Jose Rizal's Novels are Being Narrated by an Oscars Nominee

If you've never fully read the English versions of Jose Rizal's novels, here's your chance to experience the wit, class, and brilliance of the national hero as the chief Propagandist. 

Renowned British actor and Oscars Best Supporting Actor nominee Richard E. Grant is the voice behind the audiobook versions of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo on Audible. Grant was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the 2019 Academy Awards for his performance in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

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In an exclusive interview with ANCX, David Guerrero, son of novelist Leon Maria Guerrero, who translated Rizal's novels, reveals his motivation to have Grant lend his voice to Jose Rizal's novels. 

"There is something that many people find daunting about trying to read a 135-year-old book. Even if it's available as a 61-year-old translation!" Guerrero tells ANCX. 

Aside from his translations of Noli and Fili, León is also the author of The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal. 

But with Richard Grant's voice, the classic novels gain a "commanding and cinematic" feel. 

According to David, they chose Richard to narrate the novels because he is a "highly engaging narrator and one who can make lengthy period novels compelling to listen to."

Audible is an audio books library owned by Amazon.