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uncreativeoops's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was very confused throughout (this definitely needs to be seen on stage instead of the combination of script and audioplay I was going for) and even time switches aside I didn't really understand the science (math? Physics?) discussed by the characters; but I was still very entertained which speaks to Stoppard's talent for witty dialogue. This also has the added benefit of still finding new jokes and connections upon rereading since I feel like I definitely missed half of it. The characters are complex even though some of the relationships were... questionable. But overall very fun and one of those few instances in which the play is both enjoyable to just be watched as entertainment aswell as analysed in great detail (because there is so much to talk about! Life and death, emotion and reason, enlightenment and romanticism, the library of Alexandria, entropy, the second law of physics, the meaning of life, academic validation... or you just watch it for the banter, an awesome 13 year old genius, and an academic rivalry between two scholars who pasionately argue about whether lord Byron was secretly a murderer. As I said: very entertaining)
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Sexism
olivia_piepmeier's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.75
I found this very hard to read mainly because it's a play about math. The 19th century portion also reads very quick witted beyond my capacity. I have a feeling this will make more sense on stage! Clearly a unique play and would provide a fun challenge to put on.
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Sexism
Minor: Child death