Customer Reviews

Sweet Prince: The Passion of Hamlet

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A friend of mine told me about this book after having been assigned it for a college-level English class. I had to see it myself to believe it. The book reads like bad fanfiction. The characters are constantly doing things that are in no way supported by the original text, and the author seems to use every possible opportunity to add yet another gratuitous sex scene. The writing style is extremely awkward, as Brode can't seem to decide whether to stick to modern or period language. Pick up a cheap used copy if you're up for a laugh, but serious Shakespeare fans should stay far away from this one!

Written by a playwright, film historian, and working journalist, Sweet Prince: The Passion Of Hamlet a historical fiction novel offering a unique take on Hamlet, the prince of Denmark who provided Shakespeare with the basis for one of his greatest tragedies. However, unlike Shakespeare's classic, Sweet Prince also accurately portrays North Europe as it was during the early Renaissance, and through this setting offers a distinctive portrait of the climate, circumstances, and challenges affecting Hamlet. Closely intertwined with the dilemmas of history, Sweet Prince is highly recommended for anyone seeking to explore another side of a great classic.

This book is Godawful. The only reason I read it was because it was assigned. The entire plot seems to consist of spontaneous reasons for the characters to have sex with each other. As far as historical accuracy goes, since when was Hamlet a girl? Please don't waste your time. PLEASE don't buy this published fanfic.

Over the years, I have thoroughly enjoyed Brode's books on various actors and movies. This novel is a welcomed departure from that genre that does not disappoint. Brode provides a twist to the story of Hamlet that to this point had previously gone unexplored. A must read...