Bestselling author Tracy Chevalier tackles one of the most famous authors of all time, William Shakespeare. Chevalier’s New Boy is a captivating and explosive interpretation and modernization of William Shakespeare’s Othello.
In this retelling, Othello is Osei Kokote, an eleven-year-old boy in the 1970s. The son of a diplomat, Osei arrives at his newest school in search of a friend to make the transition bearable. Dee, the most popular girl at school, becomes his friend. Their friendship, however, ignites jealousy, racism, and bullying from students and teachers.
Prentice Onayemi’s melodic voice takes the listener through the surprisingly harsh world of the elementary school. Each character is unique, and the story flies by. Listen to an excerpt NEW BOY
If you enjoy this Shakespeare update, try listening to the other stories in the Hogarth Shakespeare series:
This retelling of The Winter’s Tale moves from London, a city reeling after the 2008 financial crisis, to a storm-ravaged American city called New Bohemia. It is a story of childhood friendship, money, status, technology, and the elliptical nature of time.
Listen to an excerpt THE GAP OF TIME
Man Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson brings his singular brilliance to this modern re-imagining of The Merchant of Venice. Shylock is juxtaposed with his present-day counterpart in the character of art dealer and conflicted father Simon Strulovitch.
Listen to an excerpt SHYLOCK IS MY NAME
Pulitzer Prize winner and American master Anne Tyler brings us an inspired, witty, irresistible, and contemporary take on The Taming of the Shrew.
Listen to an excerpt VINEGAR GIRL
