georgiaand's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sonham's review against another edition
3.0
Es ist ein sehr gutes Buch, aber ich fand es sehr schwer, mich hineinzudenken. Es gibt zu viele Anspielungen zur jüdischen Religion, die ich nicht verstanden habe. Ich kann auch nicht einschätzen, wie nah es am "Kaufmann von Venedig" ist, dafür müsste ich den noch einmal lesen.
Vielleicht bekommt es zu einem anderen Zeitpunkt eine zweite Chance.
Vielleicht bekommt es zu einem anderen Zeitpunkt eine zweite Chance.
ricefun's review against another edition
2.0
I've been looking forward to reading this installment of the Hogarth Shakespeare series since I heard Jacobson being interviewed on Fresh Air several years ago. I've been enjoying reading the modern adaptations that the Hogarth series is commissioning, and really thought that this would be a great opportunity to read an adaptation of a play that I'm less familiar with.
I had a very difficult time making myself finish this book. There were eye-opening portions of the story, and I appreciate the opportunity to experience one snapshot of a current Jewish experience. With that being said, the entire book was so dark and dismal. This certainly may be the reality of some experiences, but I also know both Shakespeare and Judaism are elevated by their ability to incorporate light and lightheartedness into heavy subjects. This just didn't work for me as a great adaptation.
I had a very difficult time making myself finish this book. There were eye-opening portions of the story, and I appreciate the opportunity to experience one snapshot of a current Jewish experience. With that being said, the entire book was so dark and dismal. This certainly may be the reality of some experiences, but I also know both Shakespeare and Judaism are elevated by their ability to incorporate light and lightheartedness into heavy subjects. This just didn't work for me as a great adaptation.
ladimcbeth's review against another edition
2.0
I tried to care, I really did. I just...couldn't. I worked at this book for almost 8 weeks and just couldn't get through it. And in the end I gave up.
thedarmainitiative's review against another edition
1.0
I stopped reading at page 92. I have no idea what the author was trying to say and life is too short to waste trying to figure it out.
crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
3.0
As the name suggests, this is a modern author's take on retelling The Merchant of Venice for a contemporary audience. I often enjoy Shakespeare adaptations that are done well, so of course I figured I'd check this one out. Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed with this one as I'd hoped. Jacobson's take on the story is confusing, incredibly complex, and difficult to wade through. I'm not sure if he intended it as more of an intellectual take than a literary one, but it came across to me as highly inaccessible in the writing style and overall storytelling.
That said, it is a creative take in comparing the original tale to how a similar situation might play out in the modern world. For the concept alone, I do have to give the author some credit. And that's why this pulls three stars from me when I probably would have been inclined to rate it lower based on my overall enjoyment and reading of the book.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via BloggingForBooks in exchange for an honest review.]
That said, it is a creative take in comparing the original tale to how a similar situation might play out in the modern world. For the concept alone, I do have to give the author some credit. And that's why this pulls three stars from me when I probably would have been inclined to rate it lower based on my overall enjoyment and reading of the book.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via BloggingForBooks in exchange for an honest review.]
andrew61's review against another edition
3.0
There was so much to love in this book as Howard Jacobson entered the stage with the reimagination of Shakespeare's classics.
The plot follows the merchant of Venice as two Jewish men meet in a cemetery as they mourn their wives.Both are preoccupied with their daughters and the book then explores the modern day society of wealthy nouveaux riche society.
The brilliance of the book is the Jewish humour and the analysis of jewishness . I loved this feature and the authors writing is brilliant. I was lucky enough to see him at the wonderful John Rylands library in 2016 discuss the book and he was incredibly literate ,humorous and engaging . The weakness of the book is as it strays into the Cheshire set thus the book in parts was 5*, in others less, hence the compromise.
The plot follows the merchant of Venice as two Jewish men meet in a cemetery as they mourn their wives.Both are preoccupied with their daughters and the book then explores the modern day society of wealthy nouveaux riche society.
The brilliance of the book is the Jewish humour and the analysis of jewishness . I loved this feature and the authors writing is brilliant. I was lucky enough to see him at the wonderful John Rylands library in 2016 discuss the book and he was incredibly literate ,humorous and engaging . The weakness of the book is as it strays into the Cheshire set thus the book in parts was 5*, in others less, hence the compromise.
mazza57's review against another edition
2.0
Definitly not my favourite of the series. It felt more laboured than the others
lgiegerich's review against another edition
2.0
Didn't love this one. A little too postmodern for my tastes.