Hag-Seed

By: Margaret Atwood

Narrated by: R.H. Thompson

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best seller

The beloved author of The Handmaid’s Tale reimagines Shakespeare’s final, great play, The Tempest, in a gripping and emotionally rich novel of passion and revenge.

“A marvel of gorgeous yet economical prose, in the service of a story that’s utterly heartbreaking yet pierced by humor, with a plot that retains considerable subtlety even as the original’s back story falls neatly into place.” (The New York Times Book Review)

Felix is at the top of his game as artistic director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival. Now he's staging a Tempest like no other: Not only will it boost his reputation, but it will also heal emotional wounds.

Or that was the plan. Instead, after an act of unforeseen treachery, Felix is living in exile in a backwoods hovel, haunted by memories of his beloved lost daughter, Miranda. And also brewing revenge, which, after 12 years, finally arrives in the shape of a theatre course at a nearby prison.

Margaret Atwood’s novel take on Shakespeare’s play of enchantment, retribution, and second chances leads us on an interactive, illusion-ridden journey filled with new surprises and wonders of its own.

©2016 Margaret Atwood (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A marvel of gorgeous yet economical prose, in the service of a story that's utterly heartbreaking yet pierced by humor, with a plot that retains considerable subtlety even as the original's back story falls neatly into place."—New York Times Book Review

“What makes the book thrilling, and hugely pleasurable, is how closely Atwood hews to Shakespeare even as she casts her own potent charms, rap-composition included… Part Shakespeare, part Atwood, “Hag-Seed” is a most delicate monster — and that’s “delicate” in the 17th-century sense. It’s delightful.”—The Boston Globe

“Atwood has designed an ingenious doubling of the plot of “The Tempest”: Felix, the usurped director, finds himself cast by circumstances as a real-life version of Prospero, the usurped Duke. If you know the play well, these echoes grow stronger when Felix decides to exact his revenge by conjuring up a new version of “The Tempest” designed to overwhelm his enemies.”—The Washington Post

Captivating, although improbable

The English teacher in me loved this book on multiple levels. The literary allusions felt like inside jokes, and Atwood's clever working in Shakespeare's work through several layers of the story made me happy. The theater teacher in me applauds the recognition that literacy can be taught in many modes and the most insightful students are often the most surprising. Brava!

AWED!

If you could sum up Hag-Seed in three words, what would they be?

Favorite Shakespeare text, possibly favorite modern author, how could it not be a win!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The narrator was beyond compare.

Great as always!

I love Margaret Atwood. When I know the book is nearing the end I am always sad. Atwood is my all time favorite author.

Great retelling of The Tempest

I went back and forth between listening and reading Hag Seed. This recording really enhances Atwood’s great story telling (retelling?) The narrator has a slight Canadian accent that brings to life Atwood’s voice and characters. Would recommend to a friend asking for something to read or listen.

A wonderful yarn for theater folks

I loved how it wove The Tempest into the story. Lots of contemporary (ish) theater references and clearly a love of Shakespeare and theater. A good listen!

Wonderful story

I am very familiar with Shakespeare's Tempest and this story is a spectacularly modern version - so creative, yet so faithful

Wonderful!!

Both the story and Thompson's narration were fantastic !! An inventive spin on Shakespeare's Tempest.

Really engaging !

Loved this updated, sharp, and apt take on Shakespeare's The Tempest. Margaret Atwood tour de force.

Engaging

Great symmetry with the original Shakespeare, with some added modern elements and themes. I wasn't familiar with Shakespeare's The Tempest, and the way the synopsis of the original play resolved in my mind while unknowingly (at first) following a modern parallel was so fun.

Loved listening to this book! PERFECT narrator!

Loved it!! I relistened many parts just to hear the beauty of the narrator's bringing to life each and every character bringing Shakespeare's play alive!! Atwood's story is so compelling, filled with so many angels, and the ironic humor, throughout the book is "whoreson awesome" ! Get this book - read and LISTEN!!