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Macbeth: A Novel

Written by: A. J. Hartley, David Hewson
Narrated by: Alan Cumming
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Publisher's Summary

Macbeth: A Novel brings the intricacy and grit of the historical thriller to Shakespeare’s tale of political intrigue, treachery, and murder. In this full-length novel written exclusively for audio, authors A. J. Hartley and David Hewson rethink literature’s most infamous married couple, grounding them in a medieval Scotland whose military and political upheavals are as stark and dramatic as the landscape on which they are played.

Macbeth is a war hero and a patriot, doing everything in his power to hold together Duncan’s crumbling kingdom, which is beset by sedition from within and with threats from overseas. But when Duncan, contrary to ancient Scottish tradition, turns to building a family dynasty instead of rewarding those who have borne the brunt of the fighting, Macbeth and his powerful wife, Skena, make plans of their own, plans designed to hold both the nation and their strained relationship together. Sinister figures who claim supernatural knowledge spur them on, but the terrible outcome is as much about accident and failure as it is malevolence. Soon Macbeth and his wife find themselves preeminent in all the land, but struggling to hold themselves and their country together as former friends turn into bitter and deadly enemies.

This is Macbeth as you have not heard it before: fresh, edgy, and vital. It is a story of valor in battle, whispering in shadows, witchcraft in the hollows of an ancient landscape, and the desperate struggle of flawed people to do what they think is right.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

A. J. Hartley, a professor of Shakespeare at the Univ. of North Carolina-Charlotte, is the author of the “Will Hawthorne” fantasy series as well as several thrillers.
David Hewson is the best-selling author of 16 novels, including the Rome-based “Nic Costa” crime series.

ABOUT THE NARRATOR

Alan Cumming stars in CBS's The Good Wife, for which he received an Emmy nomination, and is the host of PBS’s Masterpiece Mystery. He was honored with the 2011 Audie Award for Best Male Narrator.

The Irish folk song “She Moved Through the Fair” is performed by Heather O'Neil of the Irish Repertory Theater.

©2011 A.J. Hartley, David Hewson (P)2011 Audible, Inc.
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What the critics say

“Not only is the novel an amplification of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, but it also fills in many of the gaps and gives a new perspective on Macbeth….Alan Cumming reads in a luscious Scottish brogue, which adds authenticity to the narration. His subtle changes of voice for different characters provide a full cast for this story of ambition and hubris. This is a wonderful novel of the human condition, read with ardor and enthusiasm.” ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Macbeth: A Novel

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awesome audiobook

This is exactly what I was looking for; a reimagining of the Macbeth story with modern English but keeping the themes. The authors expanded on the story in really interesting ways and made it very Scottish (with perfect narration) similar to the 2015 film adaptation. Lady Macbeth (Skeena) actually has her own name here and neither of them are really villains. Without giving away too much, the authors go so far as to suggest that Duncan kind of had it coming to be overthrown. The portrait of the witches is perfect as well. Highly recommend!

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Definitely achieves the authors' goals

I very much enjoyed listening to Alan Cumming read this "original" version of the classic tale.

One of the most enjoyable aspects was the filling out of the larger context of characters, family, and environment. I could well imagine the history of each setting and interaction, feeling there was depth that if it were possible to actually visit, you'd be able to learn more about local stories, families, and related lore.

I had been putting off watching a recent Macbeth movie with Michael Fassbender (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2884018/), but did right after finishing this book. Both complemented each other very well, with scenes in the movie looking and feeling that they had come right from the book.

The book is definitely worth listening to again #Audible1.

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