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autogeek's review against another edition
5.0
A very well written story of greed, sheer stupidity, filial betrayal, lust and scandal. It was also considerably easier to understand compared to many other Shakespeare plays.
As always, the commentary in this audiobook did an excellent job explaining the play in simple language and the historical context to the play as a whole and also to various specific scenes or characters or aspects of the play.
I would strongly recommend reading/listening to this play with a good accompanying commentary. The historical context to the play and the various political and social dynamics behind the scenes at that time which affected the way the play was written is nearly as interesting as the play itself.
As always, the commentary in this audiobook did an excellent job explaining the play in simple language and the historical context to the play as a whole and also to various specific scenes or characters or aspects of the play.
I would strongly recommend reading/listening to this play with a good accompanying commentary. The historical context to the play and the various political and social dynamics behind the scenes at that time which affected the way the play was written is nearly as interesting as the play itself.
arash's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jgurniak's review against another edition
3.0
Having only read a few of Shakepeare's plays, it is difficult for me to say if this is one of his best works. It's certainly not up to par with MacBeth and Hamlet but it sits above Midsummer Nights Dream and Romeo & Juliet.
crazyleex's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rkaur's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
gsteadyy's review against another edition
3.0
Solid Shakespeare tragedy! His tragedies never disappoint and you are guaranteed some gruesome gory deaths and barely anyone surviving!
Honestly felt bad for poor Gloucester, that man was being used left right and centre. And I know Regan is baaaaad but why did I kind of vibe with her like that is my fierce strong woman right there
Albany was the best character though that man is actually underrated
Also you can’t convince me Kent didn’t have a thing for Lear, like (spoiler alert, although this text is literally hundreds of years old come on now) Lear dies and Kent is like well now I have to die too so we can be together. When Romeo and Juliet do that it’s romantic but when Kent does that it’s his manly duty and loyalty to his king? Yeah sure
(Most unserious review of a Shakespeare text ever i know)
Honestly felt bad for poor Gloucester, that man was being used left right and centre. And I know Regan is baaaaad but why did I kind of vibe with her like that is my fierce strong woman right there
Albany was the best character though that man is actually underrated
Also you can’t convince me Kent didn’t have a thing for Lear, like (spoiler alert, although this text is literally hundreds of years old come on now) Lear dies and Kent is like well now I have to die too so we can be together. When Romeo and Juliet do that it’s romantic but when Kent does that it’s his manly duty and loyalty to his king? Yeah sure
(Most unserious review of a Shakespeare text ever i know)
cylas's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
isaac_salle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5