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A review by phidelia
Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Post-read:
⭐⭐💫
It wasn't as good as her debut, but it was okay. The names were weird. However, it makes sense - since they were taken from the Shakespearean play of the same title. (I haven't read it. I don't think I will either.)
It's an entertaining, a very non-emotional & a fun read for book lovers who are ready to dive into a charming and socially relevant adventure.
Twelfth Night is not exactly THE book you’ve been waiting for, but it’s like a rom-com on hormones, tackling topics like sexism, self-worth, and more, all while making you laugh and swoon (not so much).
Let’s talk about our main girl, Viola Reyes. She’s a self-proclaimed nerd with a strong feminist streak, and let me tell you, this is something to which, I relate so hard. But here’s the twist: Viola is so confident in her own self-worth that she’s willing to risk her friendships to make sure she’s never stepped on as a girl.
She’s like a walking (sometimes annoying) megaphone for all the frustrations and hidden thoughts that girls experience. Reading from her perspective, I found myself nodding and saying, “Yep, girl, same!” She’s not afraid to assume the worst of people, and you know what? I get it. The struggle is real. BUT, this book did not meet my expectations on this front.
Now, let’s meet our charming hero, Jack Orsino. He’s got the looks, the charm, and everything figured out… until he doesn’t. His inner struggle, of what he is not without football (something he was predestined for was SO relatable). While he may not be the most memorable character, he’s definitely likable, and his growth throughout the book is worth cheering for.
But wait, we can’t forget about the amazing side characters (actually, *not being sarcastic*)!
Olivia is charismatic and deep, the kind of friend and sister we all wish we had. And Viola’s twin brother, Bash, brings the liveliness and surprisingly caring nature to the mix. (This character was done the best. Brothers are EXACTLY like that). They’re a cast of characters that steal the show and make you wish they were your own BFFs.
The character and relationship growth in this book are not quite good, but fine.
We get to witness characters changing their perspectives, society’s garbage getting exposed, and relationships navigating complicated situations. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, showing both the good and the bad in our world.
But overall, folks, this book is pretty cool. It’s a book that celebrates feminist nerds like us who just want to be seen. It's a book you could read if you're really, really bored or need to cure your reading slump.
Like me- if you want to know what the play is about but don't want to read it:
A short summary of what the play is about:
Viola and her brother Sebastian are sailing and then, they encounter a shipwreck. They both think the other is dead. Viola decides to dress up as a guy named Cesario to avoid being alone in a new place. She ends up working for Duke Orsino, who is in love with a woman named Olivia. Olivia is mourning the deaths of her father and brother and rejects Orsino's advances.
Orsino asks Viola (as Cesario) to woo Olivia on his behalf, but Olivia falls in love with Cesario instead. Viola, disguised as Cesario, actually loves Orsino, creating a one-way love triangle. Meanwhile, some of Olivia's servants plan to humiliate a pompous servant named Malvolio by tricking him into thinking Olivia loves him.
Sebastian, who survived the shipwreck, arrives and is mistaken for Cesario by Olivia. They secretly marry. When Orsino finds out, he thinks Cesario has betrayed him. Eventually, everything is revealed: Sebastian explains his identity, Viola reveals she's a woman, and her true feelings for Orsino.
Sebastian and Olivia get married, Viola and Orsino get married, two of the tricksters get married, Malvolio gets angry and leaves. Everyone else lives happily ever after. The end.
Thoughts while reading...
34% in:
Viola & Jack are quite relatable in their own ways. While they ARE a bit unbearable, people like that do exist!
This rivalry between Jack & Viola seems quite fun, lol. I really want to see how the author weaves the story further.
⭐⭐💫
It wasn't as good as her debut, but it was okay. The names were weird. However, it makes sense - since they were taken from the Shakespearean play of the same title. (I haven't read it. I don't think I will either.)
It's an entertaining, a very non-emotional & a fun read for book lovers who are ready to dive into a charming and socially relevant adventure.
Twelfth Night is not exactly THE book you’ve been waiting for, but it’s like a rom-com on hormones, tackling topics like sexism, self-worth, and more, all while making you laugh and swoon (not so much).
Let’s talk about our main girl, Viola Reyes. She’s a self-proclaimed nerd with a strong feminist streak, and let me tell you, this is something to which, I relate so hard. But here’s the twist: Viola is so confident in her own self-worth that she’s willing to risk her friendships to make sure she’s never stepped on as a girl.
She’s like a walking (sometimes annoying) megaphone for all the frustrations and hidden thoughts that girls experience. Reading from her perspective, I found myself nodding and saying, “Yep, girl, same!” She’s not afraid to assume the worst of people, and you know what? I get it. The struggle is real. BUT, this book did not meet my expectations on this front.
Now, let’s meet our charming hero, Jack Orsino. He’s got the looks, the charm, and everything figured out… until he doesn’t. His inner struggle, of what he is not without football (something he was predestined for was SO relatable). While he may not be the most memorable character, he’s definitely likable, and his growth throughout the book is worth cheering for.
But wait, we can’t forget about the amazing side characters (actually, *not being sarcastic*)!
Olivia is charismatic and deep, the kind of friend and sister we all wish we had. And Viola’s twin brother, Bash, brings the liveliness and surprisingly caring nature to the mix. (This character was done the best. Brothers are EXACTLY like that). They’re a cast of characters that steal the show and make you wish they were your own BFFs.
The character and relationship growth in this book are not quite good, but fine.
We get to witness characters changing their perspectives, society’s garbage getting exposed, and relationships navigating complicated situations. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, showing both the good and the bad in our world.
But overall, folks, this book is pretty cool. It’s a book that celebrates feminist nerds like us who just want to be seen. It's a book you could read if you're really, really bored or need to cure your reading slump.
Like me- if you want to know what the play is about but don't want to read it:
A short summary of what the play is about:
Orsino asks Viola (as Cesario) to woo Olivia on his behalf, but Olivia falls in love with Cesario instead. Viola, disguised as Cesario, actually loves Orsino, creating a one-way love triangle. Meanwhile, some of Olivia's servants plan to humiliate a pompous servant named Malvolio by tricking him into thinking Olivia loves him.
Sebastian, who survived the shipwreck, arrives and is mistaken for Cesario by Olivia. They secretly marry. When Orsino finds out, he thinks Cesario has betrayed him. Eventually, everything is revealed: Sebastian explains his identity, Viola reveals she's a woman, and her true feelings for Orsino.
Sebastian and Olivia get married, Viola and Orsino get married, two of the tricksters get married, Malvolio gets angry and leaves. Everyone else lives happily ever after. The end.
Thoughts while reading...
34% in:
Viola & Jack are quite relatable in their own ways. While they ARE a bit unbearable, people like that do exist!
This rivalry between Jack & Viola seems quite fun, lol. I really want to see how the author weaves the story further.
C354R10: sure
C354R10: as long as you’re not a total disaster
C354R10: /don’t get us killed in the first realm
DUKEORSINO12: I learn fast
DUKEORSINO12: and how would I get us killed???
Poor sweet summer child.
Don’t worry about it, I type back. You’ll see.
98% in:
These book certainly prompted some new thoughts. While, it deals with some important social topics as well, it was not exactly written in a very "impactful manner". It was a fun & entertaining book although.
She didn’t say anything, so I added, “I think it’s lonely.”
“What is?”
“Life.”
“You’re lonely?”
“No, I think we’re lonely. Like, as a species.”
“So what does that mean?”
“That we can like who we are and like being alone and still want to feel
connected.”
30 May 2024:
I'm going to start reading it...
9 May 2024:
I've...read the excerpt of this book...and now, this has rekindled my curiosity in it- and this is one of my most anticipated books for May. I'm kind of excited to read this one. And, I really, really hope this doesn't disappoint!
21 more days to go 🔥