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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had a hard time with Henry Henry.
This is presented as a queer reimagining of Shakespeare's Henriad, but to me, the purpose of the Henriad is to witness the character's growth. Here, while there were hints of evolution, I feel like the main character didn’t advance much during the story and it was hard to relate to anyone since everyone was unlikeable.
The writing was dense but cohesive and easily the best part of the novel. It keeps me reading to the end even when the storyline seems to stagnate and meander endlessly during the book's middle section.
This is presented as a queer reimagining of Shakespeare's Henriad, but to me, the purpose of the Henriad is to witness the character's growth. Here, while there were hints of evolution, I feel like the main character didn’t advance much during the story and it was hard to relate to anyone since everyone was unlikeable.
The writing was dense but cohesive and easily the best part of the novel. It keeps me reading to the end even when the storyline seems to stagnate and meander endlessly during the book's middle section.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Sexual assault
Moderate: Homophobia
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Henry Henry is an oft-times dark debut about a queer noble in the 21st century. Hal lost his mother as a child, and his Lord father Henry becomes overbearing towards his eldest son, but is now getting remarried 15 years after being widowed. To cope with many aspects of his life, Hal turns to vices such as sex, drugs, and overspending his father's wealth.
Hal finds himself spending more time with his from-birth rival Harry as their relationship changes from enemies to lovers, much to the displeasure of their noble fathers. Throughout the novel, Hal finds himself wanting to open up about the dark secrets regarding his father.
The writing feels very consistent to how I imagine Hal would speak, and there's sprinklings of humor without risking it becoming a humorous book. I highly enjoyed this book, there was themes within in that made me want to keep reading and find out what is going to happen next.
Hal finds himself spending more time with his from-birth rival Harry as their relationship changes from enemies to lovers, much to the displeasure of their noble fathers. Throughout the novel, Hal finds himself wanting to open up about the dark secrets regarding his father.
The writing feels very consistent to how I imagine Hal would speak, and there's sprinklings of humor without risking it becoming a humorous book. I highly enjoyed this book, there was themes within in that made me want to keep reading and find out what is going to happen next.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book reads like a punch to the jaw.
Henry Henry is a bold, fresh take on Shakespeare's classic daddy issues plays. Allen Bratton’s Hal is messy, raw, and queer as hell. Not for the faint of heart this reimagining of the Henriad explores the complex issues of family, legacy, and grief.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Incest, Sexual assault, Alcohol