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Othello
A new entry in the superb, visually striking, and innovative series for young people. Children, parents, librarians, educators, and critics will all be delighted to have another engrossing retelling of one of Shakespeare's plays.
A young woman's elopement with a dark-skinned foreigner. An evil manipulator, dead set on bloody revenge. A noble warrior, fatally consumed by jealousy. Shakespeare's play about the Moor who "loved not wisely but too well," comes to life in this intensely thrilling and beautifully illustrated retelling. The enticing text, written by an outstanding scholar, draws young readers in with outstanding dialogue, vivid description, and careful attention to the flow of events. Shakespeare's own lines blend seamlessly with the modern language, and illuminating information enhances youngsters' involvement and comprehension. There are answers to FAQs, background on Shakespeare and the play, and a "Who's Who" of the characters. Young Reader's Shakespeare is a powerful visual and reading experience.
Adam McKeown has taught Shakespeare, Renaissance culture, and writing at New York University, Clarkson University, and Princeton, and is currently a professor at Adelphi University in Long Island.
Award-winning artist Sterling Hundley has received medals from the Society of Illustrators in New York and the Illustrators Club of Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. His work has appeared in such prestigious magazines and newspapers as Entertainment Weekly, GQ, the New Yorker, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times.
A young woman's elopement with a dark-skinned foreigner. An evil manipulator, dead set on bloody revenge. A noble warrior, fatally consumed by jealousy. Shakespeare's play about the Moor who "loved not wisely but too well," comes to life in this intensely thrilling and beautifully illustrated retelling. The enticing text, written by an outstanding scholar, draws young readers in with outstanding dialogue, vivid description, and careful attention to the flow of events. Shakespeare's own lines blend seamlessly with the modern language, and illuminating information enhances youngsters' involvement and comprehension. There are answers to FAQs, background on Shakespeare and the play, and a "Who's Who" of the characters. Young Reader's Shakespeare is a powerful visual and reading experience.
Adam McKeown has taught Shakespeare, Renaissance culture, and writing at New York University, Clarkson University, and Princeton, and is currently a professor at Adelphi University in Long Island.
Award-winning artist Sterling Hundley has received medals from the Society of Illustrators in New York and the Illustrators Club of Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. His work has appeared in such prestigious magazines and newspapers as Entertainment Weekly, GQ, the New Yorker, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times.
- GenresShakespeare
96 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 24, 2019
Read this in a short hour or so. While it’s worth picking up if you were unfamiliar with the story of Othello (I was) I found it to be a strange combination of modern and old language. When I was reading modern language it was easy. When I was reading the antiquated language it caused me to pause more and digest it slowly. However the way it jumped quickly between the two forms made for awkward reading.
May 28, 2016
An interesting and appropriate for children story adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy. it was engaging and well retold.
January 13, 2024
So I have never actually read Othello before and I had no idea what it was about but this shortened illustrated version was an excellent way to learn the story. Or should I say a tragedy? Because this definitely is a tragedy. And it has many elements of a thriller as well. Including murder. The characters are clever and allow their dark emotions in here to rage freely.
Almost from the beginning this story captured my attention. I was at first wondering what it was about. Why was someone shouting about "Thieves!" And what was this about a Moor? And they had very unusual names like Desdemona and Brabantio, Roderigo. And then there were Dukes and Senators too. So the story just jumps right into the middle of the action. The only name in here I was familiar with was Iago because that name was in Disney's Aladdin. So yes, I was a little confused at first.
But as I read on the story became more clear. There were some very bitter and jealous people in here. Scheming. Evil plans. And suddenly I also understood why Disney named Jafar's parrot Iago! After reading this you will too.
The story is very entertaining. And its dark. Sometimes you want to scream at the characters because of what is going on: innocent ones being cheated + outsmarted by the crooks. And you cannot do anything about it.
The artwork in here is very nice and colorful, mostly shades of orange, brown, gold and tan. Small bits of red for blood. And shades of blue for night scenes. It works well I think as the story itself is very dark. Plus these characters are warriors. They are not happy people at all.
It shows how the innocent can suffer due to rumors and how words can affect others beliefs. Self doubt plays a role too, because if someone tells you something how do you know it is true? Or does the other person actually have a motive? Even if they are your best friend they could have a motive. After all most crimes are committed by family or those closest to you. And so Othello asks how do you know the words others tell you can be trusted?
And yes, I can relate to the main character in here. Because I often struggle with knowing if people are being honest with me. Do they actually mean what they say or are they just "talking"? I have gotten a bit better at it over the years but still... I guess in the end one should not listen to rumors and investigate on your own but even then - as this story proves - it can backfire in a drastic way.
A very powerful story and definitely worth reading.
Almost from the beginning this story captured my attention. I was at first wondering what it was about. Why was someone shouting about "Thieves!" And what was this about a Moor? And they had very unusual names like Desdemona and Brabantio, Roderigo. And then there were Dukes and Senators too. So the story just jumps right into the middle of the action. The only name in here I was familiar with was Iago because that name was in Disney's Aladdin. So yes, I was a little confused at first.
But as I read on the story became more clear. There were some very bitter and jealous people in here. Scheming. Evil plans. And suddenly I also understood why Disney named Jafar's parrot Iago! After reading this you will too.
The story is very entertaining. And its dark. Sometimes you want to scream at the characters because of what is going on: innocent ones being cheated + outsmarted by the crooks. And you cannot do anything about it.
The artwork in here is very nice and colorful, mostly shades of orange, brown, gold and tan. Small bits of red for blood. And shades of blue for night scenes. It works well I think as the story itself is very dark. Plus these characters are warriors. They are not happy people at all.
It shows how the innocent can suffer due to rumors and how words can affect others beliefs. Self doubt plays a role too, because if someone tells you something how do you know it is true? Or does the other person actually have a motive? Even if they are your best friend they could have a motive. After all most crimes are committed by family or those closest to you. And so Othello asks how do you know the words others tell you can be trusted?
And yes, I can relate to the main character in here. Because I often struggle with knowing if people are being honest with me. Do they actually mean what they say or are they just "talking"? I have gotten a bit better at it over the years but still... I guess in the end one should not listen to rumors and investigate on your own but even then - as this story proves - it can backfire in a drastic way.
A very powerful story and definitely worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews