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eguer's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dukeofthelotls's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
alexdoubt's review against another edition
4.0
I've had my copy since high school, when we of course read Hamlet. Did I read this then? Most certainly. Did I remember any of it? Assuredly not. On a quest to reinvigorate my love of reading, I'm making my way through books I already have. So, admittedly, my memory of Hamlet is fuzzy at best, miniscule at worst.
Nonetheless, I found myself thoroughly interested in these characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. I had avoided reading reviews, and I'm glad I did so. The unraveling of Ros and Guil's fates, their journeys, and that of Hamlet was a delightful jaunt full of witty wordplay and existentialism. If you enjoy Whose on Third? or Monty Python, you'll also enjoy the humor throughout Ros and Guil's dialogue.
I certainly found this leans more towards comedy than it does tragedy, though the latter cannot be ignored. The impeding fate of our minor leads, even without the knowledge of the original story, is woven in as foreshadowing. The macabre inclusion, repeatedly, of the Tragedians and the Player's commentary on death and acting death and how it centers many acts is impossible to ignore.
While I'm sure this hits different if you're very familiar with Hamlet, I still enjoyed it with my lacking memory. This isn't a play I've heard many people talk about outside of Shakespeare study, and that's a shame.
Nonetheless, I found myself thoroughly interested in these characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. I had avoided reading reviews, and I'm glad I did so. The unraveling of Ros and Guil's fates, their journeys, and that of Hamlet was a delightful jaunt full of witty wordplay and existentialism. If you enjoy Whose on Third? or Monty Python, you'll also enjoy the humor throughout Ros and Guil's dialogue.
I certainly found this leans more towards comedy than it does tragedy, though the latter cannot be ignored. The impeding fate of our minor leads, even without the knowledge of the original story, is woven in as foreshadowing. The macabre inclusion, repeatedly, of the Tragedians and the Player's commentary on death and acting death and how it centers many acts is impossible to ignore.
While I'm sure this hits different if you're very familiar with Hamlet, I still enjoyed it with my lacking memory. This isn't a play I've heard many people talk about outside of Shakespeare study, and that's a shame.
ziggymusic's review against another edition
5.0
Word play is one of my favorite things ever and this is one of my favorite movies ever so it's no surprise that the actual play is now one of my favorite books. Hilarity and depth as well written as as it can be and when stacked next Shakespeare's own work, it totally holds up.
joeldrama's review against another edition
4.0
fantastically chaotic, funny and absurd - although maybe it's time I actually read Hamlet
tianalikesbooks_11's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
kimminy's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
caleboh_1's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
what is the reason for living. are we living with control of our lives. does that matter. what is truth. is it relative.