Macbeth: A Novel

By: A. J. Hartley, David Hewson

Narrated by: Alan Cumming

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

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.

Critic reviews

“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)

First Audible Download -- Huge Fan!!

What made the experience of listening to Macbeth: A Novel the most enjoyable?

I prefer to read than to listen, but recently have found myself with a schedule that is more conducive to listening. I've found in a very short time that a narrator can make or break a book. This one was fantastic.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Macbeth: A Novel?

I really enjoyed the witches. I liked the scene toward the end when they explain themselves, and their stories, to Lady Macbeth.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

All of them were fantastic. I can't think of one I didn't like.

Who was the most memorable character of Macbeth: A Novel and why?

Again tough call because the narration was phenomenal. I really liked all of the interactions with the witches. I think they were wonderfully written and rendered.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend. It took me less than 48 hours to get through the book. I could not stop listening.

Unlistenable

Sadly, the Scottish accent was way too thick to get into this book past the first couple of minutes. It was very distracting and made it impossible to get into the story.

Shakespeare without the work

I've always intended to read Shakespeare, but never felt up to doing the work. With this novelization, and their "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark", AJ Hartley and David Hewson have unbarred the doors and allowed me in on these extraordinary stories. I'm hoping they plan to continue, as I'd like to see what I'm missing with the rest of the great bard's works. And who knows, I may yet dust off the old OED and take on the originals. If not, thank you Misters Hartley and Hewson, for these fabulous stories, fabulously well told.

Thanks to you, too, Mr. Cummings. I'd listen to grocery lists with pleasure if you were narrating them.

AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

Gripping

I had been curious about this novelization of the Shakespeare classic for some time, and after seeing it on sale decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did! The listener is immediately drawn in from the very first scene with the weird sisters, which establishes the creepy, foreboding tone from the start. A glimpse into the role the sisters play is provided which lets us know we are in for something different than what might be expected. We know this story is going to lend greater insight into the motivations of the characters. The sisters are witches, yet so much more. They not only embody the themes of the play but are also weaved into the tapestry of the tragedies yet to unfold. We ultimately learn something of why they are there and where they come from. There is no black or white, but a multitude of shades in between. From the sisters to Macbeth and to Lady Macbeth, all are both despicable and pitiable at once. As the tension rises with each tragic event we feel sorrow, anger, frustration, heartache, shock, and consternation in turns, yet we never grow to truly hate any of them. At the heart of it we know they merely represent insight into, a warning of, the human condition. The shining threads uncoil revealing layers masking raw primordial instincts beneath. Macbeth is both brave and loyal warrior and paranoid, power-mad ruler; Lady Macbeth, heartbroken mother and ambitious schemer; the sisters, gleeful puppet-masters and helpless victims.

Ultimately it is a story about the perilous traps of greed, power, and ambition and their eventual, uttermost consequences. The authors have successfully translated these themes in a manner more accessible yet still honorable to the original. The narration by Alan Cumming is inspired, and in a word ... brilliant. Listen on if you are prepared to hold up the mirror of this centuries-spanning collaboration into the dark heart of human drive and weakness.

Great rendering,

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Macbeth is a great story and this novel fleshes out some of the story's finer points that lie hidden in Shakespeare's "poetry"

What was one of the most memorable moments of Macbeth: A Novel?

The weird sisters and Lady Macbeth

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Character's intent

Any additional comments?

Always assumed Macbeth was a small man with a Napoleonic complex. Not so much in this version.

Deliciously dark and disturbing.

Would you consider the audio edition of Macbeth: A Novel to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but the audio version was excellent.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Skeynar, because Lady Macbeth had always fascinated me and I loved the depths and back story they gave this character.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I hated the Sherlock Holmes story Alan Cumming read, but thoroughly enjoyed his reading of Macbeth, it was so much better.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Banquo's death. I knew it was going to happen, it had to, but he made such a noble death in this story and his last words were of love, that has to make anyone emotional.

Any additional comments?

This is not a story for the faint hearted, neither is the original. Embrace and enjoy the dark side.

Better than the play

If you could sum up Macbeth: A Novel in three words, what would they be?

regicide ain't good

Any additional comments?

I remember reading this play in high school and thinking - "what the heck is going on". Here the authors have created a novel out of Shakespreares work and I now I see what is going on and it is awesome - except the wierd sisters - they were just creepy.

True to the Bard

By taking the original play further, this tome ads another dimension that I am certain would meet with approval from the author.

Apparently the headline is not optional

Nicely done. Helped to bring Macbeth alive and demonstrated that an old story is still relevant.

Great Adaptation

This is the best version of the great tale I've ever came across. The narration is superb.