Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Radio 4,25 Apr 2019,14 mins

SeriesAdrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction

9. A Call from Basra

The Diaries of Adrian Mole

Available for 30 days

The fifth book in the series of readings from Adrian’s diaries, written by Sue Townsend. It starts in 2002 with Adrian aged 34 and covers the controversial period of the Iraq War. The Iraq War is underway and Adrian’s son Glenn calls from Basra, where he's stationed. Bruce “Brainbox” Henderson comes to Adrian’s rescue in more ways than one... First published in 1982, Adrian Mole’s diaries were instant bestsellers and Adrian, the remarkably resilient underdog, quickly became a national treasure. While recording the experiences of one individual and showcasing Sue Townsend's fearless and razor sharp wit, the diaries also illustrate how socio-political matters of the time affected the lives of ordinary people. Copyright Siegfried Sassoon by kind permission of the Estate of George Sassoon Abridged in ten parts by Sara Davies. Read by Harry McEntire. Producer: Alexa Moore A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2019.

Programme Website
More episodes