Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: A Novel

By: A. J. Hartley, David Hewson

Narrated by: Richard Armitage

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

It is a tale of ghosts, of madness, of revenge - of old alliances giving way to new intrigues. Denmark is changing, shaking off its medieval past. War with Norway is on the horizon. And Hamlet - son of the old king, nephew of the new - becomes increasingly entangled in a web of deception - and murder.

Struggling to find his place in this strange new order Hamlet tries to rekindle his relationship with Ophelia - the daughter of Elsinore’s cunning spy master, a man with plots of his own. Hamlet turns for advice and support to the one person he can trust -- Young Yorick, the slippery, unruly jester, whose father helped Hamlet through a difficult childhood. And all the while the armed forces of Fortinbras, prince of Norway, start to assemble, threatening to bring down Elsinore forever.

Beautifully performed by actor Richard Armitage ("Thorin Oakenshield" in the Hobbit films), Hamlet, Prince of Denmark takes Shakespeare’s original into unexpected realms, reinventing a story we thought we knew.

A. J. Hartley is the New York Times best-selling author of the Will Hawthorne fantasy series and several thrillers, as well as the Darwen Arkwright books for younger readers. He is the Russell Robinson Distinguished Professor of Shakespeare at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

David Hewson is the best-selling author of more than 20 novels, including the Nic Costa crime series and a trilogy of books based on the hit Danish television show The Killing. His most-recent novel, The House of Dolls, begins a new series set in Amsterdam.

Richard Armitage is known to movie audiences around the world as "Thorin Oakenshield" in the trilogy of films based on The Hobbit. Born in Leicester, England, and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Armitage has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and created memorable roles on Robin Hood, North & South, and other British TV series.

©2014 A.J. Hartley, David Hewson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"It's a fresh, contemporary take on Shakespeare's tragedy, one not afraid to create new characters or cut long soliloquies. We get a noirish Hamlet, who, when asked by Laertes if he's ready to fence, blurts out: 'I've been ready all my life.'" ( Associated Press)

"English literature teachers worried about getting pupils entranced by Shakespeare should plug them in to this imaginative gloss on Hamlet before starting on the real thing. Hobbit-fanciers will rejoice to find that Richard “Thorin Oakenshield” Armitage is an outstandingly versatile narrator. This is the one of the most powerful listening experiences that I’ve had." ( The Times London)

"Armitage is amazing. He's more than a simple reader, showing himself as a gifted actor. He gives distinct life to each of the many characters in the tragedy, making it easy to follow the story. You can actually close your eyes and listen to the work and imagine the scenes unfolding, thanks to Armitage's acting skills." ( AudioFile)

New Worlds

I had never read Hamlet in school, or The Hobbit for that matter, and probably never would have. As Audible, and Amazon know, there are many of us who are drawn into different worlds by Richard Armitage, that we probably would never have gone otherwise, but once there, realize they are fascinating. Listening to Richard's different voices is like having the whole story acted out in my mind. I would love to hear him narrate The Hobbit as well. Who better than Thorin?

5+ stars!

What a wonderful retelling of Shakespeare's own classic retelling of a tale of his time! The story didn't seem too modern, yet kept a brilliant tone and pace throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other two Shakespeare collaborations by these two gifted authors.

Richard Armitage is a truly, truly gifted narrator--I can't wait to hear him again!

Least helpful Hamlet review

Any additional comments?

I purchased this because it had won the audio book of the year award for 2014 on audible. I know nothing about Shakespeare except what little I was made to read in high school. I know nothing about the play Hamlet except, isn't that the one with the "to be or not to be" line? I don't know if this was 'audio book of the year' quality or not, but it was a solid 4 star audio book in my humble opinion. The narrator does a great job for the most part, although there was a few spots that seemed a little monotone. The writing was alright and the story was OK, but nothing about it really grabbed me. I wasn't excited about finishing it like I was with some of my favorite audio books.

Oh well.

Superb!

I think this version of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark is nicely done, and superbly narrated. I power-walked extra hour just so I could listen more of the audiobook. Highly recommended.

Wonderful and capturing

The book had a great flow. It was capturing and it kept you interested all the way through

Must listen for fans of the Bsrd/historical fic

Richard Armitage is great. I will surely be reading their version of Macbeth and I'll also be looking for other books narrated by Mr. A.

Creative rendition

The reason I listened to this book (and Macbeth, A Novel) was because I’m not a Shakespeare fan and hoped it would make me appreciate his plays more. Clearly, there must be something there, given how much Shakespeare is valued in English literature and, in fact, Shakespeare plays are venerated everywhere and performed in all languages. And yet, I just don’t find myself engrossed. These novels are more engrossing, though, in both cases, they are about court intrigue and violence. After I listened to Macbeth, the Novel, I started watching a video of a live performance of Macbeth, and never got to finish. Clearly, I was not so rapt as to feel drawn to finish. More like: “one of these days”. It will probably be the same with Hamlet. Armitage’s performance is excellent, but the story still seems just too unreal and contrived. And tragic. Very tragic. I also understand that the authors stray from the story as it is in the version of the play taught in schools, so even if I get around to trying the play, there will be some differences.

Thrilling!!!

I loved this presentation of Hamlet!!!!!!
Richard Armitage is fantastic. I've heard him perform before and he does a wonderful job here.
The authors did a wonderful job bringing Hamlet into the 21st century.

Whether you are a purist or not you'll enjoy this one.

I know I will return to it again and again!

5 Stars all around!

Shakespeare in modern English

The glorious Tale of the prince of Denmark, unencumbered with 400 year old Anglo-Saxon.

Spectacular

Even through the many characters, Richard Armitage's narration is perfect. Rethought story is intriguing and riveting.