Great format and excellent performance

This audiobook contains two versions. The first with explanation, including historical context, and the seconds without.
I found the version with the explanations really helpful and adds to the enjoyment. Then listening to the second version I was able to understand it better and was aware of the historical context.
As well as a great format and excellent performances, it is also clear to see why Hamlet has become a classic.

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3 people found this helpful

Excellent method if English not your first language

Finally it’s possible for a non-native English speaker to read and understand Shakespeare thanks to the most interesting commentary in between the lines, interrupting the actors every now and then.
This audio book can be combined with reading the lines in an e-book or paper novel to enhance your understanding.
If I’ll read another Shakespeare play, I’ll definitely download an audiobook in these series.

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Education and Entertainment

Excellent audio play of Hamlet intersected with historical notes and explanations of the dialogue. I will certainly look out for more of these as I found to combination very attractive, of course if you don't want this option, you can simply listen to the play without the additional commentary.

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7 people found this helpful

Learn to appreciate and understand this classic!

What did you like most about Hamlet?

Being from India, where English is a second language, I found new appreciation for this Shakespeare classic via the excellent commentary.

What did you like best about this story?

Hamlet is a complex character and it was difficult for me to earlier understand his psychology. I found new ways to understand and appreciate the grey, uneven texture of the human condition.

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

I was born and brought up in a traditional Hindu household in India where I was exposed more to dramatisation of the Hindu myths and legends. So, it was exciting to feel like a fly on the wall in a time when Europe was ruled by monarchy.

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

The scene where Hamlet spurns Olivia to make her hate him was particularly moving. So is the emotional and philosophical charge of the grave digger's scene when they unearth a skull of an old courtier and Hamlet realises aloud the futility of vanity and desire for material things.

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6 people found this helpful

Good commentary poorly delivered

This is a very interesting and useful commentary, which makes the play much more accessible. Highly recommended for students. I will definitely buy more in this series. However, while the performance of the play itself is good, the reading by Joan Walker is poor by comparison. She delivers the commentary in an overly emotional and affected fashion, much more overwrought than the play itself. The mixing also leaves something to be desired - the commentary is often much louder than the play. This is not a major problem on speakers, but it is very annoying on earphones; I kept fiddling with the volume controls. It was particularly annoying when a somber, quiet moment in the play was followed by Ms Walker all but yelling in my ear, often Emphasising Every Second Word. The play with commentary is about 7 hours, and the commentary-free version (about 4 hours) follows from Chapter 26.

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5 people found this helpful

excellent

great production narration description , rivetting performance ,definately worth listening to. I'm off to see what other performances they have .....

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2 people found this helpful

This book is good one

this book is good one and worth reading it as it is one of the books which deals with all types of characters.

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