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katykelly's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't know much about the story, so a short audio-version sounded like a nice introduction. This is suitable for children (though I can imagine they will have a lot of questions!) and makes a short fairy tale for adults.
It's one disc long, and tells the story of Antigone (an-Tig-on-ee), a Greek princess, who buries her dishonoured brother without permission, and suffers the consequences.
The unique aspect to the story is the inclusion of extra characters/narrators - a crow and dog, viewing the playing out of the scenes with their own non-human perspective.
Lots here of use to primary/secondary teachers and classes. I wasn't enamoured, I enjoyed the very pleasant Scottish narration by the author (even if not authentically Greek!), and the short 'interview' at the end with the author (and crow!).
I didn't personally like Antigone very much, for even though she is strong-minded enough to make her own decisions, she submits to her determined fate far too quietly for my liking, I wanted passionate speeches rhetoric, though I appreciate that isn't quite the tone of the tragedy.
I would have liked more detail and background, certainly other Greek tales telling in a similar vein would be nice for a younger audience, the style was appropriate to children, though I can't comment on layout/illustrations as I haven't seen a paper copy.
Interesting, may stimulate curiosity in Ancient Greek stories.
Hard to pinpoint an age range for this, but it could be useful in KS2-4 classes.
It's one disc long, and tells the story of Antigone (an-Tig-on-ee), a Greek princess, who buries her dishonoured brother without permission, and suffers the consequences.
The unique aspect to the story is the inclusion of extra characters/narrators - a crow and dog, viewing the playing out of the scenes with their own non-human perspective.
Lots here of use to primary/secondary teachers and classes. I wasn't enamoured, I enjoyed the very pleasant Scottish narration by the author (even if not authentically Greek!), and the short 'interview' at the end with the author (and crow!).
I didn't personally like Antigone very much, for even though she is strong-minded enough to make her own decisions, she submits to her determined fate far too quietly for my liking, I wanted passionate speeches rhetoric, though I appreciate that isn't quite the tone of the tragedy.
I would have liked more detail and background, certainly other Greek tales telling in a similar vein would be nice for a younger audience, the style was appropriate to children, though I can't comment on layout/illustrations as I haven't seen a paper copy.
Interesting, may stimulate curiosity in Ancient Greek stories.
Hard to pinpoint an age range for this, but it could be useful in KS2-4 classes.
nyne's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
carlacarinreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
geekwayne's review
5.0
I wouldn't think that the tragedies of Sophocles would make interesting books for younger readers, but I was proven wrong. 'The Story of Antigone' by Ali Smith with illustrations by Laura Paoletti is a very good adaptation of the famous drama.
The story starts on the battlefield in the aftermath of a terrible slaughter. Our narrator is a crow, which is morbid and a perfect choice as a witness to the events. Antigone wants to bury her vanquished brother, but King Creon, the victor, wants no such thing. What follows is a struggle between a headstrong king and a young woman who would stand up to him. The outcome is tragic, but the lesson of being willing to give your all for what you believe in rings true today.
The illustrations are in earth tones and are quite good. It's a pretty dark story, but the narrator and a stray dog have a few moments to lighten things up. There is also a question and answer at the end between Crow and the adapter Ali. This is a very good adaptation for younger readers.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Pushkin Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
The story starts on the battlefield in the aftermath of a terrible slaughter. Our narrator is a crow, which is morbid and a perfect choice as a witness to the events. Antigone wants to bury her vanquished brother, but King Creon, the victor, wants no such thing. What follows is a struggle between a headstrong king and a young woman who would stand up to him. The outcome is tragic, but the lesson of being willing to give your all for what you believe in rings true today.
The illustrations are in earth tones and are quite good. It's a pretty dark story, but the narrator and a stray dog have a few moments to lighten things up. There is also a question and answer at the end between Crow and the adapter Ali. This is a very good adaptation for younger readers.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Pushkin Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
kiraascottie's review against another edition
4.0
This was a short read and a fun take on Sophocles’ play, Antigone. It’s one of my favourite plays and I still remember the first time I read it back in Drama class in secondary school; I managed to get to play both Antigone and Ismene.
I listened to this as an audiobook which Ali Smith herself narrated and I found the sound effects to be really immersive.
I listened to this as an audiobook which Ali Smith herself narrated and I found the sound effects to be really immersive.
ninao's review against another edition
4.0
highly recommend listening to the audio, ali smith is hilarious
mscoleman's review
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
monsterful_alex's review against another edition
4.0
Listening to Ali Smith's short re-telling of Antigone was great - she has the voice of a true storyteller. The story is retold from the perspective of a crow and although it is intended for children, I thought it was quite a clever story that people of all ages can enjoy. It's particularly masterful as none of Sophocles' plays are …. suitable for young readers. Ali Smith manages to include even the darkest parts of the story, particularly dealing with death, war and degradation; while still keeping up the playful, sometimes humorous tone. It's also a fantastic story of a young girl sacrificing herself and standing up to an all-powerful tyrant and even though she doesn't prevail, the tyrant loses even more. It's quite badass.
themorsecode's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent retelling of Antigone, a play that can seem a little distant to today in the wrong hands. Listened to the audiobook narrated rather wonderfully by Smith herself, crow caws and all.