Heart

by Jade Anouka

Heart, a truly poetic new play, explores the maxim that 'Every new story begins as another one ends'.

Written and performed by London-based actor and poet Jade Anouka (His Dark Materials), Heart introduces us to a woman who finds herself married and divorced at age 28. As she begins the process of piecing her life together, she confronts the insecurities and self-imposed boundaries that have always held her back. In the process, she discovers love in the last place—and with the last person—she expected. Directed by Ola Ince, this world premiere production—dedicated to the misfits and 'others'—takes the listeners on a powerful and relatable journey, one that demonstrates that remarkable things can happen when we follow our instincts and boldly take a chance.

Content warning: Listener discretion is advised.

Produced in association with Kate Pakenham Productions. Original music composed and performed by Renell Shaw.

Additional original music and sound design by Fitz Patton.

Portions of this audio drama contain mature language and themes.

Genres: Audiobook, Plays, Fiction

Audiobook

Published June 2, 2022

Reviews

[Anna Johansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and narration is exquisite! I was transformed to each of the scenes she set for us (the audience) and the eloquent nature of the prose accompanied with the music and snarling of her inner beast captured every feeling and every struggle and success a person can go through. And as a queer woman, I love how the story evolved into a late-in-life comming out and how she ended the story with a genuine phone call to her partner about their future.

If I could I'd give it more than 5 stars!

[♤Tonya Johnson♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on Audible. A spoken word about mental health, life, love and claiming who you are. The author performed it well. Live in YOUR truth!!

[Sundria (Sundi) McCormick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed more than I thought. Weirdly satisfying.

[Fatimah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story written by a black woman, told by a black woman, a story for all the misfits. Love is love, we shouldn’t be trying to fit people into certain boxes. Love honestly, openly, & proud.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, raw, honest life story in the form of spoken word poetry! Read by the author herself. This was a happy, accidental discovery - I had about an hour left on a drive home and it was almost the exact same length so I blindly hit play and carried on the drive. So glad I found this on audible.

[Joana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll say this one started a bit slow, not the writing/story itself, but my enjoyment... it's very personal story so it feels very weird to write that, but I liked the parts about self-discovery a lot, it was just the writing, the verse of it, wasn't my style, but if you like rhythm and pacing, this is a really great listen!!! With this all said, it's still a four stars read!!!

[Melissa ~ Missy (FrayedBooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

read this and more reviews on Frayed Books:
http://frayedbooks.wordpress.com

I love exploring the Audible collection of stories that are free along with your Audible membership. I'm also a fan of stage plays and musicals, so I was curious to listen to this poetic play rather than see it with my eyes.

I do think this is something I'd love to experience in person, seeing an actor (or in this case, the author) perform this in person. I think that always adds another level of intensity for me, so I didn't love just listening to it, but I liked it a lot.

This is an intense story about mental health and finding yourself, about picking yourself up again after you think your "life is over" so to speak - and knowing that maybe it's only just beginning. I love how this story ended up being a queer one - I didn't know that going into it and I appreciate how realistic the relationship felt.

This was a quick listen, at 1 hour and 12 minutes, and I would recommend giving it a try!

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[sliceofmini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the performance !

I’m glad that this isn’t another black trauma book , because as much as they’re necessary I don’t want them to completely overshadow stories like these..

This partly felt like talking to a friend and partly felt like slam poetry , and I loved the phone call addition in the end , it just warmed my heart.

[Jo - •.• Midlife Cosy Reader •.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story carries a great message about self acceptance.

About a young woman who battles with expectations placed on her by others and herself.

About conforming to what is deemed acceptable by society.

About how sometimes we self sabotage to protect ourselves from being hurt.

So cleverly told and presented. Loved this.

[Cauliflower Elephant · Rating 2 out of 5]

just wasnt my jam, didnt love the sort autobiographical thing of it, which was some of the whole point.
the poetry was half cooked for me and it being recorded as a play didn't serve the format
but important and personal and wonderful story none the less about acceptance and love , so thanks to the author sharing

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I appreciate the author’s honesty and bravery. We need more stories about queer women of colors She does a great job narrating the piece. Personally, I’m not crazy about the use of rhyme and mix of poetry and prose. Ultimately, it was an easy listen and I thank the author for sharing.

[Mrs. Schuld · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not my style.

[Delbels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. It felt raw and honest.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Amazon Audible short was well written and performed by the author in an interesting, fast-paces poetic style.

[Angelika Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. I loved the poetry of it, especially the parts with the monster, as that is highly relatable.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's beautiful. It's important. Please read it

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so unexpected, yet beautiful. I loved the spoken word aspect of it all and I really loved how she told her story. I’m so glad I listened to this.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful!

[Karen Merriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, poetic performance. One woman’s journey to find love. Excellent in every way.

[Lexi Sangiacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part was when she rants and deconstructs her faith to her mom

[Ericka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick listen. Impressive

[TheCornerReads aka Libby (Libs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful yet heartbreaking story

[Shanean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. The narrator did an excellent job exhibiting the number of emotions explored throughout the book

[Raeraeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

brutal, vibrant, generous

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is spoken word/poetry reading – which just isn't my thing.