Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)
Hamlet & Ophelia

Hamlet & Ophelia: John Marsden

by Shibani Balasubramanian – McNally High School, Edmonton AB Jun 26, 2009

Hamlet & Ophelia is John Marsden’s teen version of the Shakespearean tale filled with mystery, intrigue and sadness. Hamlet has many different sides to his character. His one side reveals his deep love for Ophelia who reciprocates his love, but neither of them dares to reveal their true feelings for fear of rejection. Meanwhile, life gets really complicated for Hamlet when he encounters his father’s spirit in the graveyard who tells him that he was killed by the present King of Denmark — who is not only Hamlet’s uncle but also his new step-father. The spirit also demands that Hamlet give him justice. Can Hamlet succeed in bringing justice to his father knowing that it would hurt his mother? Will he and Ophelia ever be together?

This novel is much easier to understand than the actual Shakespearean play. However, you might want to skim through the first half of the novel as there is a lot of background information that can get a little tedious to read.

Read more bookreviews at youthink.ca/bookreviews

Comments (0)
print email forward forward
Login or register to post comments. All comments have to go through a queue
for approval to keep the nasty stuff out, but we'll post yours as soon as we can.
Current Issue
table of contents
May-June Issue: Youthink Magazine
In this Issue
Past Issues
Raised hands in class | Youthink
How to Overcome the Fear of Participating in Class

Are you too scared of being wrong to put up your hand and answer?

Happy grads | Youthink
Sound Off: Don’t Let Your Final High-School Days Pass You By

Do you lie awake in your bed wondering what you’re supposed to do with your life after high school?

Justin Bieber Boyfriend | Youthink
9 Songs to Add to Your Summer Playlist
Here’s a playlist to get your summer started, so sit back, relax and have a listen!