A New Hamlet

I just had to read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. After all, Oprah recommended it. I didn't know that when I bought it, but she was right for a change. It wasn't at all cloying. It is a retelling of Hamlet. So you know the whole thing, right? Ghost of the father, mother marries brother-in-law who killed the father, Hamlet kills father of his best friend, he is sent away to be killed, and everyone dies in the end. All those things don't happen, but a lot of them do. When the ghost of his father appeared, I almost stopped reading. I didn't know about the Hamlet angle. I'd been enjoying the story on its own until that moment. Edgar is a beautiful young man who can't speak. He and his family adapt. They raise dogs for a living. Edgar has a special affinity for the dogs. I loved reading about how he works with and trains the dogs. I also liked his relationship with his mother and father.

Oh, should I mention the play? That part is too cool. After all, the play is the thing, where we capture the conscience of the king. And how it is done in this book is clever. I don't think there is a Player King. Some other parts are either missing or too obscure for me to catch. My favs, Rosencrantz and Gildenstern, may be a couple of puppies, but I don't see it. It really doesn't matter. You may enjoy the story without knowing Hamlet, but I think it adds a layer of interest that I would miss.



I've also re-read the Ramayana. This is a story about the Hindu God, Rama. I read it in college and wanted to read it again after my time in India. Now I need to find my old college book to help me interpret the book. The Demon King takes Rama's wife, Sita, to Lanka. It is so clearly Sri Lanka in my mind, but I can't be sure. I know there is much more to the story than the version I listened to, but it was good to revisit the tale. Remember this, my friends in India, you are never far from my mind.