5. An Encounter with Sigmund Freud

Explanations for Alma's supernatural experiences prove controversial.

With questions still to be answered - is the real reason for her haunting knowable?

This is the story of a young and vivacious housewife whose London home and family are assailed by a lively and frightening poltergeist in 1938.

Reports in the papers pique Nandor Fodor's interest, and the chief ghost hunter of the International Institute for Psychical Research embarks on a quest to establish the authenticity of Alma's experiences.

Against these events, war looms large over Great Britain, with popular culture and a deepening interest in spiritualism reflecting the anxieties of the day.

Kate Summerscale's acclaimed book, abridged by Julian Wilkinson.

Concluded by Emma Fielding.

Producer: Elizabeth Allard.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2020.