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2. Cerebellum

Episode 2 of 5

Contracting encephalitis aged eight. The life of Maggie O’Farrell told through near-death experiences. Read by Hattie Morahan.

Maggie O'Farrell recalls the moment at which, aged eight, she woke up to find the world 'looked completely different'.

She had contracted encephalitis, an illness that continues to have an impact upon her life.

Maggie O'Farrell's startling memoir, in which the bestselling author recounts her life through a series of near-death experiences.

Read by Hattie Morahan.

The book started out as a private project, a way for O'Farrell to help her daughter who suffers from a serious immunology disorder, including severe eczema and allergies that can cause anaphylactic shock:

"I've asked myself, when she has been very ill, how do you carry on when death is a daily possibility?"

Abridged and produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2017.

15 minutes

On radio

Tue 21 Apr 202608:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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1. Neck

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3. Abdomen

See all episodes from I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O'Farrell

Credits

ReaderHattie Morahan
AuthorMaggie O'Farrell
AbridgerKirsteen Cameron
ProducerKirsteen Cameron

Broadcasts

  • Tue 22 Aug 201709:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Wed 23 Aug 201700:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 5 Jul 202214:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 6 Jul 202202:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 21 Apr 202608:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 21 Apr 202613:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 21 Apr 202619:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 22 Apr 202603:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra