Started
Reading for the first time in memory of the Czech-English playwright, who died Saturday.
pickWow! What a phenomenal YA fantasy!
First off, the blend of Hamlet, the Tudors, and deadly flowers were an amazing combination. It all worked together perfectly. It had a gothic feel with a touch of horror. I loved it!
Let‘s take a moment to talk about the grave flowers themselves. These killer flowers had a life of their own and were so fascinating.
Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/09/30/review-grave-flowers/
Since it is a bit under the halfway point of the yr, I have made a list of my 15 favorite reads so far. I will be posting these, in no particular order whatsoever.
First up is a retelling of Hamlet with a very unusual POV. The narrator is the unborn child of Trudy & John and is made aware of a plan between Trudy & Claude to get rid of John. The narrator, a bit of a sommelier, & very much aware of the state of the world they are about to (CONT)
pickFunny and great illustrations.
For the rest of my review, visit my Vlog at:
https://youtube.com/shorts/bsl8vVNtZf4?feature=share
Enjoy!
In McEwan's work the narrator Hamlet is the unborn child of Trudy, herself involved in an affair with her brother-in-law Claude. Tired of the Villanelles & Pantoums of her husband, poet John, they begin plotting his demise. The narrator is a wine enthusiast who is also socially aware. Thoughts of revenge are tempting. This is one of the most lyrical novels I have read all year. I loved this version of one of my favorite Shakespeare plays!!
I feel like our entire society would be SO much better if everyone did A LOT more of this. Just putting that out there.
#WilliamShakespeare #Hamlet
so-soI was into this audio at the beginning but I found it to drag on the middle—so much so that I found myself skipping and I NEVER do that. I could have missed something vital, so take this with a grain of salt. I know theater doesn‘t work for me in literature so it‘s my fault. I loved the MC‘s backstory and the set up: Sonia returns to her home to discover so much has changed: grandparents have passed, houses sold. Timely: Palestinian experiences.
pickA retelling of Hamlet told from the POV of an unborn baby. A bit odd but also pretty good!
#bookspinbingo - got a bingo!
#pop25 - book under 250 pages
