BBC Radio Four’s ‘Bookclub’ programme is looking for people to take part in a radio discussion about the book ‘The Music Room’ by William Fiennes.
The book is about William's childhood, which was dominated by his brother Richard. Richard was known for his towering presence, his inventiveness, his great passion for Leeds United, and the issues he faced due to his severe epilepsy.
In the book, William also explores the history of treatments and diagnosis of epilepsy. He starts with the ancient Greeks naming it The Sacred Disease and goes through to case studies of children in the 1950s.
Do you have epilepsy, or have a friend or family member with epilepsy, or work with someone with epilepsy? The production team are looking for readers with personal experiences of epilepsy to read the book and join in the discussion.
The programme will be recorded on Monday 9 May 2011 at 5.30pm, at BBC Bush House in central London. Tickets are free and available from the Bookclub webpage.
Comments: read the 3 comments or add yours
Comments
Hi Mark
I've read this book and found it profoundly moving. I suffer from severe epilepsy and would have liked to take part in something like this if it were possible. Unfortunately it's not as I'm far from well enough and facing a sweep of hospital visits et al at the moment.
could you please tell me when the programme will be broadcast so that I could listen.
Many thanks
liz
I think this book is brilliant and I have given a copy to various schools for their library hoping that as many people as possible will read it, in particular teachers, as the book is so beautifully written and can't fail to communicate empathy and a sensitive response to the condition. The story had a purity about it; prompting a much needed shifting of attitude in schools.
I'm nearly finished reading this book - it has struck a chord with me as we are going through the process of my 2 year old being diagnosed with epilepsy. The feeling of lack of control and uncertainty is paramount for me, and that comes through in the book - although it is interesting that the younger boy does not see the whole situation as extreme or unusual but simply part of his everyday life. Some of the symbolism built in to the descriptions of the house and surroundings is lovely. I did get bored at times with the very lengthy descriptions though! Perhaps it's my thirst for knowledge about the epilepsy that made me anxious to get on with the other parts of the story.