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caitlin_marsss's review
4.0
Perfect read for a day curled up in a reading nook on a rainy day.
Carly Stevens took Hamlet, an already amazing story written by an equally amazing Shakespeare, and turned it into her own, and I immensely loved it. Setting the retelling in 1920's Europe with such colorful characters and a dark academia vibe was the greatest decision- a semi-modern take that could attract new readers who usually steer away from Shakespeare.
Laertes was my favorite character since I loved his loyalty to his family as he maneuvers through grief and trauma. This young man went through so much trauma (but it is Hamlet after all), and his dive into revenge was such a thrilling ride. I did get emotional as I drew closer to the ending since I did get a bit attached to Laertes, but his death, along with Hamlet's, was also tragically satisfying.
I sincerely recommend this beautifully tragic story, even to anyone unfamiliar with Shakespeare's Hamlet. I did listen to the audiobook included in Spotify Premium narrated by Jake Ruddle, and his rendition was immaculate and made me feel immersed in the story.
Carly Stevens took Hamlet, an already amazing story written by an equally amazing Shakespeare, and turned it into her own, and I immensely loved it. Setting the retelling in 1920's Europe with such colorful characters and a dark academia vibe was the greatest decision- a semi-modern take that could attract new readers who usually steer away from Shakespeare.
Laertes was my favorite character since I loved his loyalty to his family as he maneuvers through grief and trauma. This young man went through so much trauma (but it is Hamlet after all), and his dive into revenge was such a thrilling ride. I did get emotional as I drew closer to the ending since I did get a bit attached to Laertes, but his death, along with Hamlet's, was also tragically satisfying.
I sincerely recommend this beautifully tragic story, even to anyone unfamiliar with Shakespeare's Hamlet. I did listen to the audiobook included in Spotify Premium narrated by Jake Ruddle, and his rendition was immaculate and made me feel immersed in the story.
readwithanna's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this well enough. Though, it's marked as dark academia and that's not true. The university part of the story barely ever mention school. It's just another setting, not a commentary on academia.
I think the writing is good.
The setting of 1920s feel secondary. It could have been set at any time so I don't quite know why the 20s specifically.
The women in the story feel secondary as well. We only get Laertes perspective so one could argue we only see what he "chooses" to see. But I don't know, I think we could have done more with the retelling.
I think the writing is good.
The setting of 1920s feel secondary. It could have been set at any time so I don't quite know why the 20s specifically.
The women in the story feel secondary as well. We only get Laertes perspective so one could argue we only see what he "chooses" to see. But I don't know, I think we could have done more with the retelling.
restlessreason17's review
dark
medium-paced
3.0
A solid read! I like that this book gave another side to the story. I definitely wish the book was longer, but I am partial to long books.
I do feel a little disappointed that we never got an explanation for why Laertes sees his Mom's ghost, and at one point I thought Ophelia saw Polonius's ghost. It would've been cool to have that explored, especially since Hamlet sees his father's ghost
bardinhell's review
5.0
★★★★★ stars. Need time to compile my thoughts properly but this was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it delivered everything I wanted from it. I think everyone was forced to read Hamlet during their middle, and often times high school as well, careers and, as someone who enjoyed Hamlet (along with Macbeth), this offered a more human element to the play and of course I will forever be a Laertes fangirl after this.
I will say that I the few vices the book itself has is that one it's a bit too short. I hesitated finishing the last two chapters because I didn't want it to end and the other is that i wanted some more Ophelia and Hamlet scenes. Great novel.
I will say that I the few vices the book itself has is that one it's a bit too short. I hesitated finishing the last two chapters because I didn't want it to end and the other is that i wanted some more Ophelia and Hamlet scenes. Great novel.