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Jezebel

By: Megan Barnard
Narrated by: Perdita Weeks
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Publisher's summary

Jezebel. You’ve heard the name. But you’ve never heard her story.

"Historical fiction at its finest," (Louisa Morgan) this propulsive novel is a stunning reimagining of the story of a fierce princess from Tyre and her infamous legacy


Jezebel was born into the world howling. She intends to leave it the same way.

When Jezebel learns she can't be a king like her father simply because she’s a girl, she vows never to become someone’s decorative wife, nameless and lost to history. At fifteen she’s married off, despite her protests, to Prince Ahab of Israel. There, she does what she must to gain power and remake the dry and distant kingdom in the image of her beloved, prosperous seaside homeland of Tyre, beginning by building temples to the gods she grew up worshipping. As her initiatives usher in an era of prosperity for Israel, her new subjects love her, and her name rings through the land.

Then Elijah, the prophet of Yahweh and her former lover, begins to speak out against her. Bitter at having been abandoned by Jezebel, he lashes out, calling her a slut. Harlot. Witch. And the people, revering their prophet’s message, turn on her.

As ancient powers and faiths are pitted against each other, bloodshed descends on Israel and Jezebel faces the fall of her legacy. Determined despite the odds to make Israel a great nation, she must decide how far she's willing to go to protect her family, her throne—her name. A stunning revision of a notorious queen’s story, Jezebel is a thrilling lyrical debut about a fierce woman who refuses to be forgotten.

©2023 Megan Barnard (P)2023 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"Welsh actress Perdita Weeks gives a spirited performance as Jezebel, the infamous Old Testament queen of Israel.... Weeks captures Jezebel's imperious nature and sense of entitlement with a haughty accent. Yet she also imbues Jezebel with warmth and humanity; when Jezebel speaks of her children and her loyal friends, Weeks's voice softens to match the mood.... Vividly narrated, this novel will dazzle many listeners." (AudioFile)

“Rich with historical detail and a fresh and convincing perspective…Like so many strong women, Jezebel is loved, feared, and hated, especially by the men she rules. Megan Barnard's Jezebel is also strong, determined, and resourceful…historical fiction at its finest." – Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches

"[A] stunning first novel...A riveting story reinforcing the notion that there are two sides to every story. Barnard’s eloquently written debut is perfect for fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe or The Song of Achilles." Library Journal, *starred review*

"Ambitious...a provocative concept." – Publisher's Weekly"

What listeners say about Jezebel

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Perdita rocks the narration & loved the story

Fun, interesting listen and I adore Perdita's voice! Glad I chose this one and could see myself re-listening to this one in the future!

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Wow!

This is excellent! Loved the story, and Perdita Weeks is one of my favorite narrators. So good.

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Captivating!

This audio book was beautiful from beginning to end. Thank you Perdita Weeks for making it feel like I was watching the movie!

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Interesting Take On a Biblical Classic

From start to finish this story had me hooked. Megan Barnard reimagines the story of Jezebel and offers a more sympathetic and complex character. Barnard’s account offers real world issues, such as the realities that could befallen a pre-arranged marriage not rooted in love, and post partum depression, to explain the actions of a notoriously evil and lecherous woman. Perdita Weeks does a superb narration. She is among the best I’ve ever heard. If historical fiction is your thing then you should definitely give this one a listen.

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Captivating, great narrator

I love all mythical historical fiction stories so this one was right up my alley. A great take on an old story and was narrated beautifully.

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Absolutely Captivating

*Jezebel* is an absolutely captivating listen from start to finish. The narrator's performance was flawless, bringing the story to life in a way that kept me hooked. I loved the fresh take on the biblical tale, adding depth and intrigue to a familiar story. Once I started, I couldn’t stop listening! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and engaging audiobook.

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Jezebel Is Undeniably True To Herself

If you know the biblical story, then you have an idea of how this story will go from the get-go. But that doesn't mean we don't want to hear what the infamous woman whose name has been used as a slur by pious men (and women) alike for centuries doesn't have a say in what happened too.

From the start of her life, Jezebel was born wanting to be powerful. And once she realized she wasn't going to be powerful the same way her father the King of Tyre was, she vowed to do it her way even if it meant marrying someone she didn't get a say in choosing. So even though she gets sent to the last place on Earth she wants to go to (Israel), she's determined to make it prosper like Tyre and to make a name for herself.

Unfortunately, her past will come back to haunt her in the form of her relationship with Elijah. I don't remember if in the Bible it was mentioned he was the cousin of Ahab or that was Barnard's invention to make it easier for the characters to be in contact, but the Elijah you meet in the beginning will not be the same one you hear about later on. Jezebel's choices make a lot of impact, which then gets the ball rolling on the biblical story you might have heard of.

It's partially Jezebel's choices and actions that also make her a bit hard to like initially. She's so determined and willful, to the point of being spoiled and ignorant of others' feelings. Especially Sophira, whom largely has no say in anything that happens but goes along with things because she cares for Jezebel. Sometimes Jezebel does realize this (with Ahab, with Sophira, with her children a little, etc.), but where Elijah is concerned that never happens.

*Spoilers & a Bit of a mini Summary* Before Jezebel starts to care for Ahab, she and Elijah do talk about running away together. Jezebel does it without putting much thought into it, but Elijah is being serious which is why he asks her to do it on the coronation day. And then she is cold and rejects him, saying she'll be nothing if she goes with him. Elijah after becoming the Prophet then basically slut-shames her for the rest of the book and gets everyone else to join in because he got rejected. I'm not saying either of them were right, but the way Barnard put it the biblical story is really a ex-lovers' quarrel of biblical proportions. And Jezebel doesn't understand that for the longest time, wondering why Elijah left and missing him though she starts to love her family and husband.

That's probably what I disliked about Jezebel; she wanted it both ways: Elijah on the side, but to be remembered and queen. And still be with her family and I guess Ahab once she began to like him? Though the entire time, the sides were clearly waving their banners (Yahweh vs Astarte) and Elijah had one foot in the former before Jezebel's carelessness pushed him toward it. Maybe he would've gone there anwyays even if she'd been gentler (though it's not her personality), but it still proves my point that Jezebel's actions have major long-term consequences. And she doesn't seem aware of it until it's too late at Mount Carmel.

Of course Weeks did a lovely job reading. She really was the best person to do Jezebel; from haughty, to seductive to ready to lash out, she had it all. I also liked the way she voiced Sophira and Taneth.

The latter two are probably my favorite characters in the book. Sophira is the unsung hero of the book; she is Jezebel's only friend (save Taneth) from Tyre, but has been basically made from birth to do what she wants. From becoming her personal scribe to moving to Israel with her, Sophira does it all. And largely uncomplaining and rather practically. She's the voice of reason to balance Jezebel's passions and lack of observance to others' feelings; she notices what Jezebel does not. Taneth, of course, is the spiritual power of the trio being the Priestess of Astarte and the best diviner. She too was forced (kinda) to come to Israel from Tyre and probably foresaw much of the events in the book. Her wisdom and gentleness is also valuable and refreshing to hear since Jezebel can be a bit too indelicate at times.

While Jezebel can be trying, she did what she wanted to do: made a name for herself that has lasted throughout the centuries. However, I don't think she ever considered or cared about the difference between fame and infamy. Eitherway, Weeks' reading makes this really worth listening to!

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perdita tells the story

the story is good. the story teller is better. highly recommend circe read by perdita.

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Great story, wonderful narrator!

loved the story and the details. A narrator makes or breaks a book purchase for me, I loved this one.

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Amazing!

Similar vibe to “A Book of Longings”. I actually liked this better. It was so easy to love Jezebel. She’s a strong woman who just wants her story told.

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