The Handmaid’s Tale is a global phenomenon and is perhaps more relevant today than ever before with the iconic Handmaid’s costume used as a symbol of protest the world over.

Michael Sheen’s narration of The Secret Commonwealth received both the J.M.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award and was one of AudioFile’s best audiobooks of 2019. His preparation was extensive, focussing on the audience’s listening experience when selecting the voices for particular characters.

In this edition on Content POV, Samantha Halstead, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House Audio UK, reflects on their Gold trophies for Best Audiobook – Fiction and Best Narration.

“It is such an honor to have both The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman recognized by the international grand jury for this prestigious trophy.

The work behind-the-scenes from our editorial, production, and studio teams has been phenomenal to produce audiobooks of such a high standard and we want to take this opportunity to recognize their hard work and talent. We were also extremely fortunate to be working with such high caliber narrator talent, and we are thrilled that both Elisabeth Moss and Michael Sheen are being recognized for their skilled and outstanding narration.

We are delighted that listeners have so enjoyed hearing Elisabeth and Michael’s narration; The Handmaid’s Tale and The Secret Commonwealth were both extremely important titles for Penguin Random House and therefore we are honored that they have been appreciated by listeners and Grand Jury members alike.”

- Samantha Halstead, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House Audio UK