I probably don't have to do much a of a plot summary for this one since most people are familiar with the original, which is arguably one of Shakespeare's best works. This reimaging of the story of the great Dane is not majorly different, but Marsdon has done a great job of presenting a play in a full content while melding both modern language with some of the original lines.

The story starts with Hamlet as a teen with a good future. He has great friends in the form of Horatio, Ophelia, an Laertes. He is still recovering from the recent death of his father from a snake bite. It has not been easy, particularly since his mother has recently married his uncle. The story progresses as the original work did.

The major difference is the feel of the story. Besides using more modern language, Marsden also embeds references to things such as characters wearing jeans and a fondness for football (aka soccer for us Americans). Those details merge nicely with what often comes across as a dreamy setting for the story allowing it to be taking place outside a specific time.

The story also gives readers an opportunity to get glimpses inside the head of Ophelia as she shares her feelings toward the Danish prince and as she slides into madness. This might allow some people to have an easier time understanding why she goes insane and commits suicide.

Marsden also spares nothing in the area when it comes to sexuality and violence. Ophelia and Hamlet are both teens who are starting to have certain urges and readers get to join them as they explore their feelings and their bodies, as well.

I really think this is one of the best reimagings of a Shakespeare work that I have ever read!