Verily, A New Hope
I consider myself an inhabitant of many different nerddoms. While I don't quite reach "lunatic" level in any of them, I enjoy lots of things. Star Wars is one, Shakespeare's plays are another. When I read that someone had written Star Wars as a Shakespeare play, I knew one book I was definitely reading this summer! I even got it pretty quickly from the library.
I liked it a lot. There was a Chorus, which isn't usually a favorite of mine, but for this story there is just too much that needs explanation or narration. The structure really works as a play and the author does a great job of translating the dialogue and action into iambic pentameter.
Here's the bit where Vader and Obi-Wan meet in the Death Star:
Vader: For certain, I have waited, Obi-Wan,
And now at last we meet together here:
Our destinies once and for all fulfill'd,
The circle of our lives is now complete--
A student was I when I left thee last,
But now I am the Master over thee.
Obi-Wan: Thou art a Master, Darth, I know 'tis true,
But only evil hast though Master'd yet.
There are also a ton of lines that are almost lifted from Shakespeare such as Luke saying "Friends, rebels, starfighters, lend me your ears". I definitely had some giggles recognizing the lines. If you enjoy Shakespeare then give this one a shot. it's a 6 from me!
I liked it a lot. There was a Chorus, which isn't usually a favorite of mine, but for this story there is just too much that needs explanation or narration. The structure really works as a play and the author does a great job of translating the dialogue and action into iambic pentameter.
Here's the bit where Vader and Obi-Wan meet in the Death Star:
Vader: For certain, I have waited, Obi-Wan,
And now at last we meet together here:
Our destinies once and for all fulfill'd,
The circle of our lives is now complete--
A student was I when I left thee last,
But now I am the Master over thee.
Obi-Wan: Thou art a Master, Darth, I know 'tis true,
But only evil hast though Master'd yet.
There are also a ton of lines that are almost lifted from Shakespeare such as Luke saying "Friends, rebels, starfighters, lend me your ears". I definitely had some giggles recognizing the lines. If you enjoy Shakespeare then give this one a shot. it's a 6 from me!
I kinda really want to read this one.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it! As long as you don't think new interpretations (of Star Wars OR Shakespeare's style) are sacrilege, it is good time spent.
ReplyDeleteI've got a galley copy of this on my shelves that keeps on calling to me. Like you, I'm a dual fan of Shakespeare and Star Wars. I need to read it before the sequel is released!
ReplyDeleteso worth it! it is pretty short so shouldn't be a long time to read.
ReplyDelete