A review by readingwithkelsey
The Dead Fathers Club by Matt Haig

3.0

I am certainly conflicted about this book because usually, I love when author's pay an homage to Shakespeare's works but in this Hamlet retelling, the plot fell a little flat. I think the aspect of avenging ones father through killing others only really works when one does not understand the overall judicial system of 16th century Denmark (which I do not). In the setting of modern UK, I think this concept falls a little flat. I did really enjoy Philip as a main character; I think his conflicted feelings towards his father's death and his uncle's insertion into the family were entirely valid. Additionally, because it is told in Philip's voice, I loved the way the prose was written. The entire book is written as though Philip is just telling it to use - this means no quotation marks when people are speaking and correct grammar is out the window and I felt like this was a really unique aspect of the novel. I felt inside Philip's head which is exactly what was needed for readers so we may believe Philip and his thoughts concerning his father's death. I believe the rest of the story was just too bizarre for me to fully get into.
I also really hated the ending of the novel. I feel as though Philip was learning his lesson and moving forward from his father's death and then once again, Haig throws in this really weird and random final nail in the coffin which annoyed me in The Last Family in England and annoyed me here.
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