Norfolk’s Great Big Read: Shakespeare Re-Written – a blog by Amelia Year 8

23rd April 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. To celebrate this special anniversary Norfolk Libraries is making their annual Great Big Read all about Shakespeare. It is aptly named as Shakespeare Re-written. The Great Big Read is a series of activities encouraging adults and young adults to get reading. This year Norfolk Library has released a list of 20 modern books from different genres including; romances, history, tragedies and comedies. These books have all been inspired by Shakespeare’s classic tales but have been given a new twist by their authors. These books have been handpicked by our county’s brilliant librarians. They will be available for loan from every Norfolk County Council Library and on Norfolk Library’s e-book and audio service. Norfolk’s Great Big Read is targeted at adults, however there are some great books for young adults on the list which are listed below. Shakespeare is a great way to discover one of Britain’s most talented playwrights.  Having embarked on the read already I have found it is a great way to discover new books and step into new genres.

Recommended Books

  • Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman – This novel is about two young friends who love for each other is tested by society who wish to keep them apart. A poignant re-working of Shakespeare’s epic romance Romeo and Juliet. Will this story end differently?

noughts and crosses

 

 

 

 

  • The Daughter Of Time by Josephine Tey – This book explores the mystery and conspiracy surrounding the tale of Richard III and the princes in the tower

The_Daughter_of_Time_-_Josephine_Tey

 

 

 

 

  • Dead Father’s Club by Matt Haig – This story is a modern take on Hamlet. Philip is a boy in a crisis. His father has died. His mother is falling for the greasy charms of his Uncle. And to make matters worse he has started seeing the ghost of his father

dead fathers club

 

 

 

 

  • Exposure by Mal Peet – Written by the famed Norfolk writer this book tells the story of Otello a footballer who is wrongly implicated in a scandal that greatly changes his life and that of those around him. Based on the Shakespeare’s story of Othello

exposure

 

 

 

 

  • A Midsummer Night’s Steampunk by Scott E. Tarbet – This steampunk retelling of A Midsummer’s Night Dream features love, Victorian technology, mistaken identity and lots of danger.

steampunk

 

 

 

 

  • Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett – In this story we return to the fantastic Discworld. Only this time with a Shakespearean twist as Discworld play host to the witches of Macbeth.

Wyrd sisters

 

 

 

 

To see the full list pick up a leaflet from Mrs Berry in the library or go to Norfolk’s Big Read online site at https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries-local-history-and-archives/libraries/whats-on/norfolks-big-read

If you want to publish a review you have written of one of the books on The Norfolk Library Service’s own blog go to https://norfolklibrarybookreviewblog.wordpress.com/

We also love to have some reviews for our own blog – simply email them to litchamblog@litchamschool.net

 

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