On Their Own

Programme Outline

Episode 2: On Their Own (corresponds to pages 27 - 42 of the book)
Margaret goes to the village to exchange a dress and shawl for some food. The village is devastated by famine: houses are boarded up, whole families are dead or have emigrated, people are starving. She learns that the roadworks are about 20 miles away and hopes that her husband John might be there. Meanwhile, the children entertain themselves by performing a play about their great-aunts, Lena and Nano, about whom their mother has often told them stories. An old woman and her son call to the house but Michael’s quick thinking sends them away. Margaret returns with food, but shortly afterwards leaves the family to try to find John.