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4.53 AVERAGE
4.53 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Working on a Song peels back the layers of Hadestown in ways I didn’t expect. Focusing mostly on the rewriting of lyrics and anecdotes about the ideas or feedback people gave to Anaïs Mitchell. Personally I would have liked the book a bit more if it also explored some of the music, not just lyrics. But overall it is a wonderful book for those interested in writing musicals, or the creative process. Anyone who enjoys Hadestown will also learn something new from this book.
This was a lot of fun. I love Hadestown and getting all this background knowledge to how the songs developed and what Anais Mitchell's thought process was, was really incredible. It deepend my love for this musical even more.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Finishing this book feels like coming to the close of such a bittersweet adventure! I am so grateful to Anaïs Mitchell for sharing the journey of her creative process with us. There is something truly special not just about the musical this book talks about but this account itself. There is moving poetry and tragic romance and lots of trying again. And there is so, so much beauty. Highly recommended especially with the soundtrack ready for listening as you arrive at each song.
I was hesitant to listen to this as an audio book but for all of you who love the lyricism of the musical, it was an incredible experience and I got choked up many times due to the sheer vastness of research and love and the duality of the lyrics Anais Mitchell conceived. Perfection of an audiobook, with musical interludes I wasn’t expecting. Most of the book reads like a large poetry reading due to the fact the prose is so stunning
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
It was so interesting to read about the process of writing a musical, especially with one so unbroadway like as Hadestown. Even if you don’t like Hadestown I think you’ll like just reading the process. There were so many moments reading the past versions of songs that made me respect the process of cutting and changing songs so much more.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
“Keep trying”
God, i thought i couldn’t love this musical even more! Mitchell’s clear love and passion for her work and her characters have made me fall even more in love with them than i thought possible! I love that we get to see how the characters become who we see in the musical and i love that Anaïs repeats that mistakes were made throughout but it never stopped her. i think reading this at the same time as a fantasy series has done this book a disservice however, because i found myself having to force myself through it on occasion, even though i was loving it.
God, i thought i couldn’t love this musical even more! Mitchell’s clear love and passion for her work and her characters have made me fall even more in love with them than i thought possible! I love that we get to see how the characters become who we see in the musical and i love that Anaïs repeats that mistakes were made throughout but it never stopped her. i think reading this at the same time as a fantasy series has done this book a disservice however, because i found myself having to force myself through it on occasion, even though i was loving it.
Not only does this book contain the sharp lyrics of Hadestown, but the notes on each song from Mitchell are astounding! Mitchell gives insight into thematic and technical changes during each iteration of the show, whether from the 2010 inception to the 2019 Broadway debut. This is a great read for any fan of the show, but also a fascinating class in the art of writing. Seeing how Mitchell added, cut, and altered sections to most effectively convey the story is a masterclass.