In this poignant and transformative audiobook adaptation, Helen Macdonald masterfully weaves their personal journey with that of their adopted Eurasian goshawk, Mabel. The result is a soaring exploration of grief, healing, and the profound bond between humans and animals.
As Macdonald recounts their experience training the temperamental young bird, their introspective narration reveals a writer grappling with intense emotional turmoil following the sudden death of their father. Through the lens of goshawk care and hunting, Macdonald confronts the anguish that threatens to overwhelm them, slowly finding solace in their connection with this mysterious creature.
Throughout the audiobook, Macdonald's narrative is punctuated by biographical excerpts from writer TH White, whose 1930s book on training a goshawk provided the catalyst for Macdonald's own journey. However, it's only when the author delves into the world of Mabel that their prose truly takes flight.
This 'spooky, pale-eyed psychopath' proves to be an unlikely companion, teaching Macdonald valuable lessons about patience, trust, and the depths of human compassion. The sections on White serve as a fascinating aside, but it's when Macdonald is sharing tales of Mabel that their account becomes both deeply affecting and profoundly moving.
The audiobook's 11-hour runtime may seem daunting, but it's an investment worth making, as Macdonald's masterful narration will transport listeners to the rolling English countryside, where goshawks reign supreme. With its themes of healing, connection, and transformation, 'H Is for Hawk' is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration in the unlikeliest of places.
For those new to the book, this audiobook adaptation serves as an ideal introduction to Macdonald's remarkable story, and with Claire Foy set to bring their life on screen soon, it's worth exploring both. Available now via Penguin Audio, 'H Is for Hawk' is a must-hear for fans of literature, nature, and the transformative power of human-animal relationships.
As Macdonald recounts their experience training the temperamental young bird, their introspective narration reveals a writer grappling with intense emotional turmoil following the sudden death of their father. Through the lens of goshawk care and hunting, Macdonald confronts the anguish that threatens to overwhelm them, slowly finding solace in their connection with this mysterious creature.
Throughout the audiobook, Macdonald's narrative is punctuated by biographical excerpts from writer TH White, whose 1930s book on training a goshawk provided the catalyst for Macdonald's own journey. However, it's only when the author delves into the world of Mabel that their prose truly takes flight.
This 'spooky, pale-eyed psychopath' proves to be an unlikely companion, teaching Macdonald valuable lessons about patience, trust, and the depths of human compassion. The sections on White serve as a fascinating aside, but it's when Macdonald is sharing tales of Mabel that their account becomes both deeply affecting and profoundly moving.
The audiobook's 11-hour runtime may seem daunting, but it's an investment worth making, as Macdonald's masterful narration will transport listeners to the rolling English countryside, where goshawks reign supreme. With its themes of healing, connection, and transformation, 'H Is for Hawk' is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration in the unlikeliest of places.
For those new to the book, this audiobook adaptation serves as an ideal introduction to Macdonald's remarkable story, and with Claire Foy set to bring their life on screen soon, it's worth exploring both. Available now via Penguin Audio, 'H Is for Hawk' is a must-hear for fans of literature, nature, and the transformative power of human-animal relationships.
! Helen Macdonald's story is so raw and honest it felt like I was right there with her, training that goshawk Mabel 
. The way she weaves her personal grief with the bird's care is just masterful. I love how she shares stories of TH White too, it's like a little bonus chapter 
. But for me, it's all about Mabel - that bird is literally the most beautiful and terrifying creature I've ever imagined 
. If you haven't listened to this one yet, DO IT 
! It's an 11-hour commitment but trust me, it's worth every single minute 
. its just some chick recounting her life with her goshawk Mabel 
. and whats so special about goshawks tho? they're birds, right? 
plus ppl r saying its gonna be made into a movie soon... big deal, more bird movies 
. The way Helen Macdonald weaves her personal story with Mabel's journey is just incredible - it's like you're right there in the English countryside with them, trying to connect with that spooky goshawk 
. I loved how they explored their grief and healing through this unlikely friendship... it's so inspiring to see how nature can help us find ourselves again 
. And the part about TH White was really interesting - I had no idea he'd been an inspiration for Macdonald's journey 
. Anyway, 11 hours may seem like a lot, but trust me, it's worth every minute... go listen to this ASAP! 
! The author's journey with their goshawk Mabel is so inspiring, it made me think about how much we can learn from animals and how they care for us too 
. The narrator's voice is also super soothing, it felt like I was walking in the English countryside with them 
. anyone who loves animals or literature needs to give this a try 
. And Claire Foy is going to play their life on screen?! I'm SO down for that 
! The writing is so poetic and evocative it feels like a magical spell has been cast over me 
. Has anyone else listened to this? What did you think of it?! 
I'm loving this audiobook adaptation of "H Is for Hawk" - Helen Macdonald's writing is so poetic and immersive, it feels like you're right there with her in the English countryside, watching Mabel fly around 
. It's like you're right there in the English countryside with them, training a goshawk and dealing with grief 
. So yeah, if you're looking for something inspiring and uplifting, 'H Is for Hawk' is the way to go! 
I need some more info before I give this audiobook the time of day... 
. The way they weave their personal journey with Mabel's story is pure magic 
. The narration is also super good, I loved listening to Helen Macdonald's voice while driving or doing chores 
. Overall, it's a really beautiful book about life, death, and finding healing in unexpected places 
. I'm definitely going to recommend this to my friends - it's a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration from nature 
! The way she weaves her personal journey with that of her bird, Mabel, is pure magic 