If you love imaginative retellings or have a soft spot for Shakespeare, especially The Tempest, this novella is a treasure. Tad Williams flips the script, giving Caliban - a classic 'monster' - a soulful, deeply human voice. The prose is lush, the world-building immersive, and the emotional payoff is real. Fans of character-driven fantasy, literary reinterpretations, and fans of Williams' detailed storytelling will find a lot to savor here. It's dramatic, thoughtful, and offers a moving new perspective on a familiar story.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone will be swept away - if you're unfamiliar with The Tempest, this book might feel a bit confusing or lack context, especially in the more fantastical parts. Some readers might find the slower pacing and focus on introspection a little heavy. And if you're expecting action-packed fantasy or a lighthearted tone, be warned - this one's dark, intense, and more about emotional truths than plot twists. Also, the cover art is misleading and may put some readers off!

A gorgeously written, emotionally rich twist on a Shakespearean classic - perfect for fans of literary fantasy and those who love stories told from the underdog's perspective.

About:

Caliban's Hour by Tad Williams is a short novel that retells Shakespeare's character Caliban's story from Caliban's perspective. The book is described as a dark and touching tale with a new twist on a classic character. It delves into Caliban's journey from his island to Naples, where he confronts Miranda and recounts his life story to her, seeking revenge for the wrongs he believes he suffered. The narrative shifts the portrayal of Caliban from a comedic side character to a thinking, feeling human being who was deeply wronged by Prospero and Miranda in Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with a focus on Caliban's transformation from a comic relief character to a tragic, multidimensional figure.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by immersive and intricate prose that vividly portrays the characters and their emotions.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative unfolds as Caliban recounts his life and grievances to Miranda, culminating in revenge for perceived injustices.

Setting:

The setting alternates between a darkly atmospheric castle and a wild island, highlighting the stark differences in Caliban's experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing varies from slow and deliberate in character exploration to a swift, intense climax that may challenge credibility.

SOMETHING SLID DOWN THE SIDE OF the wide-bellied ship and into the water, quiet as the stolen kiss. As the shadow bobbed to the surface it disturbed a flock of gulls, who rose shrieking to circle high...

Notes:

Caliban's Hour is a novella by Tad Williams that retells the story of Shakespeare's The Tempest from Caliban's perspective.

The book is only about 200 pages long and takes place over a single night.

Caliban confronts Miranda, Prospero's daughter, and intends to kill her after revealing his life story.

Caliban's backstory includes growing up with a mute mother on an abandoned island, having never seen another human until Prospero and Miranda arrived.

The novel portrays Caliban as a more sympathetic character compared to his portrayal in The Tempest.

Some readers may find the book confusing if they are unfamiliar with The Tempest.

A significant portion of the book's action occurs towards the end and can feel implausible to some readers.

The book's ending, which occurs years after the events of The Tempest, was well-received by at least one reviewer.

The cover art of the book may mislead potential readers, as it resembles a trashy romance novel.

Tad Williams is known for his longer works, making this shorter novella an interesting departure for him.

The book also explores themes of love, hate, and revenge.

Ron Perlman narrated the audiobook and his voice performance was praised by listeners.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Potential triggers include themes of violence, vengeance, and existential despair.

From The Publisher:

Discovering the beautiful Miranda, the daughter of Prospero, Caliban the Beast has a single evening in which to tell her the most compelling stories she has ever heard.

1993

•

199 pages

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (2):

Read It (2)

What can you read after
Caliban's Hour?

About the Author:

Tad Williams is a California-based fantasy superstar. His genre-creating (and genre-busting) books have sold tens of millions worldwide. His works include the worlds of Otherland, Shadowmarch, and Osten ArdÑincluding the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, and The Last King of Osten Ard seriesÑas well as standalone novels TailchaserÕs Song and The War of the Flowers, plus the Bobby Dollar urban fantasies.

His considerable output of epic fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy, comics, and more have strongly influenced a generation of writers. Tad and his family live in the Santa Cruz mountains in a suitably strange and beautiful house.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Caliban's Hour

Tad Williams

Who Would Like This Book: