Nearly 12 years after its publication, Helen Macdonald's acclaimed memoir 'H Is for Hawk' is being adapted for the big screen, with Claire Foy set to star. The book, which won numerous awards, tells the story of how Macdonald trained a young goshawk named Mabel to cope with the sudden death of their father.
The audiobook version, narrated by Macdonald themselves, has been praised for its introspective and humorous tone. Macdonald, who is non-binary, brings depth to the account of their relationship with the bird, described as a 'spooky, pale-eyed psychopath' that enjoys playing with scrunched-up paper.
Interspersed with biographical details of writer TH White, whose own goshawk training methods were harsh, the memoir contrasts Macdonald's successful bond with Mabel against White's struggles. The sections focusing on the bird's life and character are particularly praised for their soaring prose.
The adaptation starring Claire Foy is released this month, offering a new way to experience the story. The audiobook remains a popular choice for those wanting to explore the source material before seeing the film.
