Reviews

Shakespeare in a Divided America by James Shapiro

crtney's review against another edition

4.0

I found the accounts of how and where Shakespeare has been performed in the US as interesting (or maybe more) as the author’s examination of what these performances or the texts meant in the various periods of US history—which mostly seemed to highlight how deeply messed up we have always been and yet how we still continue on as a country and Shakespeare’s words still resonate with us. 

bethwolf03's review against another edition

challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

kat12009's review against another edition

5.0

Really loved this book. If you have even a slight interest in Shakespeare and American history, you will find this fascinating. My favorite chapter was the discussion of Lincoln and his love for Macbeth.

lernstreads's review against another edition

5.0

I'm pretty sure EVERY time I told someone about this book, I used the word FASCINATING. It really was. You should probably read it.

bonannabook's review against another edition

5.0

I got this audiobook after seeing it in several best of 2020 list. I didn’t really know what to expect - but it was so timely, fascinating and thought-provoking (and rather disturbing in a number of places). I found myself wanting to examine Shakespeare’s plays more closely. I highly recommend to those interested in history, politics, English literature and examining/grappling with division throughout American history.

balletbookworm's review against another edition

4.0

yay, for clinic reading between subjects because that is almost the only thing keeping me reading right now (thanks brain)

This was a really good set of essays/analysis about how Shakespeare was viewed, interpreted, and presented at other "divided" times in America (like the portrayal of Othello and interracial marriages/relationships in pre-Civil War America, or Taming of the Shrew in post-WWII America and it's conversion into the musical Kiss Me, Kate). Greenblatt is nicely readable.

swarnak84's review

5.0

An engaging read, encapsulating both themes from Shakespeare and important changes in American society. The relationships between Shakespeare and key Americans in history are examined and are a fascinating read.

emmaf09's review against another edition

5.0

A gripping, intriguing look into how the works of Shakespeare have shaped and reflected the development of the United States. The first few chapters build on primary documents provided in Shapiro’s Shakespeare in America anthology. By the time he gets to the Astor Place Riot, the narrative moves swiftly and cinematically, fully engrossing. The chapter about the development of the musical Kiss Me Kate and it’s reflections of post WWII marital relations was my favorite. The whole book moves at a quick pace, with interesting analysis and quality research. If you’re going to read one Shakespeare book this year, this is the one to choose.

sopopia's review against another edition

challenging dark informative reflective tense slow-paced

5.0

SO. SO. GOOD
If you have any love of Shakespeare, and ESPECIALLY if you are an American, please take the time to read this book!! It spoke to my soul about just how needed Shakespeares words are in the modern era. 

deirdrelistens2books's review against another edition

3.0

This was good but I only finished 80% of it and then it was due back to the library so I had to come back and finish 4 months later so I kinda forget the beginning but interesting insight on how Shakespeare had influenced American culture