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Laertes: A Hamlet Retelling
Set in 1920s Europe, this poignant dark academia novel sheds new light on Shakespeare’s masterpiece, finally allowing Laertes to tell his side of the story.
Laertes Belleforest lives two a wild, passionate one with his best friends studying Classics in Paris, and a stifling existence in the Danish court where the mercurial prince Hamlet constantly overshadows him.
Now in his last year at university, Laertes must decide the kind of man he will become. But who is he, apart from the huge personalities that surround him and the secret guilt that haunts him?
When tragedy rocks Denmark, Laertes’ questions are forced into focus. Like a Greek play, his story hurtles through love and wine, ghosts and revenge, toward inevitable catastrophe.
Perfect for fans of If We Were Villains
Laertes Belleforest lives two a wild, passionate one with his best friends studying Classics in Paris, and a stifling existence in the Danish court where the mercurial prince Hamlet constantly overshadows him.
Now in his last year at university, Laertes must decide the kind of man he will become. But who is he, apart from the huge personalities that surround him and the secret guilt that haunts him?
When tragedy rocks Denmark, Laertes’ questions are forced into focus. Like a Greek play, his story hurtles through love and wine, ghosts and revenge, toward inevitable catastrophe.
Perfect for fans of If We Were Villains
228 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2022
17 people are currently reading
1783 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 15, 2023
Eep, I finally get to talk about this book! Author Carly Stevens has crafted an utterly beautiful dark academia retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet. As someone who has yet to read the play, I could still understand the characters and story well. I'm sure I missed a lot of references that Hamlet fans would love, but ah well! Because of this book, the original play has become one of my top to-reads.
I adore dark academia, and I was enchanted by the university setting of the story. I also thought that Laertes's love for his sister was especially beautiful, and Stevens has conveyed the tragedy of each character oh so well. Laertes is a character that deserves his story told, and this book does just that.
Content warnings: Because of the adult nature of Laertes, I wouldn't recommend the book to any readers who are uncomfortable with mentions of su*c*de and su*c*de attempts and/or intimate scenes. One character attempts to k*ll himself while another is said to have committed the act (canonical in Hamlet). Many characters die. Two characters take things too far and kiss and have s*x, and this ruins another relationship.
Please note that I received a copy of this book as a beta read. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
August 7, 2022
I savored this book like a square of fine dark chocolate or a really excellent coffee -- enjoying it a nibble or a sip at a time, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the rich flavor and nuances.
One of the things I liked best about this retelling is that it gave Laertes friends, Henri and Julien, to support and comfort him. As always, it's the characters that make me love a story, and Laertes himself is such a real-feeling bundle of contradictions, worries, fears, and desires that I can't help wanting to hug him and make everything okay. And Hamlet here is a complicated, aloof, needy, bold, self-assured, uncertain chap, not quite as likable as I would have written him, but certainly a valid representation of Shakespeare's character. Ophelia is a wonderful mix of intelligence, fragility, and hope, and I might have loved her more here than I generally do in the play, to be honest.
The original characters of Henri, Julien, and Josephine were all nicely fleshed out, though Josephine less so than the boys. I might feel that way because I don't like Josephine very well, though, mostly because she makes some very destructive decisions.
I have long felt that Laertes is a key character in the original play, especially the way he serves as a foil for Hamlet. They're like a photo and its negative, one cerebral and fond of reasoning and thinking, and the other a hot-blooded man of action. And yet, most productions of Hamlet that I've seen have treated Laertes as almost an afterthought, seeming to handing the role to some random dude who looks okay with a sword and can remember his lines. All of which means that I got really, really excited when I learned that someone was writing a Hamlet retelling that focused on Laertes. And this book did not disappoint me!
One of the things I liked best about this retelling is that it gave Laertes friends, Henri and Julien, to support and comfort him. As always, it's the characters that make me love a story, and Laertes himself is such a real-feeling bundle of contradictions, worries, fears, and desires that I can't help wanting to hug him and make everything okay. And Hamlet here is a complicated, aloof, needy, bold, self-assured, uncertain chap, not quite as likable as I would have written him, but certainly a valid representation of Shakespeare's character. Ophelia is a wonderful mix of intelligence, fragility, and hope, and I might have loved her more here than I generally do in the play, to be honest.
The original characters of Henri, Julien, and Josephine were all nicely fleshed out, though Josephine less so than the boys. I might feel that way because I don't like Josephine very well, though, mostly because she makes some very destructive decisions.
I have long felt that Laertes is a key character in the original play, especially the way he serves as a foil for Hamlet. They're like a photo and its negative, one cerebral and fond of reasoning and thinking, and the other a hot-blooded man of action. And yet, most productions of Hamlet that I've seen have treated Laertes as almost an afterthought, seeming to handing the role to some random dude who looks okay with a sword and can remember his lines. All of which means that I got really, really excited when I learned that someone was writing a Hamlet retelling that focused on Laertes. And this book did not disappoint me!
June 8, 2022
Rounded to 4 ⭐️
This could be read without knowing anything about Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but I’m glad I was familiar with it. I will make comparisons.
I loved the setting and how, in contrast to the medieval, it really gave the retelling of the story a unique tone: the 20’s fit so well! I loved the dark academia, turn of the century vibes!
It was interesting to me the light in which Hamlet was cast. He usually is seen as more a victim in the original but I did read once that we are each the villain from someone else’s story and even from the original it does seem Laertes thought so. I think Hamlet could’ve been developed better (and I was expecting more between him and Ophelia) towards the end but with Laertes as lead it does make more sense that we wouldn’t really get that insight.
I enjoyed Laertes’ pov. In the original it doesn’t seem as if he and Hamlet are friends at all, but this explores what their attitudes might have been having grown up together and then which directions they went.
I liked Laertes’ time in Paris and his friends(except for Julien’s use of strong language)! I kind of envied the life at The Battlements: studying, French cafés all around, having their own little rituals. The addition of Josephine was… frustrating, even as I liked how her character made Laertes have more consideration for his sister. You could see how it was going to go, though I wasn’t expecting what exactly happened. I appreciated Henri and Julien very much in the end though. That was very pivotal for Laertes and I wish there’d been more to the dynamic of their friendship later. I think it was a good indication of Laertes’ character and why it ended how it did: strong feelings and after stewing about things explosive impulsiveness.
I liked how Ophelia was portrayed much much better than the original, but again, I really wish her role would’ve been more developed.
I guess you can tell I mostly wish it had been longer.
A couple more things though:
Hamlet’s arrival back from Italy seemed random and the last chapters rushed...
I wish there had been more to what happened to Laertes’ mother.
As I mentioned, Julien’s language. It was given as an amusing thing he did intentionally as a societal faux pas, to rub people wrong, and I guess it worked on me because I could’ve done without it.
Other content warnings: drinking, visiting a burlesque show(though not graphic and afterwards was a moment with Laertes and a grieving Hamlet I appreciated), clearly indicated but non detailed sexual indiscretions at the beginning and towards the last 1/4, mental health deterioration, depression and mentions of suicide, murder
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for a review as part of the books promotional team. These opinions are my own.
This could be read without knowing anything about Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but I’m glad I was familiar with it. I will make comparisons.
I loved the setting and how, in contrast to the medieval, it really gave the retelling of the story a unique tone: the 20’s fit so well! I loved the dark academia, turn of the century vibes!
It was interesting to me the light in which Hamlet was cast. He usually is seen as more a victim in the original but I did read once that we are each the villain from someone else’s story and even from the original it does seem Laertes thought so. I think Hamlet could’ve been developed better (and I was expecting more between him and Ophelia) towards the end but with Laertes as lead it does make more sense that we wouldn’t really get that insight.
I enjoyed Laertes’ pov. In the original it doesn’t seem as if he and Hamlet are friends at all, but this explores what their attitudes might have been having grown up together and then which directions they went.
I liked Laertes’ time in Paris and his friends(except for Julien’s use of strong language)! I kind of envied the life at The Battlements: studying, French cafés all around, having their own little rituals. The addition of Josephine was… frustrating, even as I liked how her character made Laertes have more consideration for his sister. You could see how it was going to go, though I wasn’t expecting what exactly happened. I appreciated Henri and Julien very much in the end though. That was very pivotal for Laertes and I wish there’d been more to the dynamic of their friendship later. I think it was a good indication of Laertes’ character and why it ended how it did: strong feelings and after stewing about things explosive impulsiveness.
I liked how Ophelia was portrayed much much better than the original, but again, I really wish her role would’ve been more developed.
I guess you can tell I mostly wish it had been longer.
A couple more things though:
Hamlet’s arrival back from Italy seemed random and the last chapters rushed...
I wish there had been more to what happened to Laertes’ mother.
As I mentioned, Julien’s language. It was given as an amusing thing he did intentionally as a societal faux pas, to rub people wrong, and I guess it worked on me because I could’ve done without it.
Other content warnings: drinking, visiting a burlesque show(though not graphic and afterwards was a moment with Laertes and a grieving Hamlet I appreciated), clearly indicated but non detailed sexual indiscretions at the beginning and towards the last 1/4, mental health deterioration, depression and mentions of suicide, murder
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for a review as part of the books promotional team. These opinions are my own.
April 9, 2023
When was the last time I read a retelling this beautiful
April 24, 2023
4.5 stars
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Read
July 31, 2022Even though i Like the Idea and Overall vibe, Here some quick thoughts:
-wished we Had more 1920s Slang and setting, so it would feel more Like that era
- The whole Josephine Thing felt unnecessary
- Not queer enough
- missed opportunity, in my opinion, to experience Hamlets Story through Letters from Ophelia, Polonius, Hamlet maybe, to create a more Gothic vibe.
- Madeleines are Not Cookies, I will die on that Hill
- one. Does. Not. Simply. Walk. Into. Kronborg Castle. Why the Mob Thing????
- Laertes Mothers Ghost Just... Fanished??? Why???
- could have used some good 50 -100 or so Pages to give the Story and the characters more depth, i think.
-wished we Had more 1920s Slang and setting, so it would feel more Like that era
- The whole Josephine Thing felt unnecessary
- Not queer enough
- missed opportunity, in my opinion, to experience Hamlets Story through Letters from Ophelia, Polonius, Hamlet maybe, to create a more Gothic vibe.
- Madeleines are Not Cookies, I will die on that Hill
- one. Does. Not. Simply. Walk. Into. Kronborg Castle. Why the Mob Thing????
- Laertes Mothers Ghost Just... Fanished??? Why???
- could have used some good 50 -100 or so Pages to give the Story and the characters more depth, i think.
May 21, 2022
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Carly Stevens has crafted an exquisite retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet, one set in 1920's Europe and populated with vivid characters. Laertes himself was my favorite of those characters—a young man with a fierce love for his family and friends, struggling with guilt and trauma and death (so. much. death. because this is Hamlet, after all). I teared up several times, so deeply invested was I in Laertes and his story. We follow him from shortly before the death of Hamlet's father the king to...well, you'll have to read the story to see where/how Carly Stevens ends things. Interspersed are some flashbacks to Laertes' younger days—overall, we get a very thorough look at a Shakespeare character often overlooked.
The writing is beautiful, the story tragic, and the dark academia vibes perfect. If you are at all a fan of Hamlet, tragedies, retellings of classic literature, Dead Poets Society, and/or writing that makes you want to read more slowly just to savor it...Laertes is practically a must-read.
A caveat: Although I do highly recommend Laertes, I can't recommend it to anyone under eighteen. There are numerous uses of the f-word (and other swear words), some sexual comments, and one on-page love scene. (All of that was why I gave the book 4.5 stars instead of a full 5.) Definitely R-rated, so do keep that in mind.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Carly Stevens has crafted an exquisite retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet, one set in 1920's Europe and populated with vivid characters. Laertes himself was my favorite of those characters—a young man with a fierce love for his family and friends, struggling with guilt and trauma and death (so. much. death. because this is Hamlet, after all). I teared up several times, so deeply invested was I in Laertes and his story. We follow him from shortly before the death of Hamlet's father the king to...well, you'll have to read the story to see where/how Carly Stevens ends things. Interspersed are some flashbacks to Laertes' younger days—overall, we get a very thorough look at a Shakespeare character often overlooked.
The writing is beautiful, the story tragic, and the dark academia vibes perfect. If you are at all a fan of Hamlet, tragedies, retellings of classic literature, Dead Poets Society, and/or writing that makes you want to read more slowly just to savor it...Laertes is practically a must-read.
A caveat: Although I do highly recommend Laertes, I can't recommend it to anyone under eighteen. There are numerous uses of the f-word (and other swear words), some sexual comments, and one on-page love scene. (All of that was why I gave the book 4.5 stars instead of a full 5.) Definitely R-rated, so do keep that in mind.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2023
Choosing to tell what is a well-known story through the eyes of someone like Laertes was a brilliant idea. The fresh perspective lets you view certain characters in a different light.
I also love it for the angst it creates. You get to see how torn Laertes is by what he sees as a harsh betrayal by someone who was once close to him. The dynamic between Hamlet and Laertes was my favorite. The tension between them, and their shared history makes their unavoidable fates harder to swallow. The 1920s setting was an apt choice too, and the bits in Paris were especially lush. Full of poetry, literature, and strong bonds. The overall academic aesthetic is fun to get lost in.
I also love the sentiments the author expresses through the character, giving what is essentially a tragedy a hopeful ending note. It's a story that will stick with you.
I also love it for the angst it creates. You get to see how torn Laertes is by what he sees as a harsh betrayal by someone who was once close to him. The dynamic between Hamlet and Laertes was my favorite. The tension between them, and their shared history makes their unavoidable fates harder to swallow. The 1920s setting was an apt choice too, and the bits in Paris were especially lush. Full of poetry, literature, and strong bonds. The overall academic aesthetic is fun to get lost in.
I also love the sentiments the author expresses through the character, giving what is essentially a tragedy a hopeful ending note. It's a story that will stick with you.
May 20, 2022
I was extremely excited for this book as Laertes is my favourite Hamlet character and I do believe he is criminally underrated. This story does him justice!
I finished the book in only a few days after getting a copy but I couldn't write a review yet because I needed to put my thoughts together. The story felt so short to me which I can't tell if it is a good thing or not (for that i'd actually give it a 4,5/5 because I wish the story could have lasted forever). Either way, I really enjoyed it. Absolutely adored the fact that despite knowing Hamlet perfectly, I was constantly stressed out about what was coming next.
Lovely characters, the relationships are well written and really touching for me, this book just felt like home honestly. I loved every single friendships of this book, all very unique and hitting close to home. (Loving the glimpses of the frenchie life, as a frenchie myself 😋) The setting in 1920's really adds to the story's charm.
Not putting too much details in this review as I do not want to spoil it for anyone but definitely worth a look if you're dark academia and maybe even a Hamlet enjoyer.
The storytelling does not require you to be a Shakespeare nerd however! Very clear writing keeping key quotes from the og play, the story told through Laertes' eyes is passionating and I think anyone who does not know it through Hamlet's pov could still follow the story perfectly.
Overall awesome book that I could talk about for hours. Super excited to get my copy in July and read it again!
I finished the book in only a few days after getting a copy but I couldn't write a review yet because I needed to put my thoughts together. The story felt so short to me which I can't tell if it is a good thing or not (for that i'd actually give it a 4,5/5 because I wish the story could have lasted forever). Either way, I really enjoyed it. Absolutely adored the fact that despite knowing Hamlet perfectly, I was constantly stressed out about what was coming next.
Lovely characters, the relationships are well written and really touching for me, this book just felt like home honestly. I loved every single friendships of this book, all very unique and hitting close to home. (Loving the glimpses of the frenchie life, as a frenchie myself 😋) The setting in 1920's really adds to the story's charm.
Not putting too much details in this review as I do not want to spoil it for anyone but definitely worth a look if you're dark academia and maybe even a Hamlet enjoyer.
The storytelling does not require you to be a Shakespeare nerd however! Very clear writing keeping key quotes from the og play, the story told through Laertes' eyes is passionating and I think anyone who does not know it through Hamlet's pov could still follow the story perfectly.
Overall awesome book that I could talk about for hours. Super excited to get my copy in July and read it again!
August 16, 2025
it wasn’t bad, and I liked some moments a lot, but I feel like the point of this was lost somewhere in the story - because, having finished the book, I don’t see the point in much of what happened. the ending inevitably leads to Laertes’ death, but because the focus of the first part of the book is on his life in France, it all feels quite random, and, at the same time, everything that goes down in France feels inconsequential. I also really wished his relationship with Hamlet would be interesting and it had the potential, but instead of actually inventing something, the author borrowed some of Hamlet’s relationship with Horatio. I expected to see Laertes as his own character, to see his part in the story, not to have Hamlet speak to him the words he says to Horatio in the play.
it was an interesting endeavor to give Laertes his own voice, but it just didn’t quite work for me.
it was an interesting endeavor to give Laertes his own voice, but it just didn’t quite work for me.
May 20, 2022
Wow. This book was good. Even though I remember how the events of Shakespeare’s Hamlet unfolded, I still found myself awaiting how Carly Stevens' Laertes would end. Her writing really pulls you in and you feel like you are a part of the world if only for a little bit.
While my personal favorite is Hamlet(the character), it was really interesting to get Laertes point of view for the story. Having the story take place in more modern times(the 1920's), instead of the 1600's was really fun to read. I find myself not only wanting to reread Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but also other Hamlet retellings or other perspectives of the story. Do those exist? If so, I feel like I'll have high expectations now thanks to Carly Stevens.
The book had snippets from Hamlet and Laertes childhood friendship. I loved reading about it and it was really cool to see the differences between their past and present selves. I would love a book about Hamlet(the character) with Carly Stevens writing. I am curious as to how she would have the story unfold. Hamlet prequel anyone?
Carly Stevens' Laertes is definitely a book to read and reread. Now I will go find all her other books and read them.
While my personal favorite is Hamlet(the character), it was really interesting to get Laertes point of view for the story. Having the story take place in more modern times(the 1920's), instead of the 1600's was really fun to read. I find myself not only wanting to reread Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but also other Hamlet retellings or other perspectives of the story. Do those exist? If so, I feel like I'll have high expectations now thanks to Carly Stevens.
The book had snippets from Hamlet and Laertes childhood friendship. I loved reading about it and it was really cool to see the differences between their past and present selves. I would love a book about Hamlet(the character) with Carly Stevens writing. I am curious as to how she would have the story unfold. Hamlet prequel anyone?
Carly Stevens' Laertes is definitely a book to read and reread. Now I will go find all her other books and read them.
June 7, 2022
A gripping story. I haven't been invested in a story the way I was with Laertes in a long time. I couldn't put the book down! I am still talking about it to anyone and everyone that will listen. Laertes has rekindled my love for both Shakespeare and the dark academia genre. One of my new favorites!
November 20, 2025
I am absolutely the target audience for this as someone who’s favorite Shakespeare play is Hamlet and who’s favorite character is Laertes (to the point I’ve portrayed Laertes). I had such high expectations for this and it met and exceeded every one of them. Well written and a fantastic read, phenomenal look into the story from the lens of Hamlet’s foil and a character who I feel is not seen as crucial to the overall analysis of Hamlet as he should be. While this may not be for everyone, if you’re looking for anothef way to experience Shakespeare and/or you have ever enjoyed Hamlet, I do recommend this.
February 5, 2023
Full review coming, but OMG.
July 28, 2023
Perhaps I was the hero. I hoped I was the hero.
I really wanted to give this book at least 4 stars, but after reading it, 3 stars will have to suffice.
I adore Hamlet, I've been fanatically obsessed with both the story and the character, and it's how I fell in love with Shakespeare. I was really excited about this book; when I saw this book on BookDepository (RIP), I slammed the BUY button so fast, and I dived into the book with starry eyes and a happy disposition.
I'm not saying the book was a letdown, I simply expected things to be written and done a bit differently. Unfortunately for Laertes, even when it's his perspective and he appears in a retelling of Hamlet, Hamlet is pretty much in the centre of it all, which is what I kind of missed in this retelling. I expected more Denmark court-related things, more letters between Laertes and Hamlet, Laertes and Ophelia and Laertes and his father. Everyone was more or less pushed to the side, and Hamlet's story became the second fiddle to Laertes' sexcapade plot. While I understand why it was put there, just generally made no sense and it kind of felt more like a page filler. Retrospectively, that was such a shame because the ending felt very rushed. I also missed a lot of other characters - Horatio barely made an appearance and was pretty much tossed aside, and Guildenstern and Rosencrantz were completely forgotten.
So far it seems as if I think the book is all bad, but that's not even remotely the case here. The book had very poetic moments, from Latin to subverted Shakespeare's quotes and sayings; it really captured the Shakespearean feel of it. Polonius was masterfully portrayed - eloquent and slimy, all I could see was a nasty weasel. He was somehow even more annoyingly corrupt than in the original.
I by no means regret buying and reading the book; it was still a pleasant experience. I think that my fault was in my expectations. The book is written well, some parts are better than others, but it's eloquent, readable, and all the immersed parts of Hamlet's story make sense. Reimagined bratty and stunningly terrifying and charming Hamlet is not the Hamlet seen in Shakespeare's tragedy, but I can definitely that that'd be Hamlet from Laertes' POV.
I really wanted to give this book at least 4 stars, but after reading it, 3 stars will have to suffice.
I adore Hamlet, I've been fanatically obsessed with both the story and the character, and it's how I fell in love with Shakespeare. I was really excited about this book; when I saw this book on BookDepository (RIP), I slammed the BUY button so fast, and I dived into the book with starry eyes and a happy disposition.
I'm not saying the book was a letdown, I simply expected things to be written and done a bit differently. Unfortunately for Laertes, even when it's his perspective and he appears in a retelling of Hamlet, Hamlet is pretty much in the centre of it all, which is what I kind of missed in this retelling. I expected more Denmark court-related things, more letters between Laertes and Hamlet, Laertes and Ophelia and Laertes and his father. Everyone was more or less pushed to the side, and Hamlet's story became the second fiddle to Laertes' sexcapade plot. While I understand why it was put there, just generally made no sense and it kind of felt more like a page filler. Retrospectively, that was such a shame because the ending felt very rushed. I also missed a lot of other characters - Horatio barely made an appearance and was pretty much tossed aside, and Guildenstern and Rosencrantz were completely forgotten.
So far it seems as if I think the book is all bad, but that's not even remotely the case here. The book had very poetic moments, from Latin to subverted Shakespeare's quotes and sayings; it really captured the Shakespearean feel of it. Polonius was masterfully portrayed - eloquent and slimy, all I could see was a nasty weasel. He was somehow even more annoyingly corrupt than in the original.
I by no means regret buying and reading the book; it was still a pleasant experience. I think that my fault was in my expectations. The book is written well, some parts are better than others, but it's eloquent, readable, and all the immersed parts of Hamlet's story make sense. Reimagined bratty and stunningly terrifying and charming Hamlet is not the Hamlet seen in Shakespeare's tragedy, but I can definitely that that'd be Hamlet from Laertes' POV.
June 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️.5
The premise of this book really whet my appetite and I was ravines for a story I’d been craving.
Unfortunately upon completing this book my hunger was unsatisfied; leaving an unpleasant taste in my mouth.
The premise of this book really whet my appetite and I was ravines for a story I’d been craving.
Unfortunately upon completing this book my hunger was unsatisfied; leaving an unpleasant taste in my mouth.
August 4, 2023
je viens à peine de le terminer et j'ai déjà envie de le relire!!!! ce livre est une réelle pépite🥹 le trio me manque déjà....
December 2, 2024
Honestly, after school, I wasn't paying much mind to Shakespeare's plays. However, I always found Laertes to be a more interesting character than Hamlet himself so when I found this retelling of Hamlet from Laertes's point of view, I was hooked. And it didn't disappoint me. I feel like the more modern setting (1920s) was a great choice to tell this story about loss and grief, revenge and life and love itself. I loved the dark academia aspects in here, the depictions of the Battlements and the Sorbonne, the friendship between Henri, Laertes and Julien, heck, even the games Josephine played with all of them. The language was beautiful and I highlighted many lines that will stay with me for a while. If you like dark academia and tragedies, please give this book a try.
November 10, 2024
Beautiful. Absolutely stunning. The author’s melodic, high-literary writing style is absolute perfection. I was transported into a Shakespearean drama. As a fan of Shakespeare, and especially being familiar with Hamlet, I was able to notice how often the author was able to incorporate so many wonderful little Easter eggs and nods to the original play.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator has the most wonderful voice! But oh my goodness it helps when what you’re reading is the most eloquent, lovely prose imaginable! SO beautifully written! This is Indie at its finest!
Warnings: one sex scene that’s handled very tamely, suicide, poison, death
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator has the most wonderful voice! But oh my goodness it helps when what you’re reading is the most eloquent, lovely prose imaginable! SO beautifully written! This is Indie at its finest!
Warnings: one sex scene that’s handled very tamely, suicide, poison, death
September 24, 2023
I loved, loved, loved this book. I was so captivated by it. Living in the world of Laertes was fun, interesting, and heartbreaking. Even though we all know how the story goes, the anxiety and anticipation of "what will happen!?" Is still there, and that can not be an easy task!!
I wish there was so much more of Ophelia. I think that was honestly the only letdown. Maybe Carly will write something from her pov, next 👀
I wish there was so much more of Ophelia. I think that was honestly the only letdown. Maybe Carly will write something from her pov, next 👀
May 29, 2023
Maybe more like a generous 2.5 ⭐️ rating
December 9, 2025
“simply to be is vastly beautiful”
IWWV's demure European sibling and another shameless example of how dark academia has me on a chokehold (3.5)
IWWV's demure European sibling and another shameless example of how dark academia has me on a chokehold (3.5)
June 22, 2023
this book is criminally underrated. i adore laertes’ perspective and the portrayal of all of the beloved characters from hamlet. and the vibes are immaculate-1920s classics students in paris, drinking absinthe and riding bikes and going to the opera?! you’re joking. this book is everything i love in one place.
September 20, 2023
Bookstagram l BookTok l BookTube
Thank you to the author for a copy of Laertes.
Thank you to the author for a copy of Laertes.
May 6, 2024
I'm a fan of every retelling of Hamlet, honestly, so there's a chance I'm just easy to please. But I really did enjoy reading this book. The dark academia vibes were excellent, it was certainly a unique perspective to explore, and I enjoyed the writing style a lot.
I really liked getting Laertes' point of view on the happenings of Hamlet. You miss a lot of the key moments from the play, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing — Laertes is missing for most of it, after all. And this story was focused on him, not Hamlet (the character); I think it would've been distracting to dedicate more time to Hamlet's story, and it would've defeated the point of shifting the narrative.
That being said, this book never felt fully committed to the idea of Laertes, the full character. Instead, we had Laertes the Hamlet Side Character and Laertes the Reimagined 1920s Tortured French Poet. His escapades in France felt entirely unrelated to his role in the play's plot, making it feel like we were just filling time between the Main Scenes. I would've appreciated the author building out Laertes as his own independent person and using the Tortured French Poet aspect to directly impact Laertes' actions within the main retold version of Hamlet. In reality, the whole book just seemed a little disjointed.
I also think the book needed more time to breathe. I get that Hamlet is told in a quick five acts, but this book was not tied to the same play structure that Shakespeare was. Putting the story in the 1920s already changed the context, so it wouldn't have been that disorienting to add some more scenes in at the end to really explore Laertes' thoughts and feelings.
The only part of the book I genuinely disliked was the awkwardly-written feminism. Laertes had a subplot that was basically realizing women are people, which was odd and unnecessary. And none of the female characters were written that well. There's only so much you can do for Ophelia in this case, but Josephine was an original character, and there's no justification for her.
You don't need to know the original play well in order to enjoy this book, but my established knowledge was definitely doing a lot of heavy lifting here; I enjoyed it primarily as a fan of Hamlet. And I think other Hamlet fans would feel the same. But we needed to let Laertes shine more.
I really liked getting Laertes' point of view on the happenings of Hamlet. You miss a lot of the key moments from the play, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing — Laertes is missing for most of it, after all. And this story was focused on him, not Hamlet (the character); I think it would've been distracting to dedicate more time to Hamlet's story, and it would've defeated the point of shifting the narrative.
That being said, this book never felt fully committed to the idea of Laertes, the full character. Instead, we had Laertes the Hamlet Side Character and Laertes the Reimagined 1920s Tortured French Poet. His escapades in France felt entirely unrelated to his role in the play's plot, making it feel like we were just filling time between the Main Scenes. I would've appreciated the author building out Laertes as his own independent person and using the Tortured French Poet aspect to directly impact Laertes' actions within the main retold version of Hamlet. In reality, the whole book just seemed a little disjointed.
I also think the book needed more time to breathe. I get that Hamlet is told in a quick five acts, but this book was not tied to the same play structure that Shakespeare was. Putting the story in the 1920s already changed the context, so it wouldn't have been that disorienting to add some more scenes in at the end to really explore Laertes' thoughts and feelings.
The only part of the book I genuinely disliked was the awkwardly-written feminism. Laertes had a subplot that was basically realizing women are people, which was odd and unnecessary. And none of the female characters were written that well. There's only so much you can do for Ophelia in this case, but Josephine was an original character, and there's no justification for her.
You don't need to know the original play well in order to enjoy this book, but my established knowledge was definitely doing a lot of heavy lifting here; I enjoyed it primarily as a fan of Hamlet. And I think other Hamlet fans would feel the same. But we needed to let Laertes shine more.
November 1, 2023
Outstanding revisit to one of the lesser known, but very prudent characters, in Hamlet. Laertes was a young man filled with his own hopes and dreams, warring with the expectations placed upon him by his father. Friends, such as Henri & Julien in France, were his lifeline and provided much needed support.
This in depth character study gave a view of both Hamlet and Ophelia that enhanced my understanding of the origional work. Hamlet was egotistical and self-important. He gave little concern for the effects his actions had on others. Conversely, Ophelia was a caring, giving, fragile young lady who would go out of her way to benefit another. It is no wonder the pairing of these two should lead to her downfall (much as Laertes suspected).
There was a consistent theme of honor running throughout this work. Laertes felt he failed in that respect with his mother, was trying to live up to his father's (unreasonable) expectations of it, and ultimately he ends up in a death duel defending it. At one point, his failure to uphold honor was pointed out by Hamlet, which caused a breach in their friendship that never truly healed.
This was an utterly enjoyable read. Getting to know the characters on a more personal level was really quite unexpected (not sure why, but I was thrilled). The dark academia 1920s setting made it much easier for me to immerse myself in than the Shakespearian prose. I just can not say enough positive things about this novel. Thank you so much Carly for both writing it and providing me an ARC. I would give it 10 🌟 if I could!!
This in depth character study gave a view of both Hamlet and Ophelia that enhanced my understanding of the origional work. Hamlet was egotistical and self-important. He gave little concern for the effects his actions had on others. Conversely, Ophelia was a caring, giving, fragile young lady who would go out of her way to benefit another. It is no wonder the pairing of these two should lead to her downfall (much as Laertes suspected).
There was a consistent theme of honor running throughout this work. Laertes felt he failed in that respect with his mother, was trying to live up to his father's (unreasonable) expectations of it, and ultimately he ends up in a death duel defending it. At one point, his failure to uphold honor was pointed out by Hamlet, which caused a breach in their friendship that never truly healed.
This was an utterly enjoyable read. Getting to know the characters on a more personal level was really quite unexpected (not sure why, but I was thrilled). The dark academia 1920s setting made it much easier for me to immerse myself in than the Shakespearian prose. I just can not say enough positive things about this novel. Thank you so much Carly for both writing it and providing me an ARC. I would give it 10 🌟 if I could!!
March 13, 2024
I chose to read the play Hamlet again very recently as it’s always been a favorite of mine out of most of the Shakespeare plays I’ve come across, and somehow that lead me to finding this book, which I’m very happy that I chose to read it rather than ignore.
As for the ratings on here, I’d give it 5 ⭐️s, I absolutely adored seeing the play from a different perspective, especially from the character chosen as the foil to Hamlet originally. What I also loved though was that it wasn’t just a full retelling of the play from a different perspective, there were additional scenes and added plot lines and it really just tied everything together and made it seem like two entire stories coming face to face with each other in the end. I wouldn’t say that you have to read Hamlet in order to understand some of the aspects of this book, but having read it before, this book really follows the original details of the play so nicely with its own spin on things. I loved seeing the addition of friends of Laertes and how they impacted the story, and an added meaning to some of the things that weren’t entirely explained in the play.
The only thing I’d have to mention though is that I was slightly confused by the whole scene with Josephine during the opera bit. I could tell there was some meaning behind it, although it felt sudden and rushed. Could the story have been pulled off without it? Possibly, though I can’t say for sure. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book.
Additional Note: I loved the fact that Horatio was just called “The Italian” until his name was known.
As for the ratings on here, I’d give it 5 ⭐️s, I absolutely adored seeing the play from a different perspective, especially from the character chosen as the foil to Hamlet originally. What I also loved though was that it wasn’t just a full retelling of the play from a different perspective, there were additional scenes and added plot lines and it really just tied everything together and made it seem like two entire stories coming face to face with each other in the end. I wouldn’t say that you have to read Hamlet in order to understand some of the aspects of this book, but having read it before, this book really follows the original details of the play so nicely with its own spin on things. I loved seeing the addition of friends of Laertes and how they impacted the story, and an added meaning to some of the things that weren’t entirely explained in the play.
The only thing I’d have to mention though is that I was slightly confused by the whole scene with Josephine during the opera bit. I could tell there was some meaning behind it, although it felt sudden and rushed. Could the story have been pulled off without it? Possibly, though I can’t say for sure. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book.
Additional Note: I loved the fact that Horatio was just called “The Italian” until his name was known.
September 15, 2023
I’m still gathering all my thoughts for a complete review, but I have not been this swept away by a story in quite some time. I was first drawn in by the wonderful writing and the voice, but within a few pages, I had tumbled headfirst into this incredible world Steven’s has created. Paris and Denmark come alive in these pages. I felt like I was watching every scene unfold from in the very middle of it. Every sense and emotion was engaged. It felt like I had fallen into one of the films I loved in my youth and watched over and over again because I just wanted to live in it.
This book was everything I want but don’t always get from dark academia. The retelling itself was incredibly well done. Shakespeare fans and those who aren’t familiar with Hamlet will both find much to love here. In particular, the characterizations were top notch. I loved the depth Steven’s brought to Laertes, Ophelia and Hamlet, in particular. There were so many moments that shone new light on these characters and their struggles. I also loved the way Steven’s captured the delicate and complicated relationship dynamics. At its heart, this is a story about friendship and forgiveness. To avoid spoilers, I’ll just say that the ending delivered everything I had hoped and more. Highly highly recommended.
This book was everything I want but don’t always get from dark academia. The retelling itself was incredibly well done. Shakespeare fans and those who aren’t familiar with Hamlet will both find much to love here. In particular, the characterizations were top notch. I loved the depth Steven’s brought to Laertes, Ophelia and Hamlet, in particular. There were so many moments that shone new light on these characters and their struggles. I also loved the way Steven’s captured the delicate and complicated relationship dynamics. At its heart, this is a story about friendship and forgiveness. To avoid spoilers, I’ll just say that the ending delivered everything I had hoped and more. Highly highly recommended.
December 22, 2024
I have not read Hamlet (though it is on my TBR) but I have finally seen a stage production of the play and have the gist of the story.
I honestly did not pay much attention to Laertes outside of the role he played in the production I saw but Stevens did in order to write this book.
She had it set in the 1920s so we get a more modern setting for it and really went in depth to think about what Laertes would be up to when he was off page in the story of Hamlet. I liked how the sibling relationship was portrayed and it made me wish the ending would be different for Ophelia though I am glad I knew the story because if I didn't and I read this, I would have been heart broken at the outcome. I really wanted Ophelia to be able to be a botantist..., well grow into one more.
If you are a Shakespeare enthusiast, I would give this a try and see what you think.... unless you are one of the hard core ones that are not open to seeing outside of only what Shakespeare has written, then you might not enojoy it.
I honestly did not pay much attention to Laertes outside of the role he played in the production I saw but Stevens did in order to write this book.
She had it set in the 1920s so we get a more modern setting for it and really went in depth to think about what Laertes would be up to when he was off page in the story of Hamlet. I liked how the sibling relationship was portrayed and it made me wish the ending would be different for Ophelia though I am glad I knew the story because if I didn't and I read this, I would have been heart broken at the outcome. I really wanted Ophelia to be able to be a botantist..., well grow into one more.
If you are a Shakespeare enthusiast, I would give this a try and see what you think.... unless you are one of the hard core ones that are not open to seeing outside of only what Shakespeare has written, then you might not enojoy it.
August 22, 2022
★★★★★ stars. Need time to compile my thoughts properly but this was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it delivered everything I wanted from it. I think everyone was forced to read Hamlet during their middle, and often times high school as well, careers and, as someone who enjoyed Hamlet (along with Macbeth), this offered a more human element to the play and of course I will forever be a Laertes fangirl after this.
I will say that I the few vices the book itself has is that one it's a bit too short. I hesitated finishing the last two chapters because I didn't want it to end and the other is that i wanted some more Ophelia and Hamlet scenes. Great novel.
I will say that I the few vices the book itself has is that one it's a bit too short. I hesitated finishing the last two chapters because I didn't want it to end and the other is that i wanted some more Ophelia and Hamlet scenes. Great novel.
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