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shelly_kate's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
4.0
My experience of free Amazon classics when they are translated works is that you get what you pay for (i.e. a dated translation) and this is no exception. The story selection also seemed a little odd at times. That being said this was still a very readable, enjoyable introduction to the Arabian Nights, and I'll now be putting more versions on my to-read-one-day list.
lizicle's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
rachelcdm's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book for uni and my godddd it is a hard slog.
But a slog well worth the effort.
There are many tales that are recognisable in ‘Arabian Nights’ (Aladdin and Sinbad spring to mind.) But there are others here that are possibly more enchanting, such as the tale of the three Calendars which contains a multitude of stories on its own.
This collection is unique for so many reasons. For a start, it’s a translation of a translation of oral tales, which makes its origins and authenticity difficult to trace. Are these tales westernised? Have they been recounted properly? Impossible to tell.
The biggest allure for me though, is the theme of stories. Sharzhad is not only telling stories to save her life, but she’s telling stories to alter another’s. The sultan, through Sharzhad’s stories, learns empathy and becomes a better person. The tales is ultimately a testament to the power of stories and their ability to shape us, and that is a power that transcends cultures.
But a slog well worth the effort.
There are many tales that are recognisable in ‘Arabian Nights’ (Aladdin and Sinbad spring to mind.) But there are others here that are possibly more enchanting, such as the tale of the three Calendars which contains a multitude of stories on its own.
This collection is unique for so many reasons. For a start, it’s a translation of a translation of oral tales, which makes its origins and authenticity difficult to trace. Are these tales westernised? Have they been recounted properly? Impossible to tell.
The biggest allure for me though, is the theme of stories. Sharzhad is not only telling stories to save her life, but she’s telling stories to alter another’s. The sultan, through Sharzhad’s stories, learns empathy and becomes a better person. The tales is ultimately a testament to the power of stories and their ability to shape us, and that is a power that transcends cultures.
meimayy's review against another edition
4.0
Exquisite tales of adventure, magic and wild plot twists! Ranging from cleverly outwitting the enemy to the dreadful consequences of greed, I was quite surprised to find that these stories are very enjoyable, having read the selected stories translated by Andrew Lang.
alanyoung's review against another edition
3.0
Very readable and enjoyable. Some tales (particularly Sinbad's repeated and repetitive voyages) do become rather tedious.
It was fascinating that the themes seemed to revolve around money, merchants and magic with love at first sight.
I would not recommend it strongly but did enjoy the read.
It was fascinating that the themes seemed to revolve around money, merchants and magic with love at first sight.
I would not recommend it strongly but did enjoy the read.
stellarstar's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Delightful adventure, and lovely to revisit.
dareads's review against another edition
2.0
Finally got to finish this book. That was tiring, ngl. I found the story was fun to read at first, but it keeps getting more and more confusing everytime I moved to the next pages.
I loved the idea of Queen Scheherazade have to tell an unfinished story to King Schahriar in order to prolong her life, and I thought it would be the main plot, but man, even after the first tale, that's not even on the plot anymore. I mean, I want to know what happened to them.
It was basically a short story collection. I liked some stories in here. But the thing is, I was expecting more of Queen Scheherazade journey.
Or did I read the wrong version? I'm so confused.
I loved the idea of Queen Scheherazade have to tell an unfinished story to King Schahriar in order to prolong her life, and I thought it would be the main plot, but man, even after the first tale, that's not even on the plot anymore. I mean, I want to know what happened to them.
It was basically a short story collection. I liked some stories in here. But the thing is, I was expecting more of Queen Scheherazade journey.
Or did I read the wrong version? I'm so confused.