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Award-winning writer Julia Blackburn creates a fictional response to a story in this week's news about breakthrough research into Broken Heart Syndrome, which is brought on by an acute emotional shock. Researchers have identified two molecules linked to high stress which make the condition more likely. An alternative name for the syndrome is 'takotsubo cardiomyopathy', because the shape of the damaged left ventricle of the heart resembles a traditional Japanese octopus trap, or takotsubo. Her story tells of a lifelong love affair, a broken heart, and an encounter with an octopus. Julia has been described as one of the most original writers in Britain. Her work includes 'Timesong' a 'magical, mesmerising book that makes you feel giddy at the thought of the deep gulf of history hidden just beneath your feet'; the winner of the J R Ackerley Award for Memoir for the 'remarkable' 'The Three of Us', as well as innovative, imaginative and revelatory biographies of Goya, Napoleon and Billie Holliday. Reader...Diana Quick Producer for �鶹�� Audio in Bristol: Mary Ward-Lowery