Hamlet: Shakespeare Retold

by James Anthony (Adapter), William Shakespeare

Shakespeare's 400-year-old language can be tough to understand...but, with Shakespeare Retold, it's easy! Written line-by-line in the same iambic pentameter versification of the originals, it offers a contemporary interpretation of the Bard's lines in the same form and pacing that everyone can understand.
Quickly learn each character motive, each plot twist, each convoluted phrase, each befuddling reference. Never get stuck on Shakespeare's language again! A perfect guide for actors, students, and the curious, Shakespeare Retold breathes new life into the most intoxicating, beguiling and often frustrating words in the English language.

To be, or not to be, that is the question,
To live, or not live: I have to wonder.
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
Would I find greater honour if I suffered
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
The stinging pain wrought by my wretched luck
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
Instead of fighting back against my troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
Which, doing so, would kill me? Death. I’d sleep

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2021

About the author

James Anthony is an award-winning, multi-genre author from London, England. With a keen eye, sharp wit, and poetic irreverence, he retold all 154 of Shakespeare's sonnets in modern verse, published by Penguin Random House in 2018. Described by Stephen Fry as 'a dazzling success,' he continues to retell the Bard's greatest plays in his popular 'Shakespeare Retold' series. When not tackling the Bard, Anthony is an offbeat travel writer, documenting his trips in his 'Slow Road' series, earning him the moniker the English Bill Bryson.

Reviews

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many I'm sure, I started reading Shakespeare in school. And although at times certain lines were more difficult to clearly translate, there's no doubt of the magic in Shakespeare's works. I even took a Shakespeare class in college because I wanted to explore his stories more deeply than was covered in high school (or earlier- it was many years ago).

When I came across James Anthony's line-by-line retelling, I was intrigued. I absolutely love his 'translation.' It was modern and easy to understand. It feels completely true to the original lines, and holds the same pacing/structure as Shakespeare's original writing. These retellings have the original line that Shakespeare wrote, and underneath it, James Anthony's rewrite. So you can effortlessly read both and compare them. Or just choose to read only the rewritten version, or the original. This would be an excellent source for students who may need help understanding Shakespeare, or for anyone who simply wants to read Shakespeare's stories in a modern telling that's true to the original without the difficulty of the original language. This was a wonderful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it. 5 stars.

[Bob Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful gift. James Anthony has meticulously translated Shakespeare's play into modern English in a way that does not disturb the pentameter of the original but allows the reader to understand what each character is actually saying. It is brilliantly done and will open the world of Shakespeare to many who would otherwise have never bothered to look or who were too intimidated by the centuries old English of Shakespeare's world. Kudos.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.