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The Song of Hiawatha

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The Song of Hiawatha

By: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Narrated by: William Hootkins
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About this listen

 Longfellow's great narrative poem has been unjustly neglected in recent years though it gives a sympathetic portrait especially of Hiawatha, reared by Nokomis, daughter of the Moon, and his bride Minehaha.

It is famously underpinned by its hypnotic rhythm, which makes it ideal listening.

Public Domain (P)2005 Naxos AudioBooks Americas Poetry United States World Literature

Editorial reviews

For many readers, William Hootkins's narration of Longfellow's classic nineteenth-century poem will evoke memories of elementary or middle school. Longfellow's extended narrative is set in a regular, easily recognized rhythm. This rhythm guides Hootkins's delivery, as this is more of a performance than a simple narration. He powerfully underscores the moments of import, giving the impression of a traditional storyteller revisiting a familiar piece. The one weakness in Hootkins's performance may come from matching Longfellow's poetry too closely. At times, the poem seems to drive on in the same vein for too long, with too many attempts at peak moments.
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Over the course of the poem the voice actor who reads the story was very talented and captivates the emotion of the scene

Masterful writing

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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.