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Look Hamlet

A humorous graphic retelling of a Shakespearean classic

Barbro Lindgren author Rachel Willson-Broyles translator Anna Hoglund illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Restless Books

Published:24th Oct '19

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Look Hamlet cover

This graphic retelling of Hamlet offers a humorous and concise approach, making Shakespeare's classic accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

In Look Hamlet, the timeless tragedy of Shakespeare is presented in a refreshingly concise and humorous format. This graphic picture book, crafted by the renowned Barbro Lindgren and illustrated by Anna Hoglund, distills the essence of the original play into a mere 100 words. The result is a delightful blend of wit and dark comedy that captures the heart of Hamlet's story while making it accessible to readers of all ages.

The illustrations in Look Hamlet play a crucial role in conveying the narrative's emotional depth. With a style reminiscent of both Beatrix Potter and Edward Gorey, the etchings are whimsical yet haunting, perfectly complementing the text. Each page invites readers into a world where the gravity of Hamlet's plight is juxtaposed with clever humor, making the tragedy feel both poignant and playful.

This unique retelling not only serves as an introduction to Shakespeare for younger audiences but also offers a fresh perspective for seasoned fans. Look Hamlet is an ideal gift for anyone who appreciates literature, art, or simply a good laugh, inviting readers to explore the complexities of human nature through a lens of irreverence and creativity.

“A classic, retold so it has become a wayward, mildly insane new piece of art.”

—Lotta Olsson, Dagens Nyheter

-- Lotta Olsson

“Barbro Lindgren is a literary pioneer. Using adventurous language and rich psychological nuance, she has re-invented not only the picture book for the very young but also the absurd prose story, the existential children’s poem, and realistic fiction for young adults. With perfect pitch, she presents to us both playful shenanigans and moments of bright joy, the inscrutable nature of life and the nearness of death.”

Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Jury Citation

-- Astrid Lindgren

“[A] wonderfully funny retelling of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet… Lindgren somehow manages to capture all of the high points of Shakespeare’s tale, from the adulterous marriage of his mother and his murderous stepfather to the appearance of his father’s ghost to the bitter scene of mass murder at the end of the play, with a minimum of dialogue. Illustrator Anna Höglund gives us an anthropomorphic rendition of the players which seems to make them even more human than any version I have ever seen on stage. Hamlet, as a deeply depressed rabbit, tugs at the heartstrings more than Gielgud ever could and Claudius as a wicked rat seems vastly appropriate casting.... I cannot wait to read it to my students next semester when we are studying Hamlet. I am sure after making them sit through the breathtaking four-hour Branagh version, this will be a very welcome break. This would make a wonderful gift for any Shakespeare fan in your life.”

Tamara Benson, Tulsa Book Review

* Tulsa Book Revi

ISBN: 9781632062598

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

32 pages