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Romeo and Juliet: A Novel

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Romeo and Juliet: A Novel

By: David Hewson
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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About this listen

Exclusively written for Audible, only available in audio

"I think Romeo and Juliet is the greatest, most tragic love story ever told. What David Hewson did with this script is so exciting to me. I really love the fact that he followed avenues that Shakespeare suggested but didn't necessarily detail in depth. If you want to immerse yourself in a warm bath of Garganega and the heat of Verona and hear a brilliant story about a young woman who is challenging the restraints of her time, listen to this audiobook, which has romance, poetry, politics, and humor to spare." (Narrator Richard Armitage)

It's a story you think you know: the age-old tale of "star-cross'd lovers"; two families at war; a romance, so pure and absolute, fated for a tragic end. It's a story so thoroughly embedded in our culture, and so frequently retold. Yet, nothing captures the spark, the possibility, and the surprise of Shakespeare's work quite like this....

In Romeo and Juliet: A Novel, author David Hewson reworks and expands on the classic story so that it becomes something richer, something new and entirely its own. Much more than a simple love story, it is a brilliant examination of young versus old, hope against despair, and, for Juliet, the search for individual identity at a time when women were regarded as little more than chattel.

An original production commissioned by Audible, Romeo and Juliet: A Novel marks the second pairing of David Hewson and actor Richard Armitage, whose previous partnership resulted in Audible's 2014 Audiobook of the Year, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: A Novel. Hewson's talent for writing for audio is undeniable, and he finds his perfect vocal foil in Armitage, an actor of immense range and absorbing intensity. Together, they bring you a familiar story told in a surprising way - with an ending you might not expect.

Bonus: Audiobook includes an afterword written and narrated by David Hewson.

©2016 David Hewson (P)2016 Audible, Inc. Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Romance Witty Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Celebrity Shakespeare Classics

Editor reviews

Editors Select, December 2016 - Just as Shakespeare borrowed from Arthur Brooke's The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet as a means to invent a unique dramatization of his own, author David Hewson uses this audio adaptation to explore and expand the various backstories of its characters - their grudges, fears, and motives - allowing previously minor characters to flourish and the stakes to reach an all new high. Actor Richard Armitage makes exhilarating choices in his narration: Juliet becomes a fierce heroine in the throes of an existential crisis; Romeo a soft-spoken emo poet; Mercutio a swaggering bad boy who'd be quite at home in a Guy Ritchie film; and Tybalt a slithering, blood-hungry goon. Taking Hewson's lead, Armitage is more than game to follow these characters to new and unexpected places. And, indeed, this story does not end quite like you'd expect. —Doug, Audible Editor

Critic reviews

"Consummate actor Richard Armitage narrates this dynamic reimagining of Romeo and Juliet. It's an ideal construct for those reluctant to pursue Shakespeare. In addition to using contemporary slang, the author gives the followers of the Montague and Capulet families street cred: They wear red or blue feathers in their hats. Armitage makes even secondary characters unique, with Romeo's and Juliet's fathers sounding like the bitter old men they are. The standout is Juliet's nurse, who provides comic relief. Chapter transitions are faultless, and descriptions of people and places are stellar. Juliet's social conscience, specifically her desire to teach the peasants to read, adds further depth. Hewson boldly alters the story's conclusion. In an author's note, Hewson explains that Shakespeare was inspired by an Italian play similar to Romeo and Juliet. Hewson adds that to him the story is about the contrast between older and younger generations as they react to change." ( AudioFile Magazine)
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I listened to Hamlet the novel and thoroughly enjoyed that, so I thought I would try a story I thought I knew very well. This was such a beautiful adaptation - thought provoking, historically interesting and with such insight into the relationships between the characters. The 'reader' was superb, his brilliant acting really comes into its own here.
I would like to have heard the end notes at the beginning, to be aware of the changes.

Beautifully performed by a master

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Not a rewrite or a translation of Shakespeare but a reimagining of the two tragic lovers. Beautifully read by Richard Armitage - in my opinion the best narrator there is.

Wonderful version

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Truly beautiful. I loved every minute of this well read version of a timeless classic.

Beautiful Version

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The marriage made in heaven for me is the combination of Mr. Hewson's brilliant storytelling and beautiful writing and Mr. Armitage's wonderful narration bringing all those characters to life and painting such vivid pictures with his voice. Took my breath away to hear him speak the opening passage from Shakespeare's play in the prelude to Mr Hewson's final comments! Wow,so beautiful. My favourite moments have to be the scene in the garden when Romeo &Juliet first meet and the balcony moments, so passionate but tender . There were lots of moments when certain characters made me laugh out loud, especially the nurse but also Nico,the apothecary with his down to earth take on his masters and life in general..As a woman who has been lucky enough to live in a time and place where I have had the freedom to live my life as I wish, my heart went out to this Juliet who represents many women who for centuries have been supressed and opressed.. Thank you for letting her survive the carnage Mr. Hewson.

A marriage made in heaven

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What did you like most about Romeo and Juliet: A Novel?

The author managed to achieve a fresh take on the Bard's classic tale of doomed young love and warring families. The narrative follows Shakespeare's plot and original characters but augments it with details of the history of Verona, its architecture and culture, art, the Renaissance, social practises, wine, politics and dynastic/marital customs. The writing is excellent and even minor characters are fleshed out with backstories and great dialogue. It was easy to become engrossed in the world of 1499 and to engage with the young lovers and the families/events that determined their fate.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Juliet. She was portrayed as an intelligent, free-thinking young woman who yearned for independence, travel and experience outwith the strictures of marriage, children and domesticity. Definitely a Juliet for our times.

What about Richard Armitage’s performance did you like?

Richard is probably my favourite narrator. His deep, mellow voice is full of expression and he brings each character alive, using different 'voices' and/or accents for each character. His pacing and phrasing are wonderful and he delivers an emotional performance which draws you in. He injects comedy and dramatic tension into his performance which truly enhances the quality of the writing.He is a top-notch narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely. I kept finding excuses to do long, boring jobs so that I could continue listening.

Any additional comments?

This book can be listened to without any prior knowledge of Shakespeare's play.

A fabulous reworking of a classic love story.

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