Title: Between Tomorrow And Yesterday: Tripping Into Nowhere Behind Nothing
Author: Ev’one-yaY Eulasson
Publisher: Xlibris AU (January 17, 2017)
ISBN: 978-1524558611
Pages: 190
Genre: Playwriting/Humor & Entertainment
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Pacific Book Review
In order to properly start this review, I believe it’s only appropriate to quote the great playwright William Shakespeare and his play Macbeth in which he wrote, “By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.” Author Ev’one-yaY Eulasson, otherwise known as Felton Perry, has taken readers on a journey of morality and humanity’s evolution concerning violence and compassion from the twelfth century through the twenty-first century in his book, Between Tomorrow and Yesterday: Tripping Into Nowhere Behind Nothing.
The book is a musical comedy play script that reimagines part of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Rather than focus on Macbeth outright however, the author brilliantly focuses instead on the two unfortunate souls who were framed for the crimes of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the chamberlains. Introducing a wide array of new and old characters from the classic play, Felton Perry both entertains and explores the human condition in a new and invigorating way. Using the story of Cecil the older chamberlain and his son Junebug, the younger chamberlain, we witness the consequences of Macbeth’s treachery not only to King Duncan, but those who become collateral damage as a result of violent acts.
The author also brilliantly compares the story he has woven with a bonus play at the end of the book, which examines a time closer to our own, when racial tensions in our country divided families and led to more violence. The dialogue of the play is written perfectly, with the first story capturing the language and tone of Shakespeare while also adding a bit of modern flair to the story. The second play captures the heart pounding tension of the racially charged era decades earlier and how both periods of time highlighted the violent ways people took in order to gain their goals, whether they believed it to be power, wealth or freedom. It also examines if that violence was really worth it, and if so was the cost what we as humans were prepared to sacrifice?
This play was definitely written for theater lovers everywhere. The style of the book clearly matches up with theater writing, and is perfect to be performed on stage and beyond. Yet I also believe those living in our current politically charged climates can gain great insight from this story, which explores the power of corruption and the ways in which violence doesn’t solve anything, but rather creates new or worse problems. While I might add that the second play can be a bit confusing if you aren’t paying attention (look for a play within a play), the story it tells is important and a worthy follow-up to the retelling of this classic Shakespeare play.
Overall I loved this book. It shows that we can still learn valuable lessons from the past, while also being thoroughly entertained and showcasing the power of the written word. In a world filled with more violence and chaos than ever, the story of Macbeth and his violent treason resonates more strongly than ever. If you enjoy good plays, Shakespeare or dissecting the human condition overall, then grab your copy of Between Tomorrow and Yesterday by Felton Perry today!
