“The fifth chapter from Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty, in which we meet Meryl, a Guinness World Records representative bound so tightly in a corset of cynicism that she finds it hard to breathe…”

Meryl from Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty

“The third chapter of Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty, in which we meet Mdu, a man with an unusual voice that lets him speak to whales, and a sense of hearing that allows him to hear the words behind people’s words…”

Mdu from Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty

Today we meet Pravesh, a rather curious chappy with a thing for toenails and a deep respect for his career as an undertaker.

“The second chapter from Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty, in which we are introduced to Pravesh, an undertaker with a highly developed death radar…”

Pravesh from Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty

Here’s a podcast introducing her:

“The first chapter of Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty, in which we meet Beth – a cashier (later turned motivational speaker) who has a heart too big for her life…”

Beth from Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty

There will be seven in all – the Prelude (today), and then one for each of the six main characters – Beth, Pravesh, Aisha, Mdu, Meryl and Harry. Check back each Friday for a new podcast (today is just an added bonus).

What’s it all about?
“The opening passages of Strange Nervous Laughter, a novel by Bridget McNulty, in which we are introduced to the six main characters – Beth, Pravesh, Mdu, Aisha, Meryl and Harry – and the whimsical world they inhabit. Set in Durban, South Africa, in the hottest summer ever known.”