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 childrens 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 Shakespeares Hamlet Lindgren somehow manages to capture all of the high points of Shakespeares tale, from the adulterous marriage of his mother and his murderous stepfather to the appearance of his fathers ghost to the bitter scene of mass murder at the end of the play, with a minimum of dialogue. Illustrator Anna Hoglund 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 Review *
