One day I swear I’ll post stuff on this blog in a timely manner.

Courtesy of Amazon

This book came to me in the form of a Penguins Classic set, two stories, one book – couldn’t be more convenient! I didn’t really know too much about the story of “The Marriage of Figaro” other than that it was an opera, but “The Barber of Seville” is what “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is based on, so that’s what drew me to the first story since “Sweeney Todd…” is one of my favorite movies.

“The Barber of Seville”, hereafter known as The Barber, was really easy to get into. The similarities popped off the page for anyone who’s ever seen “Sweeney Todd…” It was pretty much like following along with the movie. Nasty old man wants to marry his beautiful young ward – she loves someone more age appropriate. Through elaborate schemes and plots the two young people get together and live happily ever after. Imagine that. There’s humor and some weirdness throughout the story, I can see why it makes a good, albeit, elaborate!, opera. See the movie as well if you really want to connect to this. Overall rating – C.

“The Marriage of Figaro”, a different story altogether. While I mean that literally, I also mean, it just simply wasn’t as entertaining as The Barber. The basic plot revolves around more schemes from Figaro and his impending marriage. I sped read through this just because I wanted to get it over with and move on to the next book on my book list.
Overall rating – D.

All in all, pick up this combo if you 1) have seen the stage shows of either of these stories or 2) are interested in classic literature. Otherwise, there’s really no value here for you.