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sueread2030's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lambsears's review against another edition
4.0
A very tightly written reworking of Othello, the action in this book takes place over one day in a 1970's year six primary school class.
Perhaps it's just me, but I certainly don't remember overthinking things to the degree that this bunch of 12-13 year olds does, however this is powerful prose that packs a mighty wallop at the end.
Perhaps it's just me, but I certainly don't remember overthinking things to the degree that this bunch of 12-13 year olds does, however this is powerful prose that packs a mighty wallop at the end.
lesserjoke's review against another edition
3.0
Othello is my favorite Shakespeare play, and I love the idea of retelling its story in a 1970s schoolyard. The new setting leaps off the page, as the son of a Ghanaian diplomat newly posted to Washington, D.C. joins an otherwise all-white sixth grade class and falls in love with the girl assigned to show him around. Unfortunately, the plot maneuvers required for the story to hit some of the major beats of the play can feel rather contorted at times, and the characters’ actions often — although not always — strain credulity for children of their age. (Certain Shakespeare references within the story are also too cute by half, raising distracting questions of whether adults like Mr. Brabant would be aware of Othello the play.)
The saving grace of the novel comes from it preserving the original story’s trenchant critique of racism both external and internalized, but as a whole I don’t really think it lives up to its potential.
The saving grace of the novel comes from it preserving the original story’s trenchant critique of racism both external and internalized, but as a whole I don’t really think it lives up to its potential.
buchweiser's review against another edition
2.0
Ein Schultag, ein neuer (dunkelhäutiger) Junge, Liebeleien und Intrigen unter Sechsklässlern - meiner Meinung nach keine besonders gelungene Neuinterpretation von "Othello". Ich fand es langweilig, konnte mich nicht in die Situation hineinfühlen und eigentlich interessierten mich die nicht besonders gut erzählten Ränkelspiele auch gar nicht.
Das bisher schlechteste Buch aus dieser Reihe.
Das bisher schlechteste Buch aus dieser Reihe.
maryanneross's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing how this book so closely parallels Othello and how well it works in a 1970s suburban playground. I had an even deeper appreciation for New Boy because I grew up in the '70s, attending a Catholic school that was 99% white. I could see how the events, though exaggerated to tell Othello's story could have transpired in that environment. Both Shakespeare enthusiasts and modern fiction lovers will enjoy this fast read.
blairsatellite's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
aves_jane's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
leslie_ann_thornton's review
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0