Simon Garfield

Simon Garfield joins us for a look at letters and a love story that unfolded during the Second World War.

On September 5th 1943, Chris Barker, a Signalman stationed in Libya decided to write to a former work colleague, Bessie Moore, back in London. The unexpected warmth of Bessie's reply changed their lives forever.

Chris and Bessie's love letters first appeared in Simon Garfield's book To The Letter. They have since been shared with audiences as part of Letters Live and published in their own book, My Dear Bessie.

This episode includes the 2015 Radio 4 dramatisation of these letters, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Louise Brealey. It was adapted for radio by Sara Davies and produced by Gemma Jenkins.

Produced by Ali Gardiner for BBC Radio 4 Extra.

First broadcast in 2019.