chiarawolter's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
katcetera's review
2.0
One of my goals for 2021 was to read some Shakespeare so I thought I'd start with his sonnets... I can't be the only one who thinks Shakespeare was in the midst of an existential crisis when writing most of these?!
The focus on the value of youth and beauty and the overwhelming push for propagation to preserve your dying youth was actually exhausting by the end.
Perhaps Ol' Willy Shakes is to blame for our overpopulation problems...
Some sonnets were beautiful and engaging, but honestly the majority just weren't for me.
The focus on the value of youth and beauty and the overwhelming push for propagation to preserve your dying youth was actually exhausting by the end.
Perhaps Ol' Willy Shakes is to blame for our overpopulation problems...
Some sonnets were beautiful and engaging, but honestly the majority just weren't for me.
katiemoten's review
4.0
In my quest to read more poetry this year, I have finally picked this up. It's been sitting on my shelf a long time, but I'm glad I finally got to it.
Nobody does it like Shakespeare, right? There's such lovely imagery in many of his sonnets. Sonnet 18, sonnet 116 (my favourite), and there are so many other lovely ones. Shakespeare did repeat his themes a lot, though! The first 17 poems are about how a beautiful young man must have a child to preserve his beauty for posterity. I mean, ok...! There's been a lot of debate about homoeroticism in Shakespeare, and I can totally see it, but 17 poems on the same subject is a bit overkill, no?
There's lots on the theme of passing time, here, and also a lot on the power of literature to outlast or outwit time. And there's a lot on the theme of love and all the heartbreak and joy that goes along with it. He also writes about fears that his writing isn't good enough (who knew Shakes could feel self conscious about his writing?!), and concerns with ageing in comparison with youth.
I didn't realise this was so repetitive, but there are some lovely sentiments here, that really get at the heart of emotions, especially love. Think I'd like to find a more decorative edition of this, to match the beauty of the poems, but am glad I have a copy to refer back to.
Nobody does it like Shakespeare, right? There's such lovely imagery in many of his sonnets. Sonnet 18, sonnet 116 (my favourite), and there are so many other lovely ones. Shakespeare did repeat his themes a lot, though! The first 17 poems are about how a beautiful young man must have a child to preserve his beauty for posterity. I mean, ok...! There's been a lot of debate about homoeroticism in Shakespeare, and I can totally see it, but 17 poems on the same subject is a bit overkill, no?
There's lots on the theme of passing time, here, and also a lot on the power of literature to outlast or outwit time. And there's a lot on the theme of love and all the heartbreak and joy that goes along with it. He also writes about fears that his writing isn't good enough (who knew Shakes could feel self conscious about his writing?!), and concerns with ageing in comparison with youth.
I didn't realise this was so repetitive, but there are some lovely sentiments here, that really get at the heart of emotions, especially love. Think I'd like to find a more decorative edition of this, to match the beauty of the poems, but am glad I have a copy to refer back to.
bdietrich's review
4.0
Read for Shakespeare class: Sonnets 1-18 and 127-138
Boring considering we studies them pretty extensively in Brit Lit last year
Boring considering we studies them pretty extensively in Brit Lit last year
silvan's review
5.0
More of a book you treasure rather than generally read. Whenever I'm annoyed at the world (or myself) and I need words of wisdom, I just read the sonnets. Shakespeare's use of the english language and profound imagery helps you to put life back into perspective. This is by far the best version I've found too (there are so many different ones out there)!
whatjasread's review
3.0
3 stars
I enjoyed a lot of these, but there were so many which just took so much effort to decipher. I love Shakespeare in general, but I don't think all of his sonnets are my cup of tea.
I enjoyed a lot of these, but there were so many which just took so much effort to decipher. I love Shakespeare in general, but I don't think all of his sonnets are my cup of tea.