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The Axeman's Carnival

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The Axeman's Carnival

By: Catherine Chidgey
Narrated by: Nic Sampson
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About this listen

A dazzling portrayal of humanity and the natural world that perfectly balances violence and humor

Tama is just a helpless chick when he is rescued by Marnie, and this is where his story might have ended. “If it keeps me awake,” says Marnie's husband Rob, a farmer, “I'll have to wring its neck.” But with Tama come new possibilities for the couple's future. Tama can speak, and his fame is growing. Outside, in the pines, his father warns him of the wickedness wrought by humans. Indoors, Marnie confides in him about her violent marriage. The more Tama sees, the more the animal and the human worlds—and all the precarity, darkness and hope within them—bleed into one another. Like a stock truck filled with live cargo, the story moves inexorably towards its dramatic conclusion: the annual Axeman's Carnival.

©2024 Catherine Chidgey (P)2024 W.F. Howes Ltd Animals Family Life Genre Fiction Magical Realism World Literature Marriage Witty

Critic Reviews

WINNER OF THE JANN MEDLICOTT ACORN PRIZE FOR FICTION AT THE 2023 OCKHAM NEW ZEALAND BOOK AWARDS
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Going into this story blind was so good! I had no expectations and I was absolutely besotted with Tama the magpie chick who was raised and nurtured by Marni.
It’s a lovely story of a friendship and bond between woman and bird. I was laughing a lot through this, and I think the narrator made this book all the better! After falling out of his nest, Marni wrapped him in her soft clothing and took him home with her, feeding him mostly what magpies eat in the wild, until it was time to release him back to his family in the wild.
But Tama couldn’t forget the beautiful human who gave him so much love and returned to her. He gained some fame after Marni released a short video of him to her socials. Living on the farm can be a bit lonely for Marni and against her partner’s wishes continues to post videos resulting in more and more followers.
Tama and all his followers become a bit of a saviour to Marni who is in a relationship that is not as loving as everyone perceives!

I love magpies!

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A true original voice. Each & every book a wonder of creativity, outstanding narration. Who would have thought that a book that has a magpie as it’s narrator could be so totally engaging. A must read.

Another fabulous story

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Excellent, Very well written, very enjoyable, highly recommended Fantastic New Zealand Author Great New Zealand Read

The Axeman’s Carnival

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.