Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Mary

When most people think of Ophelia they think of Hamlet's romantic interest in Shakespeare's tragedy. But Ophelia is not the main character in the play and little is known about her. Lisa Klein, in this superb retelling, takes what we know about Ophelia and makes it better.


Ophelia as a young girl grows up playing mainly with her brother. Throughout her childhood, her father neglects her as he tries to climb up in society.

However, soon, her father decides that she should be a lady in waiting to the Queen. This transition brings upon a whole new person. Ophelia begins to grow into a passionate, headstrong young woman. And Hamlet notices. The two fall in love. Meanwhile, Hamlet's father dies and Hamlet's uncle takes the throne. Hamlet decides to marry Ophelia in secret. Unfortunately, on the day of their wedding, they are interrupted by Horatio, Hamlet's dear friend. Horatio takes Hamlet out and there Hamlet meets his father's ghost who claims that he was murdered. And he wants Hamlet to take revenge.


From there, Ophelia's life begins to change, as the madness seems to take Hamlet over. And then the chaos begins-deaths, good acting on Ophelia's part and a whole lot of secrets.....


This book was an extremely good retelling, filled with vivid characters and beautiful prose.