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bennought's review against another edition
5.0
An interesting murder mystery that is not only set within the fascinating world of late medieval England, but is also solved through the impromptu acting of a travelling troupe of players who attempt to present a play about the murder to the townspeople. As a historian who studies, among other subjects, both theatre and medieval England, this book obviously caught my interest. I'm often put off by murder mysteries/thrillers, because they're all too often formulaic and sensational. But Unsworth uses beautiful prose and the unique methodology of 'forensic science' to create a novel that is fascinating in its style, plot, characters, and historical world. Instead of trying to beat the reader over the head with the history of the novel-- a distracting and annoying failing of many authors-- he often slides the historical facts, tidbits, etc. in smoothly so that they flow along with the story itself seamlessly. I read the entire book in a single day, in almost one sitting! While it is a fairly short book (and a quite read), this does not detract from the pull which the book had; it was a page-turner which I had much difficulty putting down.
niraghae's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
alisonjfields's review against another edition
3.0
So this is a relatively engaging medieval murder mystery that is somewhat burdened by the weight of its own prose, which has the feel of trying too hard to not be anachronistic-ish and therefore calling too much attention to itself. And I get the theatrical setting and allegorical intent (see the title) but I'm not sure why tumblers need to speak like priests. I like the idea of players as amateur sleuths more than a wink at "Hamlet" there), better than their actual sleuthing (the mystery itself is not much of a headscratcher). But if you've already read all the Eco you can stomach, this will probably engage you by the poolside.
sjgrodsky's review against another edition
5.0
Which came first, the insomnia or the determination to read to the last page of this book? Nicholas, the priestly protagonist, would tell you that the answer will never be known, yea though we speculate and strain.
It’s a murder mystery. But the sonorous prose and the louwering Black Death, and the biting cold, and the blinding snow terrorize both the readers of the book and the characters that inhabit it.
Janet Evanovich writes potboilers that are murder mysteries. This is something else.
It’s a murder mystery. But the sonorous prose and the louwering Black Death, and the biting cold, and the blinding snow terrorize both the readers of the book and the characters that inhabit it.
Janet Evanovich writes potboilers that are murder mysteries. This is something else.
bluestarfish's review against another edition
3.0
A medieval mystery play stirs the actors and the town into action when the players decide to play the sad story of the town. (It isn't like Brother Cadfael even if there is a priest involved...) It was very readable and it is only a short thing so I did enjoy this even if I found the ends of each chapter a bit trying as they veered towards melodrama. Taking on a role reveals much to those playing the Morality Play of the title.
ecka2's review against another edition
3.0
http://frokenchristina.blogspot.se/2011/07/doden-och-gycklarna.html
nedhayes's review against another edition
5.0
Morality Play is a tight taut tale of a troupe of actors in 14th century England who enter a new village and find out about the murder of a local boy. In a twist unusual to their station in the culture and their tenuous place in life, they actually become involved in this local crime.
In fact, they choose to create an original play (which was strange to do in the period) around the crime, in order to put the facts before the local village population. In the time period, this brave attempt to portray the contemporary life -- and mysteries -- of the village on stage, was strange and provocative. Given the facts of the events, it is close to heresy and treason.
Rapidly, they become enmeshed in a mystery that involves far more than a boy's murder, and the play they thought they were creating has ramifications beyond this small village -- in fact, this drama includes some of the most powerful nobles in England at the time.
The story really plays with the idea that every person is an actor in their own drama. As another reviewer pointed out, this sentiment was expressed by Shakespeare in his famous quotation, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
In this novel, I personally loved the complicated period-appropriate characters. Nicholas, who narrates the story, is philosophical and has strong psychological insights. I also like Martin Ball, who is the head of the acting troupe. The other actors are fully fleshed characters with believable back stories.
In fact, I liked the acting troupe so much, that I gave them a small walk-on role in my own novel of the Middle Ages, Sinful Folk: http://SinfulFolk.com Nicholas, Martin and the other members of the troupe are briefly featured in a scene outside the Monastery, just after my own travelers have been sent out on the open road.
Morality Play is more than a commentary or a murder mystery. Instead, it functions as an analysis of the idea of drama and fakery, of stagecraft and lifecraft, of roles and the masks we all wear. I highly recommend the book.
In fact, they choose to create an original play (which was strange to do in the period) around the crime, in order to put the facts before the local village population. In the time period, this brave attempt to portray the contemporary life -- and mysteries -- of the village on stage, was strange and provocative. Given the facts of the events, it is close to heresy and treason.
Rapidly, they become enmeshed in a mystery that involves far more than a boy's murder, and the play they thought they were creating has ramifications beyond this small village -- in fact, this drama includes some of the most powerful nobles in England at the time.
The story really plays with the idea that every person is an actor in their own drama. As another reviewer pointed out, this sentiment was expressed by Shakespeare in his famous quotation, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
In this novel, I personally loved the complicated period-appropriate characters. Nicholas, who narrates the story, is philosophical and has strong psychological insights. I also like Martin Ball, who is the head of the acting troupe. The other actors are fully fleshed characters with believable back stories.
In fact, I liked the acting troupe so much, that I gave them a small walk-on role in my own novel of the Middle Ages, Sinful Folk: http://SinfulFolk.com Nicholas, Martin and the other members of the troupe are briefly featured in a scene outside the Monastery, just after my own travelers have been sent out on the open road.
Morality Play is more than a commentary or a murder mystery. Instead, it functions as an analysis of the idea of drama and fakery, of stagecraft and lifecraft, of roles and the masks we all wear. I highly recommend the book.
margaret21's review against another edition
4.0
We're in the 14th century, in an unsettled time of plague and war. Nicholas Barber, a young cleric who has abandoned his post and fallen in with a band of itinerant players tells his story. What brings this story its power is its power to immerse the reader in the life he's - at least for the time being - chosen. This band of players live from hand to mouth, often cold, always dirty, always on the move and wondering where the next meal and billet is coming from. But they devise the idea of re-enacting a shocking murder that has just taken place in the community in which they find themselves, and discover that all is not as it seems. And add fear of the more powerful to their list of worries. An immersive tale, bringing the sights, smells, sounds, and mores of the 14th century to life.
lisanussd's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting book about a 14th century monk. It weaved history, mystery and psychology together in an unique novel.