This book was a texted version of William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. The main setting is a castle in Denmark, where Hamlet is prince. Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, Gertrude, and Laertes are the main characters, along with many less important people. Hamlet’s father has just died, and Hamlet is determined to avenge his death, no matter what. The former king will be avenged, even if it means taking risks and more deaths along the way. Everyone is working against Hamlet, but he somehow perseveres.
I really enjoyed the writing style: turning a Shakespearean play into a social media conversation. It made the whole plot much easier to understand. I wish that at some point there had been a situation where a text had been sent to the wrong person, but that’s just me. I think this book was extremely funny, especially in the use of emojis. I think the characters Hamlet and Ophelia were likable, but Gertrude, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern annoyed me. I think the ship journey with Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern should have been talked about a little more.
I think one memorable thing about this book was all the loyalty. Hamlet immediately wanted to avenge his father’s death, and would do literally anything to avenge him. Laertes, too, was furious with his father’s death and did everything he could to avenge him. However, Gertrude was NOT very loyal to the former king.
Reviewed by Elana, Grade 6, Tuckahoe Area Library
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 