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Brand New Ancients

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Brand New Ancients

By: Kae Tempest
Narrated by: Kae Tempest
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About this listen

Winner of the Ted Hughes Prize for innovation in poetry.

Kae Tempest is one of the most exciting and innovative performers to have emerged in spoken-word poetry in many years; her dramatic poem "Brand New Ancients" won the prestigious Ted Hughes Prize for innovation in poetry. Tempest's wholly unique blend of street poetry, rap, and storytelling - combined with the spellbinding delivery of an open-air revivalist - has won her legions of followers all over the UK. Her remarkable stage presence is wholly audible in this poem, a spoken story written to be told with live music.

"Brand New Ancients" is the tale of two families and their intertwining lives, set against the background of the city and braided with classical myth. Here, Tempest shows how the old myths still live on in our everyday acts of violence, bravery, sacrifice and love - and that our lives make tales no less dramatic and powerful than those of the old gods .

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2013 Kate Tempest (P)2014 Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd Death, Grief & Loss Love Poetry Themes & Styles Innovation

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I feel as though I have met a version of every single character in this book. Kae skillfully describes every detail, a true master of storytelling. I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. Absolutely loved it.

stunning

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As usual, Kate Tempest gives a powerful rendition of her most famous work. However, in my opinion, the music is irritating and unnecessary.

A superb performance but why the music?

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Loved the words. Not so keen on the delivery which seemed to be aimed at a stage audience. Somewhat overdramatic, I felt. Will read the book instead.

Impressive work

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I listen to this at least once a month. It’s a pick me up and a grounding experience all rolled into one. I love it so much I have the book too. The delivery is just perfect, the emotion in the pitch and pacing gets me at different places depending on how I’m feeling.

I’m a huge Kate Tempest fan, if you’ve ever liked any of her other works you definitely need to listen to this!

Everyone should own a copy of this

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Or in the car (without wine).
You'll have a mighty fine time.
My review rhymes.

Listen to this with some wine.

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Beautiful. At times i found it hard to breathe. A portrait of real gods in all their perfection/imperfection. Tiny pieces of the beauty and heroism of daily lives in se London (and probably everywhere else, too), now.

Superb

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To my eternal shame, I’m a recent fan of Kate Tempest. This audiobook has it all, humour, horror, sadness, it really has everything! I feel privileged to have discovered this (and her). Reviewers who complain about the music, with all due respect don’t understand the incredible talent that is Ms. Tempest. Unbelievable piece of work. Any spare credits, buy this now!

Jaw Dropping!

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Kate is fantastic at what she does, if you like poetry with a modern twist this will be right up you street and she tells it so bloody well.

Kate's style is gripping.

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I listened to this in the space of 24 hours; it's so violent and honest.

Beautifully painful.

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The blurb and indeed the cover make much of this poem being "braided with classical myth". Whilst this does form part of the performance, I ultimately felt underwhelmed by how much this was explored.

That point aside however, it's a powerful tale of it's own, especially when performed by the hugely talented author. I will certainly listen to this again (a rarity for me) and will look forward to reading and hearing more from Kate Tempest.

Not quite as advertised but brilliant all the same

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