Reviews

What would happen if you set the story of Hamlet in the 21st century? That's what happens in this dark, twisty, tragic tale set in Manhattan. The Danes (get it?) are a very wealthy family who run the World Theater, and Ben is the son who is in his early twenties. When Ben's father dies under what Ben believes are mysterious circumstances, he enlists his best friend Horatio to come in from London to help investigate. Ambition, addiction, substance abuse, control, and family drama are all explored in this retelling. It's a terrific piece of work, just like Hamlet himself.

rmwithavu's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

algaemarina's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

4.25

vintagecassette's review against another edition

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2.0

I thought I’d be absolutely down for a queer retelling of Hamlet, but this book was something of a dumpster fire to me. Faye rewrites the ending in a way that is completely different from how Hamlet really concludes, and it just didn’t land the way she intended. Also, this book was marketed as a feminist retelling, but I’m not too sure what about (SPOILER:) Ophelia being an alcoholic who’s been dead for the entire novel struck Faye as a win for feminism.

joshualeggs's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

atlas_something's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

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