Iago has always been my favorite character from Othello, simply because he was the most interesting. Sure, I liked Othello himself, but he was too easy to understand, and there wasn't much about him that stood out to me. Iago, on the other hand, is clever and unpredictable, not to mention straight up hilarious. So I was excited when I found this book in an airport, and I bought it right then - not normal for me, but I have no regrets. I'd never read anything else by this author, but I definitely plan to now. She is simply an amazing writer who puts you right in the character's mind, and on top of that, she's clearly done her research thoroughly.
I fell in love with Iago right away, and Emilia is just as good. In fact, not a single side character falls flat, and it was just a delight to read a story in which absolutely nothing feels faked. The idea of Iago as a good person who made some very bad choices works so well the way Nicole Galland has written it, and long before the end I was dreading his inevitable downfall. I wasn't disappointed. This book broke my heart and left me thinking for a long time after I finished reading - two things which I absolutely love in a book.
I recommend this book especially to fans of Shakespeare and/or good historical fiction.
I fell in love with Iago right away, and Emilia is just as good. In fact, not a single side character falls flat, and it was just a delight to read a story in which absolutely nothing feels faked. The idea of Iago as a good person who made some very bad choices works so well the way Nicole Galland has written it, and long before the end I was dreading his inevitable downfall. I wasn't disappointed. This book broke my heart and left me thinking for a long time after I finished reading - two things which I absolutely love in a book.
I recommend this book especially to fans of Shakespeare and/or good historical fiction.
