The premise of this book scared me. Imagine being told that someone took Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet and created an alternative story... what would you honestly think. My first reaction was to be nervous, it was going to be a train wreck or possibly very unique. I was both surprised and also disappointed.
Such Sweet Sorrow takes place a couple of days after Juliet sought the sweet relief of her love's dagger. Romeo is alive, after the poison he purchased ended up being of weaker constitution than originally advertised. Devastated that his love, Juliet, is now in hell (Catholic belief of suicide damning the soul to hell) Romeo (with the help of Friar Lawrence) goes in search of a witch. The witch tells Romeo that if he wants to save his Juliet he must go North to were there is a throne with a murdered king; enter Hamlet.
Hamlet's father has just been murdered. The day he meets Romeo, is the same night his uncle and mother are wedded. Hamlet's father's ghost has issued Hamlet with the responsibility of taking care of the veil between the world of the living and of the dead. As the story progresses Norse Mythology begins to make an appearance (Hamlet is from Nordic ancestors). Together Romeo and Hamlet enter the world of the dead, battle ancient creatures, meet gods, and try to rescue the damsel.
Overall I enjoyed Hamlet, he was hilarious, and so were Romeo and Juliet. The story and the intertwining of the two plays, along with Nordic Mythology was done pretty okay. My problem was the ending. What happened to Romeo at the end? For those who read this book, you might agree that the ending was a bit fuzzy. Romeo is charged to be at Hamlet's service, so what ever happened to him when Hamlet died?
3 out of 5 stars. Thanks Netgalley
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