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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
medium-paced
I have not read Hamlet (though it is on my TBR) but I have finally seen a stage production of the play and have the gist of the story.
I honestly did not pay much attention to Laertes outside of the role he played in the production I saw but Stevens did in order to write this book.
She had it set in the 1920s so we get a more modern setting for it and really went in depth to think about what Laertes would be up to when he was off page in the story of Hamlet. I liked how the sibling relationship was portrayed and it made me wish the ending would be different for Ophelia though I am glad I knew the story because if I didn't and I read this, I would have been heart broken at the outcome. I really wanted Ophelia to be able to be a botantist..., well grow into one more.
If you are a Shakespeare enthusiast, I would give this a try and see what you think.... unless you are one of the hard core ones that are not open to seeing outside of only what Shakespeare has written, then you might not enojoy it.
I honestly did not pay much attention to Laertes outside of the role he played in the production I saw but Stevens did in order to write this book.
She had it set in the 1920s so we get a more modern setting for it and really went in depth to think about what Laertes would be up to when he was off page in the story of Hamlet. I liked how the sibling relationship was portrayed and it made me wish the ending would be different for Ophelia though I am glad I knew the story because if I didn't and I read this, I would have been heart broken at the outcome. I really wanted Ophelia to be able to be a botantist..., well grow into one more.
If you are a Shakespeare enthusiast, I would give this a try and see what you think.... unless you are one of the hard core ones that are not open to seeing outside of only what Shakespeare has written, then you might not enojoy it.
A semi-modern retelling of Hamlet that was poignant, soulful and felt like a dark academia dream. It was a tad overwritten, especially in the beginning, but Stevens fell into a lyrical and sophisticated style of writing that was an excellent match for such a classic tragic tale.
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
i’m sorry…but no
this felt very surface level and for being a retelling of hamlet it was sad
this felt very surface level and for being a retelling of hamlet it was sad
emotional
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:
Yes
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
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.
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.