“O horrible, O horrible, most horrible!               “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

Let me start by saying I don’t like long tragic stories. Stories like Hamlet (note the full name is “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”).  I would recommend that if you want to read this book, 1) make sure you like long tragic stories, and 2) read Hamlet first, to give it some context.  If nothing else, read the synopsis on Wikipedia. 

I think it had the start to be a great book… the Hamlet with dogs set-up was a perfect to explore grief, alcoholism, sibling rivalry and coming of age.  It could have been a new story, not a rehash of Shakespeare.   This is a book where no one wins.   

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be: For loan oft loses both itself and friend.”