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A review by cheekylaydee
New Boy by Tracy Chevalier
5.0
I devoured this in one day, absolutely phenomenal! A modern re-telling of Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello', the main players are given modern names and the events all take place over the course of one day in a school. That's right, these are kids.
Dee, the most popular girl in school, is assigned to Osei, a new boy, in order to help him settle in. He is unlike any boy she's ever known, and not just because of his skin colour. Osei AKA 'O' has traveled around the world, having been to exotic places, gaining knowledge and experience along the way. This is fascinating to D, and in the way of young children by the end of the morning, they are a couple.
If you've read or seen the original play you know how it goes. The other boys at the school, and one in particular, Ian, does not like the fact that this new boy that is so markedly different is already integrating himself into his world. Through a process of manipulation, fear and downright bullying he has gained authority, especially in the realm of the playground and he does not like to think of it being threatened.
Using O's inherent insecurity about the black skin that differentiates him he worms his way both into O's brain and in between the erstwhile happy couple.
This is so cleverly done, and the poignancy created by using children as the main characters really packs a punch. It highlights the difficulties encountered by the black population in 1970's America and is still as relevant as when the Bard first penned it.
For anybody who is or has studied Othello, as I have, this is a perfect supplement to your studies, highlighting the main themes without the complexities of the language. Even if you're not, it's a perfect route to reading the original. A rare 5 stars I can't recommend it enough!
Dee, the most popular girl in school, is assigned to Osei, a new boy, in order to help him settle in. He is unlike any boy she's ever known, and not just because of his skin colour. Osei AKA 'O' has traveled around the world, having been to exotic places, gaining knowledge and experience along the way. This is fascinating to D, and in the way of young children by the end of the morning, they are a couple.
If you've read or seen the original play you know how it goes. The other boys at the school, and one in particular, Ian, does not like the fact that this new boy that is so markedly different is already integrating himself into his world. Through a process of manipulation, fear and downright bullying he has gained authority, especially in the realm of the playground and he does not like to think of it being threatened.
Using O's inherent insecurity about the black skin that differentiates him he worms his way both into O's brain and in between the erstwhile happy couple.
This is so cleverly done, and the poignancy created by using children as the main characters really packs a punch. It highlights the difficulties encountered by the black population in 1970's America and is still as relevant as when the Bard first penned it.
For anybody who is or has studied Othello, as I have, this is a perfect supplement to your studies, highlighting the main themes without the complexities of the language. Even if you're not, it's a perfect route to reading the original. A rare 5 stars I can't recommend it enough!