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A review by estherdb
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
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!