Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent

by

Judi Dench, Brendan O'Hea

Should you read this book?

The best public reviews summarized for you.

Who is this book for?

  • This book would likely appeal to theatre enthusiasts, Shakespeare lovers, and fans of Judi Dench.
  • It would be particularly enjoyable for actors or those interested in the craft of acting, especially in relation to Shakespeare's works.
  • Literature students and teachers focusing on Shakespeare might find it a valuable resource for understanding performance aspects of the plays.
  • Anyone interested in behind-the-scenes stories from the world of theatre would also appreciate the anecdotes and insights provided.
  • The conversational style and Dench's wit would attract readers who enjoy celebrity memoirs with a more intellectual focus.

Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?

  • Readers who are not familiar with or interested in Shakespeare's plays might struggle to engage with this book.
  • Those looking for a traditional, chronological memoir of Judi Dench's life may be disappointed by its focus on her Shakespearean roles.
  • People who prefer more structured, narrative non-fiction might find the interview format challenging.
  • Readers sensitive to coarse language or mature content might be put off by some of the anecdotes.
  • Those expecting an academic analysis of Shakespeare's works rather than personal reflections may also find it lacking.
  • Finally, individuals with no interest in theatre or the acting process might find the detailed discussions of performance techniques tedious.

Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book

  • Offers intimate insights into Judi Dench's experiences with Shakespeare's plays
  • Provides a unique perspective on Shakespeare from a renowned actor's point of view
  • Filled with entertaining anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from Dench's career
  • Offers valuable insights into the craft of acting Shakespeare
  • Dench's love and passion for Shakespeare is contagious and inspiring
  • The conversational interview format makes for an engaging and accessible read
  • Includes Dench's personal interpretations of famous Shakespearean scenes
  • Offers a blend of humor, honesty, and wisdom from Dench's long career
  • Provides interesting discussions on the relevance of Shakespeare in modern times
  • Gives readers a deeper appreciation for the language and rhythm of Shakespeare's work

Things people didn't like as much about this book

  • May be challenging for readers unfamiliar with Shakespeare's plays
  • The interview format might feel disjointed or lack a clear narrative structure for some readers
  • Contains some coarse language and mature anecdotes that may not appeal to all readers
  • Lacks a clear organizing principle in the layout of the book
  • May be too focused on acting techniques for general readers
  • Some readers might find it repetitive if they're not interested in all the plays discussed
  • The depth of theatrical jargon might be overwhelming for non-theatre enthusiasts
  • Absence of visual aids or photographs to complement the stories
  • May not provide enough context for lesser-known Shakespeare plays
  • Some readers might prefer a more traditional memoir format

If you like this book, you should consider reading:

by Patrick Stewart
by Dolly Parton, Holly George-Warren, Rebecca Seaver

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