Reviews

I am not sure what is taught in school these days, in the world, or even in the United States. But, from my background, and from what I saw of my daughter's schooling, Ancient Greek plays are not part of the mainstream literature.

So, while I have heard of Antigone, and read Oedipus Rex, I have not read or seen the play Antigone. I totally get behind Ali Smith, the author, for wanting to share the story, written so long ago, with a contemporary audience. So, for that, for making the language contemporary, and readable, I commend her. The story was ancient even when Sophocles wrote it down. The audience knew the outcome of the story, just as we know what is going to happen in Shakespeare plays.

It is important to keep the past so that others can read it, and learn from it.

And yet, I never felt connected to the story. The crow, as the narrator, did not seem to have the mind of any crows that I know. In keeping the story following the same lines as the play, including the greek chorus, it felt odd, and distant.

Though, perhaps that is the point.

This would probably be a good book to teach the story of Antigone from.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

turbomandoll's review against another edition

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4.0

Excellent retelling of Antigone, a play that can seem a little distant to today in the wrong hands. Listened to the audiobook narrated rather wonderfully by Smith herself, crow caws and all.

ladulcinella's review against another edition

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5.0

An excellent variation on the classic play. Playful, beautifully written with complete respect to the original. More than worth reading.

leontyna's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0

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