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erickac's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
New Boy is an Othello adaptation set in 1970s Washington, D.C. on a school playground. The concept is really clever, and I think the setting allows for interesting conversations about the persistence of racism across centuries. It definitely adds to the new focus of racial conceptions in Shakespearean works. However, I don’t feel that the novel accomplishes what Chevalier hoped it would. The characterizations are clunky and bit too mature to translate fully into the adaptation. There’s also a conversation to be had about Chevalier’s choice to write this adaptation as a white woman and whether or not that is the reason behind the novel’s shortfalls.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, and Suicide attempt
aseel_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I wish I knew the original play, because I think it would have been interesting to see how the retelling altered different elements etc. generally, it was an interesting read but an absolutely horrifying ending
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Sexual harassment
booksof_fern's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
lara16's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
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