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snugglyoranges 's review for:
William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope
by Ian Doescher
3.5 stars
When I heard about the existence of William Shakespeare's Star Wars, my curiosity was instantly piqued. I mean, I'm not gonna lie, I'm a pretty big Star Wars fan, and this sounded just completely hilarious and fun, so when Quirk Books offered to send me review copies of the series, I was all for it. This series is tons of fun for true Star Wars fan, make no mistake, while also showing off Doescher's skill as a writer.
What you see is mostly what you get with Verily, A New Hope. It takes the story of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and translates it completely into Shakespearian English. The skill with which Doescher does this is impressive, to be sure. I read my fair share of Shakespeare plays in high school, and the language in Verily, A New Hope definitely matches what I remember. It doesn't feel like a cheap ploy, and while reading I merely amused myself about how awesome it would have been if science fiction was a thing back in Shakespeare's days. A sort of Doctor Who like scenario developed in my mind -- but that's besides the point.
Aside from the quality of the writing, the way that the book is presented is important to note as well. The hardcover has a wonderful "old book" look underneath the dust jacket. The story is in a script format, and has the added bonus of wonderful illustrations in between to further entertain the readers. It makes it a great gift book for Star Wars fans.
The story is the one we all know and love - with little added surprises. However, I must say the best thing about the whole book, to me, probably was R2-D2's inner monologue. Make no mistake, my love for R2D2 is something FIERCE - however, in the movies, though he can show some serious sass with his beeps and whistles, in Verily, A New Hope, Doescher gives this beloved character an actual voice. It's lovely and snarky, and, of course, it's only heard by the audience and not by his "idiotic" companions. What a brilliant twist.
Where the book didn't completely meet my expectations is that I was sort of expecting it to be more humorous than it was - at a true parody level. Instead, while Doescher does skillfully translate the entire story into Shakespearian English, it feels more tedious at times than humorous, which to me was a bit of a let down. The overall tone is just more serious than expected. However, certain lines are so hilarious that I couldn't help but chuckle out loud, regardless of my surroundings - the best being the ones that parody both Star Wars and Shakespeare's plays. They are worth their weight in gold, and made the reading experience worth it. I just wish there were more of those lines - but perhaps the next books in the series will bring that.
Summing Up:
For those who love both Shakespeare and Star Wars, Verily, A New Hope is a must read. This skillful adaptation is a new great way to relive the science fiction series, with the added bonus of more R2D2 love. (What? That's a real selling point to me.) With it's awesome illustrations and hilarious quotes, this a quick read that can definitely get you laughing. The perfect accompaniment: a rewatch of the movies.
GIF it to me straight!
Recommended To:
Shakespeare and Star Wars fans - obviously!
*A finished copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of the review.
When I heard about the existence of William Shakespeare's Star Wars, my curiosity was instantly piqued. I mean, I'm not gonna lie, I'm a pretty big Star Wars fan, and this sounded just completely hilarious and fun, so when Quirk Books offered to send me review copies of the series, I was all for it. This series is tons of fun for true Star Wars fan, make no mistake, while also showing off Doescher's skill as a writer.
What you see is mostly what you get with Verily, A New Hope. It takes the story of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and translates it completely into Shakespearian English. The skill with which Doescher does this is impressive, to be sure. I read my fair share of Shakespeare plays in high school, and the language in Verily, A New Hope definitely matches what I remember. It doesn't feel like a cheap ploy, and while reading I merely amused myself about how awesome it would have been if science fiction was a thing back in Shakespeare's days. A sort of Doctor Who like scenario developed in my mind -- but that's besides the point.
Aside from the quality of the writing, the way that the book is presented is important to note as well. The hardcover has a wonderful "old book" look underneath the dust jacket. The story is in a script format, and has the added bonus of wonderful illustrations in between to further entertain the readers. It makes it a great gift book for Star Wars fans.
The story is the one we all know and love - with little added surprises. However, I must say the best thing about the whole book, to me, probably was R2-D2's inner monologue. Make no mistake, my love for R2D2 is something FIERCE - however, in the movies, though he can show some serious sass with his beeps and whistles, in Verily, A New Hope, Doescher gives this beloved character an actual voice. It's lovely and snarky, and, of course, it's only heard by the audience and not by his "idiotic" companions. What a brilliant twist.
Where the book didn't completely meet my expectations is that I was sort of expecting it to be more humorous than it was - at a true parody level. Instead, while Doescher does skillfully translate the entire story into Shakespearian English, it feels more tedious at times than humorous, which to me was a bit of a let down. The overall tone is just more serious than expected. However, certain lines are so hilarious that I couldn't help but chuckle out loud, regardless of my surroundings - the best being the ones that parody both Star Wars and Shakespeare's plays. They are worth their weight in gold, and made the reading experience worth it. I just wish there were more of those lines - but perhaps the next books in the series will bring that.
OBI-WAN KENOBI: True it is,
That these are not the droids for which thou search'st.
William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher
C3P0: Be thou not technical with me,
Or else thine input valve may swift receive
A hearty helping of my golden foot.
William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher
HAN SOLO: I pray thee, sir, forgive me for the mess
And whether I shot first, I'll not confess.
William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher
LUKE: But O, what now? What light through yonder flashing sensor breaks?
William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher
Summing Up:
For those who love both Shakespeare and Star Wars, Verily, A New Hope is a must read. This skillful adaptation is a new great way to relive the science fiction series, with the added bonus of more R2D2 love. (What? That's a real selling point to me.) With it's awesome illustrations and hilarious quotes, this a quick read that can definitely get you laughing. The perfect accompaniment: a rewatch of the movies.
GIF it to me straight!
Recommended To:
Shakespeare and Star Wars fans - obviously!
*A finished copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of the review.