Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Taken from alcoholic parents, Ailsa is miserable in a Glasgow orphanage until she meets Mr Shaugnessy. Read by Maureen Beattie.

Removed from the care of loving but alcoholic parents and placed in a strict Glasgow orphanage, Ailsa Dunn is struggling to cope. Then she meets Mr Shaugnessy and inspired by his piano playing she asks for lessons. Encouraged by his praise, she discovers a talent she never dreamt she had.

Maureen Beattie reads Alison Gangel's vibrant memoir.

Producer: Jane Marshall
A Jane Marshall production for 麻豆社 Radio 4.

15 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Wed 26 Jan 2011 09:45
  • Thu 27 Jan 2011 00:30
  • Wed 13 Jan 2016 14:45
  • Thu 14 Jan 2016 02:45

Listen to more Audio Books

Listen to more Audio Books

Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

Sample our books and authors Clip Collection

Interviews, previews and reviews

Subscribe to the Short stories podcast

Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

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

Finding Your Story

Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?

麻豆社 Arts: Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.