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 Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:59 pm
I just started Ophelia by Lisa Klein on Monday, and am almost half way through. It's not bad, actually. The writing is good, though sometimes the metaphors feel a little forced. Otherwise, this story of "Hamlet" told through Ophelia's eyes (first person perspective) is quite enjoyable.
This story begins by describing her past before she became a part of King Hamlet's court before his death, her relationship with Hamlet which never truly gets touched upon in the play, and includes other characters that could ("could" being the keyword here) have existed in the play. The story obviously follows the whole story of the play itself, so I'm assuming, since I have yet to finish this book, that it will end like the play itself ended, perhaps with something extra from Ophelia.
But what is most interesting is, since Ophelia doesn't really get much on-stage time, that it goes into detail about what happened off-stage with her character. While there is no textual evidence to prove this interpretation (or should I say invention?) of Ophelia, neither is there textual evidence to refute it.
That being said, it flows seamlessly between the off-stage and on-stage moments, and is letting me enjoy the story "Hamlet" itself. I didn't really like the play (mostly because I was rushing to finish it off before my Shakespeare final) but with this book, I'm thinking about giving "Hamlet" another chance.
Anyway, if you enjoyed the play "Hamlet", perhaps some of you guys may enjoy Ophelia.
Happy reading!
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:10 pm
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead is another good retelling, ingeniously hysterical ^_^
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:57 pm
@MissRoxy>Is that classic? I don't really read classics but the story sounds interesting. I never read Hamlet too, but I think I studied the poem in it... or is it Macbeth I studied??
@Robahn Hobyah>What is it about?
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Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:43 pm
- ArehCraR - @MissRoxy>Is that classic? I don't really read classics but the story sounds interesting. I never read Hamlet too, but I think I studied the poem in it... or is it Macbeth I studied?? ? Actually, it's not a classic. It's a modern retelling. I believe it was published early last year, and they just recently released a paperback, which I bought a few days ago. I really enjoyed this novel, actually. You don't have to read Hamlet to understand the story in Ophelia, but it's better to have read the play, as it will basically spoil all of Hamlet (though as a revenge tragedy you already know what the ending is) and it will help you see how flawlessly Klein interweaves Ophelia's story. And, she does not tweak the characters' actions that happened in the play itself, but merely fills in what happens between those scenes and acts in Hamlet. For her debut novel, Klein did exceptionally well, and I enjoyed this novel immensely. I HIGHLY recommend it.
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:31 pm
- ArehCraR - @MissRoxy>Is that classic? I don't really read classics but the story sounds interesting. I never read Hamlet too, but I think I studied the poem in it... or is it Macbeth I studied?? @Robahn Hobyah>What is it about?
However, it is also a retelling as it would be if Rosencrantz & Guildenstern were card carrying members of the Monty Python or Pink Panther casts
Silly Silly Silly
For example, throughout the story, neither Rosencrantz nor Guildenstern can figure out who is Rosencrantz & who is Guildenstern
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:06 pm
@MissRoxy: No stock at MPH, but there is some at Kinokuniya. Maybe I'll go and see it later.. when I have money. Or I'll just rent it later.
@Robahn Hobyah: Very confusing.... but I get it. rofl
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:59 pm
Robahn Hobyah For example, throughout the story, neither Rosencrantz nor Guildenstern can figure out who is Rosencrantz & who is Guildenstern That made me giggle. I think I will read it when I have time. biggrin
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Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 4:08 am
A few days ago, I finished reading If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern.
A very touching story with a very sad ending. But, it's suitable with the story. I mean, imaginary friends really can't come true right? So, it will be weird if Ivan came true and become a real person.
Rating: 5/5
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Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:33 am
I finished reading Growing Up Again by Catherine McCloud, I think. I forgot the name of the author but I do remember the last name.
Truthfully, I found that book hard to understand. It's rather confusing when we have to differentiate between what happened before and what Janie wanted to change. I also don't understand the role of Pilchard in this story and what Janie asked about "multiple version" of hers. And the last part is confusing too, I mean, Pilchard said that he will send the people exactly where they start doing their mistake, so, what does the mistake Janie does when she was just a baby? Why did she was send there? I thought she was supposed to go home to Danny.
Rating: 2/5
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Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 3:03 am
Just read The Chalet Girl by Kate Luce.
Not much to comment. It's a simple book, really. For light-reading. The funny parts are not consistent. Sometimes serious, sometimes funny.
Rating: 2/5
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:42 am
Book: Beyond Good & Evil
Author: Friedrich Nietzsche
Genre: Philosophy
It being a Nietzsche writing, its filled with the usual mind bending thoughts & ideas typical of his writings. I enjoy it but if Philosophy doesn't interest you, I doubt the book would keep your interest
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Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:18 am
Is it fiction or non-fiction?
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Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:40 pm
I just read Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs.
Really cool and awesome book, if you're into forensic stuffs and investigation. I like the way the author write the book, really full of forensic facts and with some funny parts.
Rating:5/5
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Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:21 pm
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Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 12:43 am
Oh well, I must say it's full of facts by reading the article in wikipedia....
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Reply
