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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

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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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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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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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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I came for Perdita and stayed for the story...

I could listen to Perdita Weeks read Ikea assembly instructions and find it thrilling. This is what brought me to this novel. However, once a chapter in, the story gripped me. The characters are rich and multifaceted. The prose is poetic without feeling overwrought. And the narration is plush velvet.

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Beautiful story of historical fiction.

Loved this book. Perdita Weeks is the best narrator ever. I love her voice and storytelling.

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