Joanna Trollope: Parson Harding’s Daughter, A Spanish Lover, Second Honeymoon

Three BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisations

By: Joanna Trollope

Narrated by: Rebecca Egan, Jemma Redgrave, Caroline Langrishe, Christine Kavanagh, full cast, Nicholas Le Provost, Sam Dale

BBC Radio adaptations of three of Joanna Trollope's much-loved novels—plus bonus interview.

Best-selling author Joanna Trollope has been described as one of the most insightful chroniclers and social commenters writing fiction today. Her books have been translated into over 25 languages, and several have been adapted for television. This collection comprises the BBC Radio dramatisations of her historical novel Parson Harding's Daughter (written under the nom de plume Caroline Harvey) and two of her most popular contemporary novels, A Spanish Lover and Second Honeymoon, as well as an edition of the literary chat show The Book Café.

Parson Harding's Daughter - 1775, and Caroline Harding's only suitor has disappeared to India without her. A plain, impoverished rector's daughter, she is left with few prospects—so when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to sail to Calcutta, bound for marriage to a man she hasn't seen for eight years.... Rebecca Egan stars in this engaging love story, winner of the 1980 Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

A Spanish Lover - Lizzie and Frances are twins, but while Lizzie appears to have everything, Frances' life seems to lack romance. But when Frances impulsively jets off to Spain, everything changes. While Frances discovers excitement and adventure, Lizzie's world begins to fall apart.... Starring Jemma Redgrave as Frances, with Caroline Langrishe as Lizzie.

Second Honeymoon - When Edie's youngest son leaves home she tries to come to terms with the empty nest, but her husband's thoughts turn to the second honeymoon that is about to begin. Or so he thinks.... Starring Christine Kavanagh as Edie and Sam Dale as Russell.

The Book Café: Joanna Trollope - Clare English talks to the acclaimed novelist about her life and work, discussing her Scottish heritage, her love of Chelsea FC—and why there is no sex in her books.

Cast and credits:

Written by Joanna Trollope (Parson Harding's Daughter written under the nom de plume Caroline Harvey).

Parson Harding's Daughter

Cast: Rebecca Egan, Charles Simpson, Ross Livingstone, Geoffrey Whitehead, Jane Whittenshaw, Roger May, Jennifer Hilary, David Collings, Jilly Bond, Paul Jenkins, Nicholas Le Prevost, Andrew Wincott, Dhirendra, Stephen Critchlow, Patience Tomlinson, Tessa Worsley, David Timson, Emma Gregory, John Turner, Jillie Meers, Sam Dastor, Raj Patel, Becky Hindley, Joshua Towb, Badi Uzzaman, Gavin Muir, Monica Dolan, John Hartley

Dramatised by Eric Pringle.

Directed by Jane Morganl.

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13th - 27th August 1995.

A Spanish Lover

Cast: Jemma Redgrave, Caroline Langrishe,Dorothy Tutin, Geoffrey Palmer, Paul Rhys, John Turner,Zulema Dene, Sandra James Young, Kim Staines, George Allonby, Guy Witcher, James Cohen, Kirsty Adams, Patience Tomlinson, Andrew Branch, Roger May, Linda Reagan, Stephen Critchlow, Tessa Worsley, David Timson, Ross Livingstone

Dramatised by Melissa Murray.

Produced and directed by Janet Whitaker.

First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 24th October - 28th November 1995.

Second Honeymoon

Cast: Christine Kavanagh, Sam Dale, Liza Sadovy, Jonathan Forbes, Alex Tregear, Simon Bubb, Carl Prekopp, James Lailey

Dramatised by Rachel Joyce.

Directed by Tracey Neale.

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26th - 30th September 2011.

The Book Café: Joanna Trollope

Presented by Clare English.

With Joanna Trollope.

First broadcast BBC Radio Scotland, 18th March 2013.

©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Good stories about womanhood and family ties

I'm a sentimental fool, so I loved the struggle toward a type of feminism in a community from the past that can acknowledge but still struggles with the thought of a woman's progression. I enjoy stories around love and women where the conflict is between a woman's deep desires and confirmed decisions based on her interpretation of duty...that's why I liked these dramatizations so much. They're just as heavy as they are light and love, in my opinion...but again...I'm sappy! ;) Some of the acting strained around a few of the strained parts of the story, so that compels me to go read the novels. Overall though, they were all a nice, enjoyable listen.