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Maya Hawke, best known for her role inStranger Things, is lending her voice to an exciting new project.
The 26-year-old actress has been chosen to narrate the audiobook ofJoan Didion’sSlouching Towards Bethlehem, a collection of iconic essays from 1968.
This comes as thrilling news for fans of both Hawke and Didion, whose literary contributions have long been celebrated.
Keep reading for details!
WhySlouching Towards BethlehemMatters
Slouching Towards Bethlehemis a classic work of nonfiction. It’s made up of essays that dig deep into life in 1960s America, capturing the mood and spirit of a changing country.
Some of the most famous essays includeOn Keeping a Notebook, a reflection on the writer’s craft and the role of memory, andGoodbye to All That, a poignant farewell to Didion’s time in New York City.
Joan Didion was renowned for her sharp social commentary, deeply personal reflections, and a writing style that mixed emotion with intellect.
She was often seen as one of the most important writers of her time.
For Hawke, this project is more than just reading words; it’s about connecting with one of her literary heroes.
In a statement, Hawke gushed,“I have always been a huge fan of Joan Didion’s writing. Many of the essays inSlouching Towards Bethlehemwere written when she was in her 20s, and it’s been an incredible experience to get to spend so much time with her words and feel a sense of camaraderie almost sixty years later.”
She added that it’s been an honor to narrate Didion’s iconic prose and introduce it to a newgeneration.
Didion’s works, spanning fiction, essays, and memoirs, have won numerous honors and are now regarded as modern classics.
She passed away at age 87 in December 2021, but her literary legacy continues to influence new generations of readers and writers.
Source: Instagram/maya_hawke
Maya Hawke: A Familiar Voice in Audiobooks
While this may seem like a surprising project for Hawke, she’s no stranger to narration. In fact, this isn’t her first audiobook job.
She’s already lent her voice to two other audiobooks—Alexi Pappas’ inspiring memoirBravey, which chronicles the Olympic runner’s journey through mental health challenges and athletic triumphs, andAmerican Tabloidby James Ellroy, a gritty crime novel set in 1950s America.
On top of that, she voiced the character Anxiety in Pixar’s upcomingInside Out 2, so she’s definitely building up an impressive resume of voice work.
However, narratingSlouching Towards Bethlehemis especially meaningful to Hawke, given her deep admiration for Didion’s writing.
The chance to bring these essays to a new audience, especially one that might not be familiar with Didion’s work, is a role Hawke doesn’t take lightly.
Maya Hawke: Early Life and Career Start
Maya Hawke was born on July 8, 1998, in New York City to famousHollywoodactors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.
She has one brother, Levon, and several half-siblings from both her parents’ other relationships.
Coming from a family with strong artistic roots, including her grandparents—Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman and model Nena von Schlebrügge—Maya grew up surrounded by creativity.
Despite struggling with dyslexia and frequently changing schools, she found her path in the arts.
She eventually attended Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, where the focus on creativity inspired her love for acting.
After some time studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and the Stella Adler Studio in New York, Maya began modeling for Vogue, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother.
She also became the face of fashion brands like AllSaints and Calvin Klein.
Her big acting break came when she landed the role of Jo March in the 2017 BBC adaptation ofLittle Women.
This launched her successful actingcareer, which would soon see her star in the popular seriesStranger Things.
Source: Instagram/maya_hawke
Embracing the ‘Nepo Baby’ Label
Maya Hawke’s success in acting and music has often been viewed through the lens of her famous parents, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman.
While the term “nepo baby” gets thrown around to describe children ofcelebrities, Hawke has embraced this label rather than running from it.
In a recent interview withThe Times, she was open about the benefits her last name has afforded her but also acknowledged that talent and hard work play their part.
“There are so many people who deserve to have this kind of life who don’t,” Hawke said. “But I think I’m comfortable with not deserving it and doing it anyway. My not doing it wouldn’t help anyone.”
Rather than hiding her roots, she’s chosen to lean into them, understanding that it’s a privileged position, but one she’s working hard to make the most of.
Hawke also made it clear that while she’s heard all the jokes about nepotism, her relationships with her parents are what truly matter.
“Myrelationshipswith my parents are really honest and positive, and that supersedes anything anyone can say about it.”
She’s happy to have an honest relationship with the realities of her career and the fame that comes with it.
The audiobook version ofSlouching Towards Bethlehemis set to release on November 5, 2024, via Macmillan Audio.
If you’re a fan of Maya’s work, Joan Didion’s essays, or both, you can preorder it now.
Thisreleasewould bring Didion’s writing to life in a fresh, contemporary way, with Hawke’s narration offering a unique bridge between generations.
For fans ofStranger Things, literature lovers, or anyone looking to dive into some thought-provoking essays, Maya Hawke’s latest project is one to look forward to.
It’s a beautiful blend of literaryhistoryand modern talent and one that will no doubt introduce Joan Didion’s work to a whole new audience.
Maya Hawke: Career and Personal Life Snapshot
Detail
Information
Full Name
Maya Ray Thurman Hawke
Date of Birth
July 8, 1998
Age
26 years old (as of 2024)
Parents
Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman
Profession
Actress, Singer, Narrator
Famous Roles
Robin Buckley inStranger Things
Notable Narration Projects
Slouching Towards Bethlehem,Bravey,American Tabloid
Film Debut
Little Women(2017, PBS miniseries)
Music
Released debut albumBlushin 2020
Voice Work
Voiced Anxiety inInside Out 2(2024)
Heritage
Hollywood “nepo baby” due to her famous parents
Personal Quotes
“I’m comfortable with not deserving it and doing it anyway.”
Upcoming Project
Narrating Joan Didion’sSlouching Towards Bethlehem(November 2024)
A detailed snapshot of Maya Hawke’s career and personal life
Conclusion
Maya Hawke’s narration ofSlouching Towards Bethlehemis an exciting opportunity to introduce Joan Didion’s powerful writing to a new generation.
With Hawke’s deep admiration for Didion and her previous audiobook experience, she’s the perfect voice to bring these iconic essays to life.
Fans of both literature and Hawke will find this audiobook a unique way to experience Didion’s sharp social commentary and personal reflections.
As the November 5 release date approaches, listeners can look forward to diving into Didion’s world through Hawke’s narration.
Whether you’re already a fan of Didion or are discovering her for the first time, this audiobook is sure to offer a fresh and engaging experience of one of America’s most influential writers.
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
