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A review by elizabeth_juliet
Ophelia by Lisa M. Klein
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ophelia was such a relatable heroine! I absolutely loved this book, and am so glad Ophelia got her happy ending, even if it wasn’t how she had planned
Ophelia was just a naive 16 year old maiden that fell in love with the prince of Denmark. In an instant, she is swept up into a world of riches, and wonderful books, and quickly becomes the queen’s favorite. However, behind the castle’s beautiful facade, sinister plotting fills the corridors. Because of the royal family’s disapproval of her relationship with Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet pretend to go insane. As the lines between fiction and reality blur in Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet, and royal court tensions rise, Ophelia must make the decision between staying by the side of the man she thinks she loves, and saving her own life.
A phenomenally written book that I devoured in one sitting when stuck in the middle seat in a plane. Could not recommend more for all fans of Lisa Klein’s writing (her other books are just as great!) and historical Shakespeare retellings.
Ophelia was just a naive 16 year old maiden that fell in love with the prince of Denmark. In an instant, she is swept up into a world of riches, and wonderful books, and quickly becomes the queen’s favorite. However, behind the castle’s beautiful facade, sinister plotting fills the corridors. Because of the royal family’s disapproval of her relationship with Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet pretend to go insane. As the lines between fiction and reality blur in Ophelia’s relationship with Hamlet, and royal court tensions rise, Ophelia must make the decision between staying by the side of the man she thinks she loves, and saving her own life.
A phenomenally written book that I devoured in one sitting when stuck in the middle seat in a plane. Could not recommend more for all fans of Lisa Klein’s writing (her other books are just as great!) and historical Shakespeare retellings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
There a few brief mentions of sexual harassment, and an unplanned pregnancy is a major plot point in the later part of the book. Because this is a Hamlet retelling, there are details of Opheila’s (fake) suicide