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  • Romeo and Juliet: A Novel

  • Written by: David Hewson
  • Narrated by: Richard Armitage
  • Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (45 ratings)

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Romeo and Juliet: A Novel

Written by: David Hewson
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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Publisher's Summary

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.

What the critics say

"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)

What listeners say about Romeo and Juliet: A Novel

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

shakespeare with a twist

The performance by Armitage is fantastic. Having an actor read this book was just the ticket. It pretty much is romeo and Juliet....but with slightly more modern language (but still with a hint of shakespeare) and it has (spoiler!!) a cool twist at the end.
Very modern in an ancient way.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding!

Beautifully written; rich description and believable narrative. Richard Armitage’s smooth baritone voice brings each character to life. Thank you gentlemen for an enjoyable experience to be remembered and recommended.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great narration and addition to the story line

To be honest this was a daily deal and my expectations were not high. It turned out to be a great listen - very good narration and skillful fleshing out of the characters in the play(with some new ones). It made me want to visit Verona (and Italy in general). Don’t think of it as Just Shakespeare s play in novel form - there’s a lot more going on here!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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More then the story you remember

This version of Juliet was refreshing and a more modern version. Her thoughts are more fleshed out. I could listen to Richard Armitage indefinitely. Great actor and fabulous voice. He is the ideal narrator for this tale.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I love this version.

I got this book as I wanted to hear Richard Armitage read my first audible book. I loved this version even though I went got it fearing it was just like the Shakespeare version.
I cried and laughed with the characters as they were brought to life by Richard Armitage. My heart ached and I had to take a break when Romeo was arrested. Can I say, I was hoping that they both would have been spared.
I also wondered, could Juliet be carrying a part of Romeo to be born in the future. Since she survived, that will be my ending.

I was able to see and feel so much more than the version that I read in school and quite frankly hated.
This is the version I'll allow my friends and children read and listen to. A wonderful job
Mr. David Hewson.
Wonderful job Mr Armitage on bringing these characters to life.

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2 people found this helpful

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A wonderful rewrite

I thoroughly enjoyed this adaptation, with an end twist of Shakespeare's romantic tragedy. The narration by Richard Armitage is superb. Very well done Messrs. Hewson and Armitage.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The Magic of Richarad Armitage

The human voice is a glorious instrument. In this reading, British actor, Richard Armitage, makes use of his 'glorious instrument' to tell a story. And, what a story he tells. It is not simply telling a story, it is the way in which he 'tells' that story. His voice weaves its magic and creates a time and place for the listener to enter. We are there. We have been transported. There are very few such fine voices in the world today. Richard Armitage has one of the finest.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

Really enjoyed listening to this book Richard Armitage narrates this so brilliantly. 5 stars ❤

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Romeo & Juliet, a novel

Richard Armitage is so talented. I love anything he narrates! He brings everything to life.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful and entertaining

What a beautiful twist to this beloved classic tale. Not the ending I believe most of us have always wished for but lovely nevertheless. (Sorry if that’s a spoiler!)

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