Reviews

i definitely liked this better than part 1, but i still found it kind of boring, i think due to a lack of investment in the characters. i love what i’ve seen of henry and margaret, but i wish i could see more of them (and, honestly, less of york, with whom i sympathize but also the man is just out here openly kinning syndrome on the tl now huh). i think the henriad treated me too well, man. i think i got cocky. i can do the histories, i thought. i'm a pro at the histories, i thought

tracithomas's review against another edition

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2.0

These history plays are boring because there is so much explaining of family lines and rights to the throne. The interpersonal scenes (Margaret & Suffolk) are by far my favorites.

shaunnow38's review against another edition

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dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

jbmorgan86's review against another edition

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3.0

Occasionally, Part 2 in a trilogy is the best book or film in the series: The Godfather II, the Empire Strikes Back, Aliens, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Dark Knight, etc. Authors and directors are not required to provide an origin story in the sequel. They can simply dive right into the story and expect their audience to follow. They also don't have to worry about wrapping up everything and concluding the series. However, sometimes Part 2 in a trilogy is weaker for these same reasons: there is no real beginning or end, there's just a lot of "middle." That is the case with Henry VI, Part 2.

In Henry VI, Part 1, we are introduced to the young and naive King Henry VI and scheming advisors. Part 2 is really just ramping up for the War of the Roses (which we finally get a glimpse of in the final act). Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of enjoyable things in Part 2 (the murder of Gloucester, the banishment of Suffolk, pirates!, Cade's hilarious populist rebellion, impaled heads made to kiss throughout town?!, etc.) but it just feels very much like the middle of the story. I'm looking forward to diving into Part 3!

steven_nobody's review against another edition

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1.0

Ugh. No comment.

juliafran's review against another edition

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challenging funny slow-paced

2.25

susie_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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