Caliban

By: Robert Devereaux

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Caliban’s my name. Ah, but what’s in a name?

You imagine you know me from The Tempest. But God damn that wretch Will Shakespeare to some special circle of hell. He had a nasty habit - recall Richard III - of skewing history to his own purposes.

Caliban? He ain’t nothing like the inept villain painted by that upstart crow.

I’m here to set the record straight. Bring my mom Sycorax, sorceress of captivating clefts, back from the grave. Relate how I came to triumph over her murderer, the magician Prospero. And through what peculiar magic I wangled my way into Miranda’s tight little body, usurping the bed-place of the prince Absurdinand...beg pardon, I mean Ferdinand.

Inside? Wonders await. Caliban’s an open book. Or, with your kindly assistance, he soon shall be!

©2016 Robert Devereaux (P)2020 Robert Devereaux

Okay Listen

I enjoyed this. Easy listening, good story and good characters and nice twists! Definitely going to follow this author. Mr. Ballerini was great as usual in his narrating.

He's the Cali-BOSS

"Caliban" by Robert Devereaux, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini, is a captivating and audacious reimagining of one of Shakespeare's most enigmatic characters. In this audiobook, Devereaux takes the audience on a wild and unexpected journey into the depths of Caliban's psyche, challenging our preconceived notions of the character while crafting a narrative that is both thought-provoking and highly entertaining.

The Tempest's Caliban, as we've come to know him through Shakespeare's lens, is often depicted as a brutish and uncivilized creature, a mere servant to Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan. However, Devereaux's rendition of Caliban is a revelation. From the very beginning, listeners are introduced to a Caliban who is articulate, witty, and fiercely determined to set the record straight. He refuses to be confined to the one-dimensional portrayal penned by Shakespeare.

Edoardo Ballerini's narration is nothing short of superb. His voice brings Caliban's character to life with incredible nuance, capturing the essence of each emotion, from Caliban's righteous anger to his moments of vulnerability and even his sly humor. Ballerini's performance is engaging and keeps the listener fully immersed in the story, making it a truly enjoyable experience.

Devereaux's storytelling is bold and daring. He delves deep into the character's history and psyche, revealing a complex individual who is shaped by his past, driven by desires, and thirsting for justice. Caliban's quest to bring his mother, Sycorax, back from the grave is the central plotline, and it is woven with elements of magic, intrigue, and dark humor. The author paints a vivid picture of Caliban's world, blending elements of fantasy and reality in a way that keeps the listener on the edge of their seat.

One of the most fascinating aspects of "Caliban" is how it subverts the traditional narrative of Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest." In the original, Caliban is a marginalized character, but here he takes center stage as a complex antihero. Devereaux's reinterpretation challenges us to reconsider the moral complexities of the characters and the events that transpire on the island.

In contrast to Shakespeare's portrayal, Devereaux's Caliban is a character you can empathize with and even root for. His resilience and determination in the face of adversity are inspiring. Additionally, the audiobook explores the intricacies of power, desire, and the consequences of manipulation, making it a thought-provoking narrative that goes beyond mere entertainment.

"Caliban" is not just a retelling of a classic story; it's a fresh and audacious take on a well-known character. It offers a unique perspective on Caliban's identity and motivations, inviting listeners to see him in a new light. With Edoardo Ballerini's exceptional narration and Robert Devereaux's inventive storytelling, "Caliban" is a must-listen for fans of Shakespeare, as well as those who enjoy immersive and thought-provoking audiobooks. It's a tale of redemption, revenge, and self-discovery that will leave you captivated from start to finish.

Caliban is my name

If you don't read a lot of late 1500’s early 1600’s writing and don't know how to interrupt the style this can be a tough listen. I enjoyed the story, but I have to admit that I felt lost more often than not, but It is a neat story that is well worth listening to. Something about this style of writing appeals to me and feels more like art than just a story. Kinda like listening to a Opera, I don't understand Italian, but I still enjoy it. Ballerini did a great job with his narration. He definitely added to the story being a piece of art. His voice was hypnotic and made listening to this story a pleasure. Can’t wait to come across his work again. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

An interesting story and plot!

Robert Devereaux writes an interesting story. The main character is enjoyable and well developed, the story is well written, and the world is intriguing. I look forward to what Robert has in store for us next! Audio Version: Edoardo Ballerini did a great job with the narration and characters. He is an excellent choice to bring this story and the settings to life.