Scan barcode
elizabeth_juliet's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ophelia was such a relatable heroine! I absolutely loved this book, and am so glad Ophelia got her happy ending, even if it wasn’t how she had planned
Ophelia was just a naive 16 year old maiden that fell in love with the prince of Denmark. In an instant, she is swept up into a world of riches, and wonderful books, and quickly becomes the queen’s favorite. However, behind the castle’s beautiful facade, sinister plotting fills the corridors. Because of the royal family’s disapproval of her relationship with Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet pretend to go insane. As the lines between fiction and reality blur in Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet, and royal court tensions rise, Ophelia must make the decision between staying by the side of the man she thinks she loves, and saving her own life.
A phenomenally written book that I devoured in one sitting when stuck in the middle seat in a plane. Could not recommend more for all fans of Lisa Klein’s writing (her other books are just as great!) and historical Shakespeare retellings.
Ophelia was just a naive 16 year old maiden that fell in love with the prince of Denmark. In an instant, she is swept up into a world of riches, and wonderful books, and quickly becomes the queen’s favorite. However, behind the castle’s beautiful facade, sinister plotting fills the corridors. Because of the royal family’s disapproval of her relationship with Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet pretend to go insane. As the lines between fiction and reality blur in Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet, and royal court tensions rise, Ophelia must make the decision between staying by the side of the man she thinks she loves, and saving her own life.
A phenomenally written book that I devoured in one sitting when stuck in the middle seat in a plane. Could not recommend more for all fans of Lisa Klein’s writing (her other books are just as great!) and historical Shakespeare retellings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Pregnancy, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, and Death
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
There a few brief mentions of sexual harassment,eshults11's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
s_mivsek's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
meriguild's review
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mrspenningalovesbooks's review
4.0
Oh, this is a great reimagining of the tragic story of Hamlet, but for Ophelia. Giving her a voice, light, and maybe a happy ending?
“...love enters through the eyes and strikes the soul.”
“Every hair on our heads is numbered, for we are more precious than any sparrow.”
The perfect read while teaching Hamlet.
“...love enters through the eyes and strikes the soul.”
“Every hair on our heads is numbered, for we are more precious than any sparrow.”
The perfect read while teaching Hamlet.
ahyggelibrary's review
4.0
I watched the movie starring Daisy Ridley, and was happy to discover that it was fairly faithful to the book. It was fascinating to read the tragic romance from Ophelia's point of view.
thisbookishcat's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
2.0
This is a book that I was so excited to read because I love Shakespeare's works and I often really enjoy people's adaptations and interpretations of his stories. However, this one was really tiring and I felt it was a bit pedantic.
While I can appreciate what the author was trying to do with this story by adding depth and drama to it, I just didn't enjoy how she went about it. I can't tell if it was her writing style, hers choices in plot direction, or what, but it made for an unpleasant experience. At the end of the book I just didn't feel any sort of satisfaction, or emotion really, just disappointment.
While I can appreciate what the author was trying to do with this story by adding depth and drama to it, I just didn't enjoy how she went about it. I can't tell if it was her writing style, hers choices in plot direction, or what, but it made for an unpleasant experience. At the end of the book I just didn't feel any sort of satisfaction, or emotion really, just disappointment.
readlikebelle's review
adventurous
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
allie8973's review
So I didn't actually read the book but I watched the 2018 movie. It was great.
5/5 Retelling of Hamlet from Ophelia's perspective. She got her revenge but her sister died she killed herself - her husband and son were dead and she probably thought her sister was mad at her & came to kill her Hamlet wanted revenge & died. Both Kings died - I feel like it is unfair that Horatio didn't get out. Like why was he there? He knew; loyalty was his down full. Ophelia got any & didn't seek any revenge s b/c really she had no one to be mad it. Except hamlet really who was like nah I pick over you. I like that the story was really about Ophelia getting to tell her side, that she isn’t someone to be pitied. She was the only get out. In Hamlet Ophelia is so basic like I remember thinking she was annoying like that the movie showed that was all to fake out everyone. Witches, love, Strong women