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The Sultan's Box of Sparrows

A Sultan is forced to try and make amends after he abandons his wife for being unable to bear him a son. Read by Mona Arshi.

Poet, writer and former human rights lawyer Mona Arshi presents a dark fairy tale.

After a Sultan has his wife walled up in the garden for being unable to bear him a son he is forced to travel hundreds of miles on a quest to redeem himself.

A Miniaturist instructs him to wash his face in five rivers in order to restore good fortune but he is destined to learn some hard lessons along the way.

Written and read by Mona Arshi.

Producer: Maggie Ayre

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2021.

1 month left to listen

14 minutes

Last on

Tue 14 Jan 202505:45
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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Broadcasts

  • Fri 5 Mar 202115:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 7 Mar 202100:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 13 Jan 202515:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 13 Jan 202521:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 14 Jan 202505:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra