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ruthypoo2's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.25
Loved this retelling of Hamlet with the narrator being 11-year-old Philip Noble who has recently lost his father. Unfortunately for young Philip, his father begins appearing to him and demanding his death be avenged by his son. Already a child often victimized by schoolyard bullies, Philip’s reputation as an oddball becomes even worse with his dead father popping up at any old time and badgering Philip who feels compelled to reply… but since only Philip can see his father, his new problematic behavior in life makes him the center of attention at home and school.
The adolescent voice created by author Matt Haig is so on point. Philip is a very bright and interesting kid who is wonderful at observing others and describing his world. He doesn’t want to believe what his dead father says to him or do what’s being asked of him, but feelings of loyalty to someone you love are hard to refuse. The sometimes zany situations in which Philip finds himself experiencing because of interactions with his dead father are beyond what you’d expect of a child, but not too far out there that they’re unbelievable. Philip’s explanation of what happens is done with the rationale you’d expect of a clever eleven-year-old boy.
This story makes so much sense when looked at through the lens of the main character being a child dealing with deep and profound grief that he may not yet be ready to move on from. The mind works in mysterious ways. There’s also a really good mystery or two running through the storyline, and almost a comedy of confusion that persists because no one is talking to Philip. But it is clear that the boy is loved by family and other adults in his life. I very much appreciated that being loud and clear in the book.
This is a very good story with excellent writing and character development. I highly recommend regardless of the reader’s familiarity with Hamlet.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator, pre-teen Andrew Dennis, was stellar. Mr. Dennis’s nuanced performance brought the source material to life and there could not have been a better choice for this book.
The adolescent voice created by author Matt Haig is so on point. Philip is a very bright and interesting kid who is wonderful at observing others and describing his world. He doesn’t want to believe what his dead father says to him or do what’s being asked of him, but feelings of loyalty to someone you love are hard to refuse. The sometimes zany situations in which Philip finds himself experiencing because of interactions with his dead father are beyond what you’d expect of a child, but not too far out there that they’re unbelievable. Philip’s explanation of what happens is done with the rationale you’d expect of a clever eleven-year-old boy.
This story makes so much sense when looked at through the lens of the main character being a child dealing with deep and profound grief that he may not yet be ready to move on from. The mind works in mysterious ways. There’s also a really good mystery or two running through the storyline, and almost a comedy of confusion that persists because no one is talking to Philip. But it is clear that the boy is loved by family and other adults in his life. I very much appreciated that being loud and clear in the book.
This is a very good story with excellent writing and character development. I highly recommend regardless of the reader’s familiarity with Hamlet.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator, pre-teen Andrew Dennis, was stellar. Mr. Dennis’s nuanced performance brought the source material to life and there could not have been a better choice for this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual content
laurataylor's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Medical content, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
megamog's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death of parent, Grief, Bullying, Car accident, and Death
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Violence, Alcohol, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
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