A Wounded Name   By: Charles King (1844-1933)

A Wounded Name by Charles King is an enthralling and thought-provoking novel that reimagines Shakespeare's Hamlet through the eyes of Ophelia. With a fresh and modern voice, King delves into Ophelia's inner world, giving readers a raw and poignant perspective on her tragic love story with Hamlet.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is King's ability to flesh out Ophelia as a complex and relatable character. Gone are the one-dimensional portrayals of her in previous adaptations; instead, we are presented with an intelligent and fiercely independent young woman struggling to find her own voice and hold onto her sanity amidst the chaos that surrounds her. King's decision to narrate the story through Ophelia's first-person point of view allows readers to intimately experience her emotions, fears, and desires, making her journey all the more captivating.

Furthermore, King's writing style is exquisitely poetic, lyrical, and brimming with vivid imagery. His prose beautifully captures the essence of both Ophelia's fragile mental state and the vivid landscapes of Elsinore, drawing readers into a world that is as haunting as it is enchanting. The author's skillful use of symbolism and metaphors adds depth and nuance to the narrative, making each page a literary delight.

In addition to its lyrical prose, A Wounded Name also delves into important themes such as love, betrayal, and the constraints of society. King explores how Ophelia, bound by the expectations and rules of her time, must navigate treacherous waters where her feelings and desires clash with the demands of her family and the manipulative court of Elsinore. The exploration of power dynamics and the subtle critique of patriarchal society woven into the story provide an added layer of depth and relevance to the novel.

Although A Wounded Name is a retelling of a well-known tragedy, Charles King manages to surprise readers with his unique twists and turns. The intricate plotting keeps readers on their toes, never quite knowing what to expect next. As the story unfolds and secrets come to light, the tension builds steadily, culminating in a breathtaking climax that will leave readers both heartbroken and satisfied.

In conclusion, A Wounded Name is a captivating and masterfully written novel that breathes new life into the character of Ophelia. Charles King's poignant storytelling and memorable prose make this book a must-read for lovers of Shakespeare's works and anyone seeking a riveting tale of love, loss, and the power of resilience.

First Page:

The stage coach was invisible in a cloud of its own dust as it lurched and rolled along the alkali flats down the valley, and Sancho, the ranch keeper, could not make out whether any passengers were on top or not. He had brought a fine binocular to bear just as soon as the shrill voice of Pedro, a swarthy little scamp of a half breed, announced the dust cloud sailing over the clump of willows below the bend. Pedro was not the youngster's original name, and so far as could be determined by ecclesiastical records, owing to the omission of the customary church ceremonies, he bore none that the chaplain at old Camp Cooke would admit to be Christian... Continue reading book >>