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Marco Carrera is 'the hummingbird', who stands still as he navigates the challenges of life – confronting the death of his sister; taking care of his elderly parents; raising his granddaughter when her mother can no longer be there for her; and coming to terms with his love for Luisa.

It is a romance of a different kind, and the story portrays a hero who can give more easily than he can take it. A sportsman and gambler, Marco is above all a truly gentle man - right up to the last hour of his life when he brings together those he loves to bid farewell.

An impressionistic, dreamlike telescoping of a life into 60 minutes, this adaptation by John Retallack weaves together voices, soundscape, music, and the authentic sounds and textures of Italy.

Sandro Veronesi's The Hummingbird won the Premio Strega, Italy’s major literary award, and is a No.1 international bestseller.

The Author ..... Paul Ansdell
Marco ..... Simon Lenagan
Luisa ..... Caroline Faber
Dr Carradori ..... Dan Krikler
Adele ..... Katie Friedli Walton
Miraijin ..... Darcy Dixon

The Hummingbird was translated from Italian by Elena Pala.

The 'Hummingbird' poem is by Raymond Carver.

Sound design by Jon Nicholls.

Adapted and directed by John Retallack.

Produced by Emma Balch

The Story of Books production for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3, first broadcast in 2022.

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