Helen Macdonald's 'H Is for Hawk' audiobook review: A Soaring Journey Through Grief.
The 12-year anniversary of Helen Macdonald's groundbreaking book is an opportune moment to revisit its poignant and transformative tale. Published in 2014, the memoir chronicles a period of intense personal turmoil when Macdonald, an accomplished falconer with experience training kestrels and peregrines, embarked on a journey to tame a temperamental Eurasian goshawk named Mabel.
The audiobook adaptation, narrated by Macdonald themselves, masterfully weaves together the author's account of their relationship with Mabel, interspersed with biographical excerpts from writer TH White's 1930s classic 'The Goshawk'. While White's sections provide insight into the dark history of goshawk hunting, it is when Macdonald brings this extraordinary bird to life that the audiobook truly takes flight.
Macdonald's reading is marked by introspection, curiosity, and flashes of humour as they recount their time with Mabel, who proved to be a "spooky, pale-eyed psychopath" with an affinity for playing ball with scrunched-up paper. This relatable, yet captivating narrative not only showcases Macdonald's expertise in falconry but also delves into the profound emotional impact of losing a loved one.
As the audiobook hurtles towards its conclusion, it becomes clear that 'H Is for Hawk' is more than just an account of a remarkable bird encounter – it's an unflinching exploration of grief, loss, and the power of transformative relationships with animals. By confronting their own darkness head-on, Macdonald ultimately finds solace in the intricate bond they shared with Mabel.
Available on Penguin Audio for 11 hours and 5 minutes, this riveting audiobook is a must-listen for fans of nature writing, memoirs, and anyone captivated by stories of resilience and redemption.
The 12-year anniversary of Helen Macdonald's groundbreaking book is an opportune moment to revisit its poignant and transformative tale. Published in 2014, the memoir chronicles a period of intense personal turmoil when Macdonald, an accomplished falconer with experience training kestrels and peregrines, embarked on a journey to tame a temperamental Eurasian goshawk named Mabel.
The audiobook adaptation, narrated by Macdonald themselves, masterfully weaves together the author's account of their relationship with Mabel, interspersed with biographical excerpts from writer TH White's 1930s classic 'The Goshawk'. While White's sections provide insight into the dark history of goshawk hunting, it is when Macdonald brings this extraordinary bird to life that the audiobook truly takes flight.
Macdonald's reading is marked by introspection, curiosity, and flashes of humour as they recount their time with Mabel, who proved to be a "spooky, pale-eyed psychopath" with an affinity for playing ball with scrunched-up paper. This relatable, yet captivating narrative not only showcases Macdonald's expertise in falconry but also delves into the profound emotional impact of losing a loved one.
As the audiobook hurtles towards its conclusion, it becomes clear that 'H Is for Hawk' is more than just an account of a remarkable bird encounter – it's an unflinching exploration of grief, loss, and the power of transformative relationships with animals. By confronting their own darkness head-on, Macdonald ultimately finds solace in the intricate bond they shared with Mabel.
Available on Penguin Audio for 11 hours and 5 minutes, this riveting audiobook is a must-listen for fans of nature writing, memoirs, and anyone captivated by stories of resilience and redemption.
. I mean, it's like 12 years of grief condensed into 11 hours and 5 minutes... it's just too much 
. i know some people might find it inspiring or cathartic but honestly, it's just depressing 
. plus, who knew goshawks were so 'spooky' 
? anyway, if you're into that sorta thing, go ahead and listen to it but don't say i didn't warn you 
.
I just finished listening to Helen Macdonald's 'H Is for Hawk' audiobook and I'm still reeling from the experience. It's like reading your own diary, you know? The way she pours her heart out about losing her mum and finding solace in the wild world of falconry is so beautifully raw and honest 
. I have to say, I was a bit skeptical at first, but Macdonald's voice on the audiobook just drew me in like a magnet 
. And can we talk about how much I love the way she wove TH White's 'The Goshawk' into her own story? It's like getting two books for the price of one 
. All in all, it's an incredible listen that had me laughing, crying, and cheering on Macdonald's journey with Mabel the goshawk 
.
! Helen Macdonald's story about her goshawk, Mabel, had me on the edge of my seat - or should I say, perched on a branch? 
The way she narrates her journey is so relatable, it felt like I was right there with her, watching those scrunched-up paper balls fly. 
It's amazing how she weaves together grief, loss, and the power of animals to transform our lives. And, let's be real, who wouldn't want a pet psychopath? 
All jokes aside, it's an incredible listen - 11 hours is a bit long, but trust me, you won't want it to end! 
I'm totally obsessed with 'H Is for Hawk' audiobook! It's not just about Helen Macdonald's experience with her goshawk Mabel, it's so much deeper than that - it's like a journey into grief and healing. I was literally on the edge of my seat when she talks about losing her mum 
It's like, I know it's an old book (published in 2014), but the story is still so powerful and emotional that it feels fresh even now. The way Helen narrates her own audiobook is also super impressive – she has this beautiful soothing voice that just makes you want to snuggle up with a cuppa tea and listen all day 
. I love how the book weaves together Helen's experience as a falconer with her grief over losing her mum – it's like she's sharing a part of herself with us, and it's really humbling. I think what resonates most is that this story isn't just about birds or nature writing; it's about human connection, loss, and finding solace in unexpected places 
.