Ruby, Edie, and Douglas take a Sunday outing that brings moments of charm, unease, and unexpected honesty. As Ruby weighs Douglas’s proposal for a new living arrangement, she must confront her own instincts, her responsibilities to Edie, and the complicated emotions stirred by the people around her. Their visit to Douglas’s friend Frank opens yet another door into a future Ruby isn’t sure she’s ready for.

Content Warning: Contains elements of violence and references to child abuse.

Made with support from NZ On Air, the Earle Creativity and Development Trust, and Manawatū People’s Radio.

Episode 13

MPR presents: A Respectable Veneer, written by Rachel Doré, published by Upstart Press and narrated by Romy Hooper.

This narration was made possible by funding from the Earle Creativity and Development Trust, with collaboration from Manawatu People’s Radio.

Set in 1954 New Zealand, the story follows single mother Ruby as she struggles to reinvent herself in a new town, determined to provide her ten-year-old daughter Edie with a respectable life.

Content Warning: A Respectable Veneer is a story of love and courage, but it contains references to violence and child abuse.