A retelling of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" set in a futuristic world of androids and artificial intelligence, where Hamlet v.2 seeks revenge for the deactivation of his predecessor while grappling with questions of identity and love. The novella explores themes of humanity, revenge, and the blurred lines between man and machine in a high-stakes corporate rivalry.

Reader Review Summary

In "Hamlet, Prince of Robots," M. Darusha Wehm brilliantly reimagines Shakespeare's timeless classic through the lens of a futuristic world populated by humanoid androids with true artificial intelligence. This clever and thought-provoking novella seamlessly translates the original play's themes, characters, and plot into a captivating sci-fi setting that will appeal to both Shakespeare aficionados and newcomers alike.

The story revolves around Elsinore Robotics, a company on the verge of dominating the android market with their groundbreaking AI technology. When their flagship model, HAM(let) v.1, is found irreparably deactivated, apparently due to malicious malware, the robot's successor, Hamlet v.2, vows to uncover the truth and avenge his predecessor. As Hamlet grapples with the aftereffects of integrating Old Hamlet's backup into his own neural matrix, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning the nature of his own existence and the authenticity of his feelings, particularly his love for Horatio.

One of the novella's greatest strengths is how it faithfully adheres to the original play's structure and plot points while infusing the narrative with fresh, modern elements. Wehm's skillful adaptation allows readers to appreciate the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's themes in a new context. The corporate rivalry between Elsinore Robotics and Norwegian Technologies serves as a perfect backdrop for exploring the play's central conflicts, while the integration of advanced robotics and AI technology adds an intriguing layer to Hamlet's existential musings.

The author's decision to include a queer love story between Hamlet and Horatio is a welcome addition that adds depth and nuance to their relationship. This aspect of the narrative is handled with sensitivity and serves to humanize the android characters, inviting readers to empathize with their struggles and desires.

Wehm's prose is engaging and accessible, striking a balance between paying homage to Shakespeare's language and crafting a modern, readable text. The pacing is brisk, and the novella's concise length ensures that the story remains focused and engaging throughout.

"Hamlet, Prince of Robots" is more than just a retelling; it is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human in an age of advanced technology. The novella raises profound questions about consciousness, free will, and the nature of emotions, making it a perfect choice for readers who enjoy works that challenge them intellectually and emotionally.

This inventive retelling is a must-read for fans of science fiction, Shakespeare, and thought-provoking literature. It is also an excellent tool for educators looking to introduce students to the Bard's works in a fresh, accessible format. "Hamlet, Prince of Robots" is a triumph of imagination and storytelling that celebrates the enduring power of Shakespeare's masterpiece while boldly venturing into new narrative territory.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars