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The Children of Jocasta
- Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
- Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
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The Children of Jocasta
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Summary
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.
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What listeners say about The Children of Jocasta
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Candi Miller
- 31-07-23
Such characterful narration
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.
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Vaan
- 10-08-21
Wonderful
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!
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- anita wong
- 21-05-19
Clever story, brilliant performance
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.
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9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Oogabooga69
- 07-06-22
Incredible adaptation
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.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Taralouise
- 18-10-20
Fabulous compelling story
This is a really clever and imaginative retelling of the Oedipus myth, through the eyes of both his wife Jocasta and his four children. It is brilliantly reimagined and has some very clever twists and turns to offer new insights and new perspectives on a story that will be very familiar for many of the people drawn to this audiobook. I listened to it virtually non-stop: it is that intense and exciting, and it is highly recommended along with Natalie Haynes' other books. She is truly one of the best authors who brings a kind of contemporary, feminist orientation to classical mythology. Finally, Kristin Atherton is a brilliant reader.who really brings this text, and it’s colourful characters, back to life. This production of The Children of Jocasta is a great accomplishment by both women.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ben Windsor
- 26-07-21
Exceptional
Incredible performance, 'outsiders' or help seem to be marked by a slight Northern twang to the accent.
Haynes' version here very interesting, enjoyable and tragic in equal measure.
Ending beautifully sets up Oedipus Colonus
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- Chloe
- 04-07-20
Loved it!
Excellent, really interesting take on the story and also really loved the narrators voice too.
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- ellie mackenzie
- 29-01-23
Unputdownable
I love this story! It was so enthralling and I’ve already started looking into more from this author.
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- Adanaya
- 24-06-21
lost count of how many times Ive listened
This is such a wonderful book by an extraordinarily excellent writer with a brilliant narrator.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Sarah e.
- 20-08-21
What a fabulous Reinterpretation!
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.
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