all episodes from The Outrun by Amy Liptrot

Credits

ReaderTracy Wiles
AuthorAmy Liptrot
AbridgerSara Davies
ProducerSimon Richardson

Broadcasts

  • Wed 20 Jan 201609:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Thu 21 Jan 201600:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 11 Jun 202508:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 11 Jun 202513:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 11 Jun 202519:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 12 Jun 202503:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra