The Dead Fathers Club

I picked this up because of the title alone, honestly. It's just a great title. I had no idea about the Hamlet connection until I was about a third of the way in, and then I started picking up on more of that part of it, but I think the book stands on its own, though maybe it's more fun for folks who love Hamlet.

At first I thought I might not be able to get used to the style–it's always a dicey proposition to write in the voice of an 11-year old, but I think Haig pulls it off. It can be an irritating style, but for me that only reminded me that we were all sometimes-irritating kids. The style grew on me, in particular because Haig kind of nailed what it was like to think about the world as a kid–some oversimplification, but some amazing imaginings as well. And he also manages to turn this into something of a thriller, which I suppose Hamlet is on some level. All-around enjoyable, quick read.

Apparently this is also a YA novel? Ok. I think that definition is getting so broad so as to be kind of not particularly useful...