Speak Easy, Speak Love by McKelle George
Whether it was the gun or the maniacal glint in her eye, they listened…
As a historical fiction story Speak Easy, Speak Love is a charming. As a retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing I a little disappointed it was so literal.
Hero went into it like a lioness.
I think by trying to squeeze the characters into the structure of the original story some parts of the book, such as the cupid plot, felt forced. I wish I could see how the book would have grown if allowed more freedom.
“I admit nothing except you are a madwoman with a severe lack of respect for proper clothing choices.“
I love the quirky, devious characters and the air of mischief. Beatrice, in particular, is just as feisty as Felicity from The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue and they would probably be close friends. But is she just a little too like Felicity…?
Benedick had always liked Hey Nonny Nonny when it was empty – the promise of it.
The cover is stunning and is such a draw card! It’s pretty enough to frame.
“You are determined to drag this insufferable death rattle out as long as it will go, aren’t you?”
Title: Speak Easy, Speak Love
Author: McKelle George
Publication Date: 19 September 2017
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Source: Review copy
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Six teenagers’ lives intertwine during one thrilling summer full of romantic misunderstandings and dangerous deals in this sparkling retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
After she gets kicked out of boarding school, seventeen-year-old Beatrice goes to her uncle’s estate on Long Island. But Hey Nonny Nonny is more than just a rundown old mansion. Beatrice’s cousin, Hero, runs a struggling speakeasy out of the basement—one that might not survive the summer. Along with Prince, a poor young man determined to prove his worth; his brother John, a dark and dangerous agent of the local mob; Benedick, a handsome trust-fund kid trying to become a writer; and Maggie, a beautiful and talented singer; Beatrice and Hero throw all their efforts into planning a massive party to save the speakeasy. Despite all their worries, the summer is beautiful, love is in the air, and Beatrice and Benedick are caught up in a romantic battle of wits that their friends might be quietly orchestrating in the background. — Abstract from Goodreads.com
The fact that I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book does not influence my policy to write an honest review.
Disclaimer: The quotes appear in my review copy and may not appear in the final version.
Jordan @ The Heart of a Book Blogger
I adore this cover! I hadn’t realized this was a retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, which is one Shakespeare play I have yet to read or see. Nevertheless, I am still excited to read this book!
Sue @ Crushingcinders
It really is beautiful. I have the ebook and really want a copy of the hardcover for my shelf.
Sophie
Lovely review😉
Sue @ Crushingcinders
Thank you 😀