"An innovative fantasy novel"
In North Carolina, Zac knows he is the poster boy for the
stereotypical boring nerd. However, when he dreams of "The
Other Place", he fantasizes that he is Hamlet, frequent
visitant to Avalon, Lilliput, and Sherwood Forest among
other locales. In his reverie realm, Zac as Hamlet is the
master of all he perceives. Recently Zac has changed since he fell in love with
Cecile. He no longer seeks escape from the mundane or the
ugly. He no longer needs The Other Place as Cecile now
provides him solace. However, Carcajou, the real ruler of
The Other Place, refuses to free Zac and even tries to come
to North Carolina through his host's dreams. Carcajou even
forces Zac into sleep whenever he desires to do so. Zac,
as he has recently done many times before, turns to his
beloved Cecile for help, but though she loves him, she has
her own demons to contend with. HAMLET'S DREAMS is an exciting tale that can be interpreted
on two distinct levels as either a taut fantasy thriller or
a deep psychological drama. Either way, the impressive
vividly written story line takes the reader on a journey to
another plane controlled by an outside force or perhaps the
realm of the hero's subconscious controlled by his mind.
The lead couple is weak individuals unable to stand up for
their values including their love yet battle they must.
Zac and Cecile's lack of courage even when danger confronts
them as both need encouraging external catalysts to act.
This adds depth to a scary surrealistic story line that
leaves readers metaphysically pondering whether the demon
is inside or outside man? Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 6, 2003
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