The Wireless Set

Plot

• The story is set in the isolated fictional valley of Tronvik, Orkney, in 1939.
• Hugh and Betsy's son, Howie, returns to Tronvik after working as a whaler in the Antarctic. He brings with him a wireless set, a novelty for the community.
• The community gathers at Hugh and Betsy's croft to witness the wireless set, with some expressing amazement and wonder while others are sceptical, questioning the truthfulness of the broadcasts.
• World War Two breaks out, and Howie, along with three other men from the island, enlists in the war.

• During the winter, the valley's inhabitants rely on the wireless for information, but there is growing distrust due to false information and confusion.
• The radio broadcaster Lord Haw-Haw becomes a captivating figure for the community, even though he is known for spreading propaganda and lies.
• One evening, after more lies from Lord Haw-Haw, the community decides to switch off the wireless and engage in socialising instead.

• Betsy listens to music on the wireless when she receives a telegram announcing Howie's death. The missionary tries to console Betsy, but she absently discusses daily tasks with her husband, Old Hugh.
• Old Hugh, initially calm, suddenly smashes the wireless set with an axe, leaving it in ruins.

• The story concludes with Betsy and Hugh discussing their daily chores, avoiding the topic of Howie's death.