Imbued with passion and beautiful language, Ophelia, by Lisa Klein defies her fate. This reimagining of Hamlet maintains a voice that is at once revisionist and true to its origins. She is desperately in love with a man who cannot return her affections; secret meetings in stairwells, hushed murmurs of love all add to the drama and mystery surrounding this new embodiment of Ophelia. With startling twists, this memorable novel will hold you in its grips until the final heart-rending page. -JW

He is Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; she is simply Ophelia. If you think you know their story, think again.
        In this reimagining of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, it is Ophelia who takes center stage. A rowdy, motherless girl, she grows up at Elsinore Castle to become the queen’s most trusted lady-in-waiting.  Ambitious for knowledge and witty as well as beautiful, Ophelia learns the ways of power in a court where nothing is as it seems. When she catches the attention of the captivating, dark-haired Prince Hamlet, their love blossoms in secret. But bloody deeds soon turn Denmark into a place of madness, and Ophelia’s happiness is shattered. Ultimately, she must choose between her love for Hamlet and her own life. In desperation, Ophelia devises a treacherous plan to escape from Elsinore forever . . . with one very dangerous secret.
        Lisa Klein’s Ophelia tells the story of a young woman falling in love, searching for her place in the world, and finding the strength to survive.  Sharp and literary, dark and romantic, this dramatic story holds readers in its grip until the final, heartrending scene.

Lisa Klein was always dissatisfied with interpretations of Ophelia and so took it upon herself to breathe new life into the story of Ophelia. She is a former professor of English who lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two sons. This is her first work of fiction. 

Imprint: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Distributor: MPS
Publication Date: 10-31-2006
Pages: 336
Measurements: 8.25in X 5.50in