Synopsis: Andrew Matthews's vibrant and accessible retelling, coupled with expressive and funny illustrations by Tony Ross, provides a perfect introduction to this story from Shakespeare. Also included are notes on the themes within the story to prompt discussion and background to the Globe theatre.

Review: This is an excellent narrative retelling of Shakespeare’s Roman tragedy of doomed love. Told through the eyes of Servius, Antony’s bodyguard, the story takes us from the murder of Julius Caesar through to the final deaths of the two ill-fated lovers. The central characters are vividly drawn and the political manoeuvrings communicated with a clarity that would be perfect for pupils at KS2, as well as older students of the play requiring a brief introduction.

 The story is kept short and printed in a large, clear typeset, yet it is far from simplistic, with succinct, evocative description and striking imagery. Ross’s trademark illustrations further add to both the accessibility and appeal of the text for younger readers, although I did feel that their quirky humour worked against the dramatic power and pathos of the narrative at times (the suicide of Antony is one example).

The end notes on the theme of ‘Love and Death’ seemed to offer little beyond a brief overview of the story, but the introduction to the Globe Theatre was both informative and engaging, bringing to life the original context for Shakespeare’s work with all its sights, sounds … and smells!

2008-06-22