This is a book about inner struggle, persona and the quest for life's meaning.  The book is more palatable for young teens than Shakespeare's Hamlet.  It could be said to be a more modern-day Shakespeare with some humor added.

It begins with Matt who is the main character, a teenage boy with problems.  His problems draw him inward.  After his mother divorces his father and remarry's a sleazy salesman, anger, hurt and desperation brings out the "Joker" in Matt.  His father, hurt and humiliated by his broken marriage "haunts" their house late at night.  His best friend dies in a hostel fire and Matt crashes emotionally.  He has a girl friend Leah whom he loves, is a top student, athlete and a popular guy at Elsinore High but he retreats to the persona of the Joker to try and deal with the injustice that has befallen his world.

The Joker pushes Matt toward avenging all the problems overwhelming his life.

He is affected by the world in general; through his eyes it's a world full of global poverty, war and pollution.  His drop-out friends want him to do the same and dreadfully he contemplates suicide.

The Joker is somewhat humorous and elutes to the melancholy of Shakespeare's prince.

Through out the book there are bits and pieces of Hamlet twisted into the story with an Australian flare. The author cunningly transposes the original Hamlet of tragedy to comedy in this book.  The good part about the book is, Matt ends up re-evaluating his life and no one dies.  It may also make you want to read the real Hamlet even if it's just out of curiosity!

 © 2007 Patricia BallPatricia Ball, B.A., applies the following descriptions to herself:

• Research Chemist for 23 years
• BA degree in Biology, Elms College
• Recent graduate of Institute of Children's Literature
• Wife and Mother of two
• Published Poet/Writer
• Enjoy composing music, art, writing, reading
• Interested in Metaphysics, Psychology and Science
• Enjoy traveling:  USA, Canada and Europe

Categories: Children