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King Hereafter cover art

King Hereafter

By: Dorothy Dunnett
Narrated by: David Rintoul
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Summary

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett.

It is the 11th century, and Europe is full of young kings - some dreaming of new civilisation, some content to live as their forefathers have done, and all ceaselessly fighting, befriending or betraying one other.

Such is the world of the real Macbeth, part Christian, part Viking, who has the imagination and determination to move himself and his people out of a barbarian past and into flowering nationhood. In this brilliant re-creation of his life we see him as a man of extraordinary courage, wit and skill - utterly self-reliant yet profoundly in love with woman he marries - a pirate of the sea yet a prince with the foresight and passion to set him apart from other men.

©2017 Dorothy Dunnett (P)2018 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about King Hereafter

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Magnificent

King Hereafter is Dorothy Dunnett's longest book and the one of which she was most proud. It is backed up by 5 years of meticulous research into eleventh century Europe. From that research she developed the theory that Thorfinn Earl of Orkney and Macbeth King of Alba were one and the same person, with Thorfinn his norse name and Macbeth his christian name. The depth of the research shows in the book which is dense with detail and description, but also with the kind of wild adventures that Dunnett does so well - running the oars in Chester is a wonderful example. The core of the story is the powerful love between Thorfinn/Macbeth and his wife Groa which, as it must, ends in tragedy. I have read the book in the past but found David Rintoul's wonderful narration added an extra dimension, not the least in making the norse,celtic, breton, saxon etc names familiar to the ear. Dunnett's dense and beautiful prose is not always easy to read but this is a masterclass.

This is an extraordinary story, beautifully told, which needs concentration but repays that a thousandfold. Enjoy.

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10 people found this helpful

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A masterpiece.

One of the best books I have ever read. This is a huge work, with what seems like hundreds of characters. At its core is Thornfinn/McBeth and follows him from preteen through to King of Scotia and his slow, wonderful relationship with his wife Groa. It is a beautiful, dense, intricate, bloody and beautifully crafted work. The battle scenes are mesmerising. I have read Dorothy Dunnett took 6 years to research it. It shows.

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9 people found this helpful

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The most beautifully read book - captivating.

I think it is fair to say that Dorothy Dunnett is not an easy, fluffy author. Her books are meticulously researched and written with keen intelligence and a rare talent. King Hereafter is not a lightweight read, and as much as I love Dunnett, I did struggle to get going with the paper book. David Rintoul's reading of this book is, without doubt, one of the finest things to have ever entered my ears. It takes a few chapters to start to get into the story - to begin to know Thorfinn - but you are soon drawn into this fascinating and brutal era of Vikings, Anglo Saxons and Normans. Orkney, Alba and the other historic regions of The British Isles, and the familial links, rivalries and allegiances with other countries in Scandinavia and further across Europe are the canvas on which this story is told. I loved it, and it has certainly opened my eyes to this period in history just prior to the crowning of Harold Godwinson and his soon followed defeat by William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings. Praise to David Rintoul for delivering this remarkable book so exquisitely.

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Brilliant!

I started this reading with some trepidation and would have given up had it had not been for David Rintoul’s brilliant performance.

I then became completely drawn in to both the story and reading which was magnificent. The language, the battle scenes and the poignant moments were all delivered in such a way to make you want the ending to be different even though you knew with certainty it could not change. I shall listen again to understand the lineage of the characters and would highly recommend that the listener persist past the first few chapters.

A well researched book and a superb utterly believable performance.

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Excellent

This is an excellent book. Do not expect this to be like her other books, It is a stand alone piece of work.
The research that must have gone into this book shines through. Although the outcome is already set in real time history, it is well worth listening too.
It is also a history lesson, pre- 1066, very well presented- certainly more than I knew.
I loved it even though the outcome is known, It is very moving and the the phrase " Life just goes on - no matter what"" is very much the lesson here.

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Historical fiction at its finest

This is superb historical writing; researched in depth and told in fascinating detail. The story, which is gripping to the end, is beautifully presented by a master of narration.

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A masterpiece of writing read with great skill

Not for the fainthearted, long and complicated but well worth the effort. Beautifully read and despite the fact that you start listening knowing how things will end for Thorfinn/Macbeth the story has one of the most poignant endings of any novels I have ever read. I had read the book before listening to it, both satisfying in their own way.
I love Dorothy Dunnett 's work and look forward to listening to both the Lymond Chronicles and House of Niccolo.

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Brilliant

Breathtaking storytelling in a fabulous setting. How little we know of the world on our doorstep.

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A Perfect Portrait of 11th Century Scotland

Amazed and astonished with the level of detail about life at that time and a truly gripping story. I can’t believe the harm that has been done to the memory of this amazing man, by the fictional story made up 500 years later by a society steeped in intrigue, pomanders and men in tights.
The Author had my complete attention and interest right to the last word. Her landscape paintings in words, of the Scottish and Orkney countryside are outstanding.
The Reader was the best I’ve heard, and his variety of Scots, Irish and English accents helped the understanding of the narrative immensely.
In conclusion, a book I have purchased in hardback and will recommend to all my friends and family.

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Superb

So many people told me this was one too f Dorothy Dunnett’s most difficult and complex books (and they weren’t wrong) so what a difference it made to listen to the audio alongside reading. This possibly the best narration I’ve listened to and after so many years subscribing here. Clear and beautifully resonant, David Rintoul’s narration brings this brilliant book to life. Don’t miss it.

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