Who Would Like This Book:
If you love Shakespeare (especially The Tempest) or enjoy thoughtful, atmospheric retellings with a bittersweet edge, this one's for you! Carey breathes new life into familiar characters, offering rich backstories and diving deep into the emotional lives of Miranda and Caliban. The prose is lush, and there’s a poignant, magical feel throughout. Fans of character-driven fantasy, coming-of-age stories, and tragic romance will find much to savor here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This novel may not be a hit with those looking for fast-paced action or a feel-good story. It’s more of a slow burn, with a heavy, melancholy tone and some tough (even uncomfortable) themes around abuse and power dynamics. If you dislike sad endings or want significant changes from the original tale, this might not be your cup of tea. Some readers also struggled with the youthful or limited perspectives, and wanted more from the romance element.
About:
'Miranda and Caliban' by Jacqueline Carey is a dark and rich retelling of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'. The story delves into the complex relationships between Prospero, Miranda, Caliban, and Ariel, adding depth and backstory to these familiar characters. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Miranda and Caliban, exploring their tragic and forbidden love story set in a magical and mythical world. Carey's writing style is described as lush, lyrical, and evocative, capturing the beauty and sadness of the tale.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes content related to abuse, manipulation, and themes of isolation, which may be distressing to some readers.
From The Publisher:
Miranda and Caliban is bestselling fantasy author Jacqueline Carey's gorgeous retelling of The Tempest. With hypnotic prose and a wild imagination, Carey explores the themes of twisted love and unchecked power that lie at the heart of Shakespeare's masterpiece, while serving up a fresh take on the play's iconic characters.
A lovely girl grows up in isolation where her father, a powerful magus, has spirited them to in order to keep them safe.
We all know the tale of Prospero's quest for revenge, but what of Miranda? Or Caliban, the so-called savage Prospero chained to his will?
In this incredible retelling of the fantastical tale, Jacqueline Carey shows readers the other side of the coin-the dutiful and tenderhearted Miranda, who loves her father but is terribly lonely. And Caliban, the strange and feral boy Prospero has bewitched to serve him. The two find solace and companionship in each other as Prospero weaves his magic and dreams of revenge.
Always under Prospero's jealous eye, Miranda and Caliban battle the dark, unknowable forces that bind them to the island even as the pangs of adolescence create a new awareness of each other and their doomed relationship.
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1 comment(s)
jacqueline carey can do no wrong
her prose is already lyrical, lush, and sensual
(probably more sensual than shakespeare but he had his own sexy ways)
and very well suited to this re-telling of
the tempest
prospero isn't really the hero of the play, but here he's definitely the villain
carey stayed true to the setting in terms of time; miranda is sheltered beyond what she would be on the mainland, and her father is terrified her friendship with caliban will stain her
and the love story is just brutal
so much better than the original version, because insta-love is never as interesting as real, painful, complicated love
the ending is beautiful and sad and not a usual carey ending, but so raw and real i loved it
What can you read after
Miranda and Caliban?
About the Author:
Jacqueline Carey is the author of the bestselling Kushiel trilogy (Kushiel's Dart, Kushiel's Chosen, and Kushiel's Avatar) and her epic fantasy duology, The Sundering (Banewreaker and Godslayer). She has won the Locus Award for Best First Novel and the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Fantasy Novel. Her books have been listed on many booksellers' top ten fantasy books lists. Always an avid reader, Carey began writing fiction as a hobby in high school. After graduating from Lake Forest College, she worked for six months at a bookstore in London, and returned to the United States with a driving passion to write professionally. She resides in western Michigan.
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