The Tempest

by William Shakespeare
The Tempest cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Drama
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Format • £8.54–£12.34
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Paperback • £3.00–£20.99 Hardback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4572
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781528785631
  • Publisher: Read Books Ltd
  • Published: 2018-08-17
  • Formats: 21
  • Reviews: 4

The Tempest by William Shakespeare is a captivating play that delves into themes of power, revenge, and redemption. Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, uses his magical abilities to orchestrate a storm that shipwrecks his enemies on a remote island where he lives with his daughter, Miranda. The play explores the complexities of human nature and the supernatural, with Prospero's magical commands and the island's strange inhabitants adding layers of intrigue. This edition from Read & Co. Classics includes a specially commissioned biography of Shakespeare, making it a must-have for both enthusiasts and newcomers to his work. The play's enduring appeal lies in its rich language, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, cementing Shakespeare's legacy as the world's most celebrated dramatist.

Reviews
Medium · Cyrine Zaibi · 2025-10-21
profound 3.75

The play is an easy read with complex characters and profound themes. It reflects postcolonial contexts and offers a deep exploration of human nature.

Cyrine Zaibi found The Tempest to be an easy yet profound read, with complex characters that add layers to the story. The play's themes, particularly those related to postcolonialism, were highlighted as significant and thought-provoking. The exploration of power dynamics and human nature was particularly noted as a strong point. The balance between simplicity and depth made the play an engaging and enriching experience.

Quick quotes

    Such an easy read, complex characters and an interesting play, yet profound.

    Reflecting upon the context of postcolonial.

    In Shakespearean fashion, the characters are multifaceted and their interactions are intricate.

Afridiziak · 2022-08-02
fantastic 4.00

The Globe's version of 'The Tempest' is fast-paced, playful, and full of slapstick humor. It's a delightful interpretation that brings out the comedic elements of the play.

The reviewer was impressed by The Globe's production of 'The Tempest', which they found to be quick, playful, and filled with slapstick humor. They appreciated how this interpretation brought out the comedic aspects of the play, making it a delightful and entertaining experience. The reviewer also noted that the production's pace and aesthetic made it a standout performance.

Quick quotes

    The Globe's version went full force back to the comedic iteration of the bard's play.

    The pace is quick, playful and slapstick in its aesthetic.

    This production of 'The Tempest' is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a clever interpretation of a classic play.

The Scientific Detective · 2020-07-02
magical 4.25

The play is almost magical, focusing on themes of procession, recovery, and change. The supernatural elements add a unique layer to the story.

The reviewer described The Tempest as almost magical, with a focus on themes that resonate deeply. The exploration of procession, recovery, and change was particularly noted as compelling. The supernatural elements were highlighted as adding a unique and captivating layer to the story. The play's ability to blend these elements seamlessly was praised, making it a memorable and enriching experience. The themes were found to be timeless and relevant, adding to the overall impact of the play.

Quick quotes

    It's almost, dare I say, magical.

    The focus isn't so much on the individual characters so much as themes.

    Themes of procession, recovery, change.

Greenish Bookshelf · 2019-02-21
nostalgic 4.00

The play brought back nostalgic feelings of school days and offered a refreshing change from typical novels. The language and themes were engaging and thought-provoking.

Reading The Tempest felt like stepping back into a classroom, which was a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. The play's intricate language and profound themes provided a welcome break from the usual genres I read. The exploration of power, forgiveness, and the supernatural was particularly captivating, making it a rewarding read. The characters and their interactions added depth to the story, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    Overall, it was fun to feel like I was back in school reading Shakespeare again.

    I enjoyed the change of genre from my usual novels.

    The Tempest offers a rich tapestry of themes that are both timeless and relevant.

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