I was so skeptical when I first picked up this book--I was certain that it would not live up to the hype… but I am so so thrilled to be wrong. As an avid Shakespeare fan, I was not sure how well history would blend with fiction, but I found that O'Farrell blended the two wonderfully and seamlessly.
First, I would like to point out the eloquence in the writing--the entire novel felt elevated, simply because of the writing. It was clear, concrete, and concise in just the right moments, and then a bit more abstract and expansive in moments right for that type of writing and syntax. I also found the form of the writing to be very engaging--switching between the past and the present made for a dream-like tone that felt whimsical much like many of Shakespeare's plays.
Second, there are several tropes throughout this novel that are commonly seen in Shakespearean plays, such as examining and questioning gender roles, and even the switching of male and female characters. (I won't go into too much detail here as it can easily spoil some of the best parts of the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect.) Another trope I noticed that took me back to some of Shakespeare's plays was the magical nature surrounding some of the characters and their nature. It is often the mix of this bit of magic with real situations that fills a stage during one of Shakespeare's plays.
Third, I felt the characters were so strong and well-developed. Each character was so carefully crafted, and there was so much growth and change to the characters over time that made them magnetic and realistic. I found myself really connecting with so many of the characters and feeling so much of what they were feeling.
Fourth, so many books that explore plagues often feel a bit stark and out of touch--they make the plague sound like this magical force that just settles upon a place and wreaks havoc. This novel shows the human side of the transmission--the innocence in the way it spreads, and the way death comes about. Maybe it is the fact we are in a global pandemic, but this was a refreshing spot on a rather dark subject.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this book. I read several mixed reviews, and I am so glad I decided to go ahead and read this book. I have never read any of Maggie O'Farrell's work before, but I was very please with what I found in this novel.
First, I would like to point out the eloquence in the writing--the entire novel felt elevated, simply because of the writing. It was clear, concrete, and concise in just the right moments, and then a bit more abstract and expansive in moments right for that type of writing and syntax. I also found the form of the writing to be very engaging--switching between the past and the present made for a dream-like tone that felt whimsical much like many of Shakespeare's plays.
Second, there are several tropes throughout this novel that are commonly seen in Shakespearean plays, such as examining and questioning gender roles, and even the switching of male and female characters. (I won't go into too much detail here as it can easily spoil some of the best parts of the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect.) Another trope I noticed that took me back to some of Shakespeare's plays was the magical nature surrounding some of the characters and their nature. It is often the mix of this bit of magic with real situations that fills a stage during one of Shakespeare's plays.
Third, I felt the characters were so strong and well-developed. Each character was so carefully crafted, and there was so much growth and change to the characters over time that made them magnetic and realistic. I found myself really connecting with so many of the characters and feeling so much of what they were feeling.
Fourth, so many books that explore plagues often feel a bit stark and out of touch--they make the plague sound like this magical force that just settles upon a place and wreaks havoc. This novel shows the human side of the transmission--the innocence in the way it spreads, and the way death comes about. Maybe it is the fact we are in a global pandemic, but this was a refreshing spot on a rather dark subject.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this book. I read several mixed reviews, and I am so glad I decided to go ahead and read this book. I have never read any of Maggie O'Farrell's work before, but I was very please with what I found in this novel.