Book cover of Laertes

Book description

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 lives: a wild, passionate one with his best friends studying Classics in Paris, and a stifling existence in the Danish court…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Laertes as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Laertes is another Hamlet retelling, but this time from Laertes' perspective. I had the pleasure of being a beta reader on this project, and it gripped me from the start.

Set in the 1920s, this novel follows Laertes and his family's struggles throughout the play. It also introduces several independent characters that add greatly to Laertes' character. Hamlet lovers will find Easter eggs harkening back to the play, as well as snippets of dialogue.

The ending is bittersweet and beautiful. Carly is an incredibly talented writer, and she shines in this retelling.

If you love Laertes...

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These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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