mhmrose 's review for:

Henry Henry by Allen Bratton

4.75

challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Shakespeare's The Henriad has always been intriguing to me and so when I heard about Henry Henry, I had to read it and it was quite different from what I expected. Written beautifully, Allen Bratton writes in a way that makes you feel you are in the same room as the characters; hearing what they're hearing, smell the rooms, taste what's being described, etc. Following Hal Lancaster, the troubled, semi-closeted son of the Duke of Lancaster who believes his sexuality is a sin due to his religious upbringing as he navigates a part of his life along with his relationship with Henry Percy. I think what I like about Henry Henry is that the characters are not really likeable, adding to the disdain and Hal's stagnant journey throughout the novel.

Overall, Henry Henry is an interesting retelling of Shakespeare that blends the Bard's characters and contemporary fiction well. I highly recommend Bratton's novel if you're a fan of Ottessa Moshfegh or want to read a book with unlikable characters.

Thank you, NetGalley and Unnamed Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.