emmasterry's review against another edition
challenging
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
sblick08's review against another edition
4.0
Was required to read this for a school assignment. Wasn't too bad. I enjoy reading Shakespeare, though there were times when this story dragged a little bit. Otherwise enjoyable
mjones14's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It was pretty good for a Shakespeare play, even though the plot was very limited. Loved Beatice!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Death
dhalse's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
estherdb's review against another edition
5.0
The first Shakespeare play I read completely on my own and completely voluntarily (i.e. not on university reading lists).
I have to say that it now is my favourite Shakespeare play (of those I've read so far).
It is funny, like actually funny, accessible (I would definitely recommend it to first-time Shakespeare readers), and full of snarky wordplay.
My favourite element of the plot would have to be the "skirmishes of wit" between Benedic and Beatrice. Both adorable and immensely entertaining!
Awesome and quick read!
I have to say that it now is my favourite Shakespeare play (of those I've read so far).
It is funny, like actually funny, accessible (I would definitely recommend it to first-time Shakespeare readers), and full of snarky wordplay.
My favourite element of the plot would have to be the "skirmishes of wit" between Benedic and Beatrice. Both adorable and immensely entertaining!
Awesome and quick read!
estherdb's review against another edition
4.0
I still stand by my first review of the play, but let me add some nuances.
I know it's supposed to be a comedy and I know I shouldn't expect deep, well-rounded characters, but re-reading this, I felt a little disappointed in the characters' flatness. Hero: weakling. Beatrice and Benedick: lovely at first, but a little superficial though (do they really care for each other, or do they merely do so because they think the other does and because they just decide to roll with it?). Leonato: Dude, don't say you'd rather have a dead daughter, than a live but possibly dishonorable one. Claudio: naïve little, superficial SOB. And I could go on...
The first Shakespeare play I read completely on my own and completely voluntarily (i.e. not on university reading lists).
I have to say that it now is my favourite Shakespeare play (of those I've read so far).
It is funny, like actually funny, accessible (I would definitely recommend it to first-time Shakespeare readers), and full of snarky wordplay.
My favourite element of the plot would have to be the "skirmishes of wit" between Benedic and Beatrice. Both adorable and immensely entertaining!
Awesome and quick read!
I know it's supposed to be a comedy and I know I shouldn't expect deep, well-rounded characters, but re-reading this, I felt a little disappointed in the characters' flatness. Hero: weakling. Beatrice and Benedick: lovely at first, but a little superficial though (do they really care for each other, or do they merely do so because they think the other does and because they just decide to roll with it?). Leonato: Dude, don't say you'd rather have a dead daughter, than a live but possibly dishonorable one. Claudio: naïve little, superficial SOB. And I could go on...
The first Shakespeare play I read completely on my own and completely voluntarily (i.e. not on university reading lists).
I have to say that it now is my favourite Shakespeare play (of those I've read so far).
It is funny, like actually funny, accessible (I would definitely recommend it to first-time Shakespeare readers), and full of snarky wordplay.
My favourite element of the plot would have to be the "skirmishes of wit" between Benedic and Beatrice. Both adorable and immensely entertaining!
Awesome and quick read!
its_hay's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ionaw26's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
I live for a marriage drama
loki_sdaughter's review against another edition
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0