# data[].attributes.body
This is a book that I want to read since I've memories but I don't know why, I never find time to buy the book and read it. I've always thought that I would like it. I just know that the book explain the live around the little square in Barcelona city after the civil war. I promese myself that I'm going to read it on next summer.

Ivan Arró

# data[].attributes.body
I've just seen a serie in Netflix called "Patria" and I liked it. Some of my colleagues said to me that the book is better and when the english classes was over I'm going to read it.
Ivan Arró

# data[].attributes.headline
Las proteínas vegetales by Nuria Viver (Miriam Aznar)

# data[].attributes.subject
Las proteínas vegetales by Nuria Viver (Miriam Aznar)

# data[].attributes.body
Only when you read a book like that do you realise how important is to be informed about what we eat and what we really need to eat. The book is a review about how to get enough proteines that are necessary for life but excluding those from animal origin. 

# data[].attributes.headline
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne (Miriam Aznar)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne (Miriam Aznar)

# data[].attributes.body
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a 2006 Holocaust novel written by John Boyne and adapted into a film in 2008. Not only is the novel heart-warming but also, as all the Holocaust stories, it’s thought-provoking. Two eight years old boys (Bruno, from a Nazy German family and Shmuel, a Jew who is a prisoner in Sachsenhausen concentration camp) become friends, unaware of what is really happening on the other side of the fence. After a story of innocent friendship, Bruno goes to the other side to reunite with his friend and both are packed into a gas chamber where finally dead.
Although the book received negative reviews because of its historical inconsistences, the novel have sold more than seven million copies around the world.

# data[].attributes.body
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (Elba Ortega)
Is a thrilling and intriguing murder mystery written by Agatha Christie. When ten people are invited to Soldier Island by a mysterious character, U. N. Owen, the guests find themselves in a dangerous situation as they watch each other get picked off one by one according to an old nursery rhyme.

# data[].attributes.body
Digital Gold by Nathaniel Popper (Elba Ortega)
Digital Gold details the beginnings of Bitcoin, including how it was developed, why it’s early years were such a struggle, the many people that contributed to its rise, and how it’s changed our world so far and why it will continue doing so for a long time. Not only is a heavy going book but also is a very difficult one.

# data[].attributes.body
Hamlet by Shakespeare
This gripping novel starts when the ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet's uncle. Hamlet feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet. Not until the end of the play there is a duel, during which the King, Queen, Hamlet's opponent and Hamlet himself are all killed.

More detail: 2.5 minute read

Act I

Late at night, guards on the battlements of Denmark's Elsinore castle are met by Horatio, Prince Hamlet's friend from school. The guards describe a ghost they have seen that resembles Hamlet's father, the recently-deceased king. At that moment, the Ghost reappears, and the guards and Horatio decide to tell Hamlet.

Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, married Hamlet's recently-widowed mother, becoming the new King of Denmark. Hamlet continues to mourn for his father's death and laments his mother's lack of loyalty. When Hamlet hears of the Ghost from Horatio, he wants to see it for himself.

Elsewhere, the royal attendant Polonius says farewell to his son Laertes, who is departing for France. Laertes warns his sister, Ophelia, away from Hamlet and thinking too much of his attentions towards her.

This above all: to thine own self be true.

— HAMLET, ACT 1 SCENE 3

The Ghost appears to Hamlet, claiming indeed to be the ghost of his father. He tells Hamlet about how Claudius, the current King and Hamlet's uncle, murdered him, and Hamlet swears vengeance for his father. Hamlet decides to feign madness while he tests the truth of the Ghost's allegations (always a good idea in such situations).

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, 1984

Act II

According to his plan, Hamlet begins to act strangely. He rejects Ophelia, while Claudius and Polonius, the royal attendant, spy on him. They had hoped to find the reason for Hamlet's sudden change in behaviour but could not. Claudius summons Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, old friends of Hamlet to find out what's got into him. Their arrival coincides with a group of travelling actors that Hamlet happens to know well. Hamlet writes a play which includes scenes that mimic the murder of Hamlet's father. During rehearsal, Hamlet and the actors plot to present Hamlet's play before the King and Queen.

Act III

At the performance, Hamlet watches Claudius closely to see how he reacts. The play provokes Claudius, and he interrupts the action by storming out. He immediately resolves to send Hamlet away. Hamlet is summoned by his distressed mother, Gertrude, and on the way, he happens upon Claudius kneeling and attempting to pray. Hamlet reasons that to kill the King now would only send his soul to heaven rather than hell. Hamlet decides to spare his life for the time being.

Royal Shakespeare Company, Courtyard Theatre, 2008

Polonius hides in Gertrude's room to protect her from her unpredicatable son. When Hamlet arrives to scold his mother, her hears Polonius moving behind the arras (a kind of tapestry). He stabs the tapestry and, in so doing, kills Polonius. The ghost of Hamlet's father reappears and warns his son not to delay revenge or upset his mother.

What a piece of work is man!

— HAMLET, ACT 2 SCENE 2

Act IV

Hamlet is sent to England, supposedly as an ambassador, just as King Fortinbras of Norway crosses Denmark with an army to attack Poland. During his journey, Hamlet discovers Claudius has a plan to have him killed once he arrives. He returns to Denmark alone, sending his companions Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths in his place.

Rejected by Hamlet, Ophelia is now desolate at the loss of her father. She goes mad and drowns.

Royal Shakespeare Company, Swan Theatre, 2006

What dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give us pause.

— HAMLET, ACT 3 SCENE 1

Act V

On the way back to Denmark, Hamlet meets Horatio in the graveyard (along with a gravedigger), where they talk of the chances of life and death. Ophelia's funeral procession arrives at the very same graveyard (what luck!). Hamlet confronts Laertes, Ophelia's brother, who has taken his father's place at the court.

A duel is arranged between Hamlet and Laertes. During the match, Claudius conspires with Laertes to kill Hamlet. They plan that Hamlet will die either on a poisoned rapier or with poisoned wine. The plans go awry when Gertrude unwittingly drinks from the poisoned cup and dies. Then both Laertes and Hamlet are wounded by the poisoned blade, and Laertes dies.

Hamlet, in his death throes, kills Claudius. Hamlet dies, leaving only his friend Horatio to explain the truth to the new king, Fortinbras, as he returns in victory from the Polish wars.

Learn more of what Shakespeare has to say on the subject of life in Hamlet and other plays: Shakespeare Quotes on Life

Help keep Shakespeare's story alive

Donate Online

Read more play summaries

Shakespeare's Plays

Learn about William Shakespeare

Shakespedia Index

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is currently closed

Highlights

Plan Your Visit

Groups

Access

Get involved

Donate

Volunteer

Jobs

Contact Us

Useful

Collections

Research

Press & Media

T&Cs, Privacy and Cookies

Follow us

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Newsletter

We are a charityHelp us keep Shakespeare's story aliveThank you for your support to help care for the world's greatest Shakespeare heritage and keep his story alive.

The independent charity that cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, and promotes the enjoyment and understanding of his works, life and times all over the world. Celebrating Shakespeare is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2021 Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Registered Charity Number 209302

# data[].attributes.body
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
This gripping novel starts when the ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet's uncle. Hamlet feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet. Not until the end of the play there is a duel, during which the King, Queen, Hamlet's opponent and Hamlet himself are all killed.
Elba

# data[].attributes.body
Aleix Rodriguez
Memories d’Idhun it’s a science fiction triology of books writen by Laura Gallego. It’s story is very large and very interesting with a lot of caracters and details, it could be a great film

# data[].attributes.headline
Wonder by Raquel Palacios (Laura Caselles) 

# data[].attributes.subject
Wonder by Raquel Palacios (Laura Caselles) 

# data[].attributes.body
When I saw Wonder film I decided to had to read. It was a great experience because I like more the book than the film. I read the book three times, the first two in Catalan and one with my students. The last one in English, it was great!
I like this book because it is a book that deals the true and real friendships without stereotyps. It is an educational book.

# data[].attributes.headline
El món groc by Albert Espinosa (Laura Caselles)

# data[].attributes.subject
El món groc by Albert Espinosa (Laura Caselles)

# data[].attributes.body
In my opinion this is an interestingand enthusiastic book. Not only is this an entertaining book, it is a book of overcoming. The book treats the world of cancer from a positive perspective and normalizes this disease and its consequences. For me it is an special book.

# data[].attributes.headline
Cien años de soledad by Gabriel García Márquez (Laura Caselles)

# data[].attributes.subject
Cien años de soledad by Gabriel García Márquez (Laura Caselles)

# data[].attributes.body
Although it is an important book and author, in my opinion it was the worst book I read during high school. The plot was very heavy and the names of characters almost all the same, it was very difficult to read.

# data[].attributes.headline
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman (Miriam Aznar)

# data[].attributes.subject
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman (Miriam Aznar)

# data[].attributes.body
Daniel Goleman not only is a science journalist specialized in brain and behavioral sciences who wrote for the New York Times for twelve years but also he has written several books on emotional intelligence. I’m so interested in how can we use our emotions to improve all our lives and also how to develope our emotional skills. It’s a thought-provoking book and only when you are able to be concentrated, can you read and understand it (my problem is the lack of quiet time).

# data[].attributes.headline
PS: I love you by Cecelia Ahern (Mariona Campoy)

# data[].attributes.subject
PS: I love you by Cecelia Ahern (Mariona Campoy)

# data[].attributes.body
This was my first novel book that I got in English in one of my travel when I was a teenager. I chose these one only for the tittle. What I expected before reading it, was a heart-warming love history full of romanticism and happiness but far from that only with read the first page I discovered a devastating success that made me feel really sad and I couldn’t keep reading it. If you want to know more about this book I only can tell you that it’s about the Holly and Gerry’s love history although it ends before time.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Hobbit by Tolkien (Véronique Swolfs)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Hobbit by Tolkien (Véronique Swolfs)

# data[].attributes.body
When I saw all the Lord of the Rings films I decided I had to read The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. It was a great decision as I could appreciate what a great fantasy writer Tolkien was for his time.
Published in the 1930s and set in an incredible fictional universe, The Hobbit takes us back to the origins of the adventures of Bilbo, Galdaf, Gollum and the Ring. Once you read this book, all the films make more sense.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Children of the Grail, by Peter Berling (Véronique Swolfs)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Children of the Grail, by Peter Berling (Véronique Swolfs)

# data[].attributes.body
Set in the 12th century, The Children of the Grail is the story of two children saved from the siege of the Castle of Montsergur in France, they are the treasure of the Cathars. The adventures of these two children, Roc and Yeza, destined to become the kings of a peaceful and harmonious world, take us on a journey through Europe and the Middle East in the medieval times. Political machinations, the Knights Templar, the Order of Sion, the Sect of the Assassins, are all elements that build an incredible and gripping plot that could have been a great film.

# data[].attributes.body
The first time I read this book, I have reread in english last Christmas, it was after to have seen the film directed by James Ivory.
This book is not just a romance novel but it show us how the sociecity was at the beginning of the 20 century. It's avery moving and thought-provoking book.

# data[].attributes.body
Since I was a child, I love this comic. I bought all the books and I read and read again. Although I have read them several times, they continue to fascinate me with their gripping and hauting adventures and their funny characters.

# data[].attributes.headline
MISTERI A PARÍS, by Tea Stilton (Núria Canudas)

# data[].attributes.subject
MISTERI A PARÍS, by Tea Stilton (Núria Canudas)

# data[].attributes.body
When I was a child I loved this book and I couldn't stop to read it by its gripping adventures.

# data[].attributes.headline
A MONSTER CALLS, by Patrick Ness (Anna Pau)

# data[].attributes.subject
A MONSTER CALLS, by Patrick Ness (Anna Pau)

# data[].attributes.body
It's a haunting and a moving story about a boy who tries to overcome all fears and phobias with the help of a monster.

# data[].attributes.headline
THE LORD OF THE RINGS, by John R.R Tolkien (Núria Canudas)

# data[].attributes.subject
THE LORD OF THE RINGS, by John R.R Tolkien (Núria Canudas)

# data[].attributes.body
This is a intriguing and a heavy going classic novel that I want to read it one day, becuase I thing the films are really good and the book could be better!

# data[].attributes.headline
UN ESTIU A BORNEO, by Pilar Garriga (Anna Pau)

# data[].attributes.subject
UN ESTIU A BORNEO, by Pilar Garriga (Anna Pau)

# data[].attributes.body
Not only is this a intriguing story about the summer of a boy in Indonesia, but it also reminds your childhood.

# data[].attributes.headline
BRUÍXOLES QUE BUSQUEN SOMRIUIRES PERDUTS, by Albert Espinosa (Núria Canudas)

# data[].attributes.subject
BRUÍXOLES QUE BUSQUEN SOMRIUIRES PERDUTS, by Albert Espinosa (Núria Canudas)

# data[].attributes.body
A thought-provoking novel about love, family that it makes you thing about the importance of life. I bought it because I really wanted to read it, but I forgot it.

# data[].attributes.headline
EL MECANOSCRIT DEL SEGON ORIGEN, by Manuel de Pedrolo (Anna Pau)

# data[].attributes.subject
EL MECANOSCRIT DEL SEGON ORIGEN, by Manuel de Pedrolo (Anna Pau)

# data[].attributes.body
Although it is an intriguing story, the way that the autor writes it was old catalan, and it was too dificult to understand it clearly.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Decameron by Boccacio. (Véronique Swolfs)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Decameron by Boccacio. (Véronique Swolfs)

# data[].attributes.body
When I was very young I had a time when I wanted to write books and I thought I had to read classics to learn from the greats. One of the books I started and unfortunately couldn't finish was the Decameron by Boccacio.  A novel that compiles a lot of stories, ranging from tragedy to comedy and set in medieval Italy during the bubonic plague pandemic in Florence in 1348. Perhaps now, with the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be the moment to take up this reading again.

# data[].attributes.body
In spite of beeing a beatiful and romantic story, it was too difficult for my english level. In my opinion, it was a very heavy going book.

# data[].attributes.body
Not only is this a moving story about feminity and motherhood set in Southern Louisiana, but it also takes you back in time

# data[].attributes.body
Although it is a beautiful story, I was too young to understand it. Never have I read such a heavy going book!

# data[].attributes.headline
Mutant Message from Down Under, by Marlo Morgan

# data[].attributes.subject
Mutant Message from Down Under, by Marlo Morgan

# data[].attributes.body
A haunting story about a doctor in Australia who joins a "walkabout" with an Aboriginal tribe

# data[].attributes.body
It's a thought-provoking story about an astronaut who is left behind in Mars and manages to return safely to Earth

# data[].attributes.body
This is heavy going Irish classic that I think I ought to read one day

# data[].attributes.body
A heart-warming novel about the first Russian pioneers living in Nebraska. I had to read it for university and although it was beautifully written, I didn't have time to finish it since I was so busy