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The Children of Jocasta

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The Children of Jocasta

By: Natalie Haynes
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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About this listen

A powerful retelling of Oedipus and Antigone from the perspectives of the women the myths overlooked, from Natalie Haynes, the Women's Prize-shortlisted author of A Thousand Ships and the Sunday Times bestseller Stone Blind.

My siblings and I have grown up in a cursed house, children of cursed parents . . .

Jocasta is just fifteen when she is told that she must marry the King of Thebes, an old man she has never met. Her life has never been her own, and nor will it be, unless she outlives her strange, absent husband.

Ismene is the same age when she is attacked in the palace she calls home. Since the day of her parents' tragic deaths a decade earlier, she has always longed to feel safe with the family she still has. But with a single act of violence, all that is about to change.

With the turn of these two events, a tragedy is set in motion. But not as you know it.

'Haynes balances a fresh take on the material . . . giving new voice to the often-overlooked but fascinating Jocasta and Ismene.' - Madeline Miller, author of Circe.

©Natalie Haynes 2018 (P)2018 Macmillan Digital Audio Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Magic Thought-Provoking Tear-jerking

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A very satisfying retelling of the Oedipus/Antigone tale from alternative perspectives. The author’s note about sources and her creative choices was fascinating. And applause for the narrator- a range of convincing voices that brought out character in every instance. Very enjoyable listening.

Such characterful narration

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I'd read some reviews disliking the use of abbreviated names for the children and the deviations from the familiar version. Personally, I liked the name changes as they emphasised their youth. As for the other changes, they worked for me. The story felt more modern than I expected and kept me hooked from start to finish. Loved it.

An interesting retelling

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Haynes retells the story from a female perspective and makes sense of the old tales. The narrator is superb. She adds humour and humanity to what is a shocking story. She makes clear from the slight accent her Oedipus has that he is an incomer, an outsider. Just perfect!

Wonderful

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This is a heartbreaking story of greed, revenge and superstition. Shows the cruelty that people will commit based upon superstition

Revelation

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Amazing rewrite of the classic Greek tragedy story of the house of Oedipus. Although it removes all the supernatural aspects, the story isn't any less enticing. in fact, it makes the story more believable, more relevant to us. The performance of Kristin was first class. I don't think I've ever heard any story as well read as her performance. well done.

Clever story, brilliant performance

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This is the first time I have listened to a book rather than reading it, and it was absolutely fantastic. I listened to it every chance I could and was gripped from start to finish.

Incredible adaptation

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This is such a wonderful book by an extraordinarily excellent writer with a brilliant narrator.

lost count of how many times Ive listened

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I don’t have enough Superlatives for how much I enjoyed this book and how wonderful I think it is! Brilliant reinterpretation of the Oedipus myth, and thought-provoking particularly in this current time. Natalie Haynes is truly a wonderful storyteller and amazing classicist, Who really does make the ancient subject matter accessible to all.

What a fabulous Reinterpretation!

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Interesting - even gripping - and I learned a lot about ancient Greek culture and politics as well (with the understanding that some C21 artistic license has been exercised). The COVID pandemic brings the account of "The Reckoning" a bit closer to home.
It is very well read and characterised.

Good story well told

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Loved this. A great retelling of a classic. This retelling focuses on some of the more minor characters who's stories deserve to be heard. Thoroughly enjoyed this finished listening in a weekend.

Brilliant retelling

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