A fictionalized version of Shakespeare's drama offers engrossing reading because of its lyrical language and new vision of the classic tragedy. In his reinterpretation of the racial identities of Iago and Emilia, Lester provides a provocative exploration of racism. Lines from the play are incorporated into the novel along with modern English in this eloquent rendering of the story of a black African general's downfall and the playing out of jealousy, deception and revenge. (Ages 12-17)

The classic, brooding story of Othello, a black general in the army who loves the beautiful Desdemona, is given a new twist by a Newbery Award-winning author. In this adaptation, the race issue is eliminated, as Lester portrays Desdemona and Othello's jealous friend, Iago, as black characters.