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Searching for belonging in Wordsworth鈥檚 Lake District

In her twenties Esther Rutter suffered an acute mental breakdown while living in Japan. Her recovery began when she found a job working at the home of a great English poet.

In her twenties Esther Rutter suffered an acute mental breakdown while living in Japan. After being sectioned, her recovery began when she took a job in the Lake District at Dove Cottage, the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. As her connection with the Wordsworths grew, so did her hopes for her own life.

Esther has now written a memoir about this time, her book is called All Before Me: A Search for Belonging in Wordsworth's Lake District.

This programme contains references to suicidal thoughts. If you are struggling emotionally, support is available internationally at https://www.befrienders.org and in the UK at bbc.co.uk/actionline

We also heard from Dr Mike Burbridge, who told us about the music of Fritz and Paul Kalkbrenner and how it changed his life. If you have a song that has shaped you, or reminds you of an important moment in your life, we would love to hear your story. Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Photo: Esther Rutter Credit: Chris Scott

Available now

41 minutes

Last on

Wed 20 Mar 2024 03:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 19 Mar 2024 12:06GMT
  • Tue 19 Mar 2024 18:06GMT
  • Tue 19 Mar 2024 23:06GMT
  • Wed 20 Mar 2024 03:06GMT

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Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary

Step into someone else鈥檚 life and expect the unexpected