I almost never say this, but the audio version of The Testament of Mary is a cut above the print version, as good as it is. She does not simply narrate this book: it’s a performance, a one-woman show, bolstered by incredible words and a fascinating character, but brought to a new level by the woman delivering it. She caught me from the first words (literally, within the first 10 seconds), and held me, minute by minute, through the entire 3 hours.
Colm toibin the testament of mary meryl streep full#
Streep’s years of acting experience are present here in full force: I was told by a co-worker that she was exceptional, but I still wasn’t prepared for her expertise and skill. An Academy Award-winning actress, it’s castings like these that force regular audio book listeners to re-evaluate their idea of a “good narration”. That kind of book, when being recorded as an audio book, requires a certain caliber of narrator-and Meryl Streep certainly fits the bill. I love historical re-imaginations, this one was written with insight, imagination and mastery. Toibin’s Mary challenges the agreed-upon history of events that took place leading up to and during her son’s death. Her relationships with her husband, her son and his disciples, and the other women in town all take on deep thought-provoking complexities.
Toibin gives new life to the flawless, soft and ever-obedient figure she’s typically portrayed as, making her into a strong and compassionate woman, at times cautious and fearful, at others, resistant and angry. It’s a brave interpretation of one of the most hallowed and loved figures in history, Mary, mother of Jesus. Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2013, it’s elegant, imaginative, and steeped in grief. There is no doubt that Colm Toibin’s The Testament of Mary is a superbly written book.
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