Title: The Merchant of Venice A Graphic Novel Adapted and Illustrated by: Gareth Hinds
Based on the play by: William Shakespeare
Publication Date: May 2008
My rating: 4 / 5 Stars
With elegant, contemporary artwork and a faithful but succinct adaptation, this graphic novel casts a classic drama in a provocative new light.
Here is the tale of young Bassanio, who, to win the love of fair Portia, entangles his dearest friend, Antonio, in a dangerous bargain with the moneylender Shylock. Only Bassanio’s heartfelt efforts — and a clever intervention by Portia — will save Antonio from paying Shylock "a pound of flesh." Moody and mesmerizing, this graphic novel adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s more controversial plays boasts a chic modern cast, high drama, and all the dark, familiar beauty of Venice.
In the words of the author the "text is greatly alteered from the orginial", with large amounts cut inculding scenes and cahracters. Some modern prose as been added but most of the dialog is verse. Having never read the actual play, I can't say how this graphic novel has been altered but I did really enjoy it.
If nothing else, I got the gist of the play - including some wonderful prose.
I still don't know how I feel about reworked classics but I would recommed this one to anyone willing to give a reworking a try.
**In my Mimi Reviews I explore older, sometimes obscure books I have found in my travels and wish to share with my reader**
Wow. Coooool!
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