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stories's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Excellent. Everybody is flawed, and everyone has things they’re dealing with in their life, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help others.
I don’t know Hamlet well, but I know enough to be confident that deeper knowledge would merely make this more compelling.
Flavours of Inkheart, as Selby reads herself into the world of Hamlet, crossed with my favourite trope: the power of storytelling. A really clever take on the way stories are eternally retold for the societies of the present (I’d love to be able to quote the explanation directly, but that’s a hazard of audiobooks I guess).
Fast paced, authentic, and not without humour when Hamlet is faced with modern day English class, even as it is full of heart, as Selby seeks to save everyone.
This would make an amazing read alongside or in comparison to Hamlet, or even just as a kid-language friendly exposure to the storyline (and themes).
I don’t know Hamlet well, but I know enough to be confident that deeper knowledge would merely make this more compelling.
Flavours of Inkheart, as Selby reads herself into the world of Hamlet, crossed with my favourite trope: the power of storytelling. A really clever take on the way stories are eternally retold for the societies of the present (I’d love to be able to quote the explanation directly, but that’s a hazard of audiobooks I guess).
Fast paced, authentic, and not without humour when Hamlet is faced with modern day English class, even as it is full of heart, as Selby seeks to save everyone.
This would make an amazing read alongside or in comparison to Hamlet, or even just as a kid-language friendly exposure to the storyline (and themes).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
orenji_juice's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
I think this book was intended for a YA audience, covering topics such as suicide, murder, mental health and briefly touching on racism, however, it was written like a primary school novel. I also felt that some parts of it were a bit contradictory, such as Selby being described as “polite” but being everything apart from polite throughout the book. I did enjoy the Shakespeare elements and lore/history integrated.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
Minor: Mental illness and Racism
library_kb's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I listened to an ALC of this book via @Libro.fm. The narrator did a phenomenal job with this book--so much expression and each character was clear from each other. I think this is a book that works best if you have passing familiarity with Hamlet's plot, since part of the book has to do with rewriting the story--which I think would be less impactful without the full picture (even though the author does include references to what usually happens. I like the analysis of the character of Hamlet that takes place throughout the story and I think this book is a good intro or paired text for those trying to sort through what Shakespeare meant through his story. I didn't think that character development of Selby was fine and Dan was a little weak, but the Shakespearean characters were more fleshed out than I picked up on when reading the play. Honestly, I think this book would make a great play script, and I'd love to see it adapted to stage--just imagine the possibilities for play within a play within a play inception!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt