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book_amour08's review
The writing was okay, I didn’t connect with Ophelia. I knew from about 30 pages in there was a chance I would have to stop this book. Inappropriate and very odd is about 50% of the book. I would’ve liked it much more if it actually focused on the plot instead of guys chasing Ophelia around and trying to look up her skirt. I skimmed from there to see if there was anything else, and it was graphic at the end and I knew it wouldn’t be worth it.
2/10 wouldn’t waste your time.
2/10 wouldn’t waste your time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
diannastarr's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I discovered this book when I was about 12 years old when the librarian recommended it for me and I think I've read it three times over.
Hamlet was one of the first Shakespeare plays that I really fell in love with and, as a young girl, I resonated with the character of Ophelia and this story absolutely pulled me in and didn't let me go. As a young girl trying to figure out her own agency, it was enthralling to me how the two narratives between Klein's and Shakespeare's were so different, and how while Shakespeare used Ophelia as a tragic love interest, Klein focused on the role of women and female power in a system where women were acknowledged as a byproduct of male ambition.
In retrospect now that I've revisited this work almost a decade later, the character arcs are wishy washy, the writing is lackluster, the grammatical errors were overlooked, and the relationships seemed one dimensional - but this almost fanfiction-eque retelling of Hamlet resonated with me in ways other books hadn't. I wouldn't recommend this to Shakespeare fans or adults looking for a captivating story as, this reread felt more nostalgic than enjoyable, but this is a good story for younger readers (probably 12/13+?) just getting into Shakespeare.
Hamlet was one of the first Shakespeare plays that I really fell in love with and, as a young girl, I resonated with the character of Ophelia and this story absolutely pulled me in and didn't let me go. As a young girl trying to figure out her own agency, it was enthralling to me how the two narratives between Klein's and Shakespeare's were so different, and how while Shakespeare used Ophelia as a tragic love interest, Klein focused on the role of women and female power in a system where women were acknowledged as a byproduct of male ambition.
In retrospect now that I've revisited this work almost a decade later, the character arcs are wishy washy, the writing is lackluster, the grammatical errors were overlooked, and the relationships seemed one dimensional - but this almost fanfiction-eque retelling of Hamlet resonated with me in ways other books hadn't. I wouldn't recommend this to Shakespeare fans or adults looking for a captivating story as, this reread felt more nostalgic than enjoyable, but this is a good story for younger readers (probably 12/13+?) just getting into Shakespeare.
elysareadsitall's review against another edition
5.0
I really love retellings of my favorite characters (if they are done well). This one is fantastic. I've always found sympathy with Ophelia, and many of my views of Hamlet go against the grain. This novel gives new life to the story, and I appreciate the extra dimensions it adds to an already thick plot. It was very well written and fun to read. It's screaming for a sequel, but I don't think the author would go for that. I highly recommend it, but you really need to read Hamlet first. I can't wait to dig into more of this author's stories.
krose06's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ballerinabaylee's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rayne709's review against another edition
4.0
I love in between the lines stories, or different POV stories. I loved R&G Are Dead and Ophelia is no exception. A great addition to the tale of Hamlet.