Review of Ophelia

[Anaïs Quesson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Ophelia" by Norman Bacal.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

“If you look for meaning you will never find it, but if you create meaning you will never look for it.”

Ophelia by Norman Bacal is a modern retelling of Hamlet turned into a breathtaking thriller.

The story starts in Denmark in 1943. In the middle of the night, a Danish fisherman and his twelve-year-old son Gerhard sail out to sea with a family of Jewish people to get them safely to Sweden. Out of selflessness, Mr. Neilson doesn’t accept the family’s diamonds to pay for the trip. In return, the unnamed father vows to always protect the Neilson family.
Sixty years later, Geri Neilson has built a pharmaceutical empire in the United States, Danmark, all thanks to the loyalty and support of this family. One night, while away on a business trip, Geri dies of a heart attack. Friends, family, and all of Manhattan attend his funeral. In the crowd stands his son Tal, convinced his father was murdered.

At first, the intrigue settles slowly. Each character is carefully and skillfully introduced. It then quickly turns into a well-crafted search for truth and revenge. All the side plots hooked me and I loved this book until the end. I was even moved to tears multiple times by the last couple of chapters. The fast-paced writing makes this book a real page-turner.

Character-wise, Ophelia has everything you can look for in a significant thriller.
The black sheep of a son that has to confront multiple demons at once: the pills, the ups and downs of his relationships, the ghost of his father, the remaining members of Danmark's board of directors. The black widow, evicted from Danmark's direction ages ago, ready to do anything to regain her place at the top of the company. The deceased father who left codes and hidden mysteries for his son to unearth the truth. Two families bound by an inter-generational vow, intertwined with complex decisions about running large companies.
I loved the character development in this book, especially Talem's and Luncinda's. Each character has its flaws and importance to the general plotline.

The editing was almost perfect. I only noticed that the Neilson family name is written 'Nielson' four times. Otherwise, I don't have any typos to report.

The only negative critique I can make is the title choice. I don't understand why the book is called Ophelia. Ophelia is barely more than a secondary character here to help Tal on his journey. The book almost exclusively focuses on the Neilson family members each battling their way to the top of the company.
However, it is only a minor detail and does not impact the potential of this book.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I have to take a star off for the recurrent patronym inconsistency. However, it is an excellent psychological thriller for me. I highly recommend it to anyone in search of a great thriller with a soft and happy ending.

******
Ophelia
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Qwerty Writes]

I loved reading your review! When I first saw Ophelia and Hamlet on the top I thought 'This should be an interesting book'. Hamlet was and is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. I can imagine him saying 'Get thee to a nunnery' and 'To be or not to be'. Though I'm glad the story isn't a tragedy and it may be a cool read, so I'll give it a try. Thanks! You write well!

[Sarah Vinchu]

Your review is wonderful, providing a deep insight into the storyline. I, too, got attracted to the title 'Ophelia' considering it a Shakespearean tale. Your provided criticism is worth demanding. I think you said it is your first review, which is very well-written and worth appreciating. The plot you explained gives a concise understanding, too. Keep up the good job.

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

Great review! I loved it! The book sounds like a real thriller that you won't be able to put down. I do agree, though; the title, Ophelia, doesn't suggest what the contents of the book are. Hmm.

[Julie Marie Basil]

I have been starting to read more psychological thrillers lately, and this sounds like a great story. Thank you for your honest and well-written review. Keep up the good work!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

You had me at 'modern retelling of Hamlet.' I read a lot of Shakespeare at school and played Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Turning Hamlet into a murder mystery is genius, so I'm adding this to my list right now. I'm also unsure why Ophelia is the title of the book, but if I find a compelling reason as I read it, I'll let you know.

[Abril Zacca]

The character work in this book seems interesting, I'm looking forward to reading this story. I would've expected Ophelia to be the protagonist given the book title. Amazing review Anaïs!

[Terry Kimble]

Wow, what a great review! I enjoyed reading it, and I am very sure that I will enjoy this book. I love mystery/thrillers. It is going to shelves!

[Jeff Kanda]

I mostly prefer fast-paced book but there are some slow-paced ones that i cannot skip. This one seems to be quite intriguing. Thanks for the detailed review!

[Gerry Steen]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Ophelia" by Norman Bacal.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

“If you look for meaning you will never find it, but if you create meaning you will never look for it.”

Ophelia by Norman Bacal is a modern retelling of Hamlet turned into a breathtaking thriller.

The story starts in Denmark in 1943. In the middle of the night, a Danish fisherman and his twelve-year-old son Gerhard sail out to sea with a family of Jewish people to get them safely to Sweden. Out of selflessness, Mr. Neilson doesn’t accept the family’s diamonds to pay for the trip. In return, the unnamed father vows to always protect the Neilson family.
Sixty years later, Geri Neilson has built a pharmaceutical empire in the United States, Danmark, all thanks to the loyalty and support of this family. One night, while away on a business trip, Geri dies of a heart attack. Friends, family, and all of Manhattan attend his funeral. In the crowd stands his son Tal, convinced his father was murdered.

At first, the intrigue settles slowly. Each character is carefully and skillfully introduced. It then quickly turns into a well-crafted search for truth and revenge. All the side plots hooked me and I loved this book until the end. I was even moved to tears multiple times by the last couple of chapters. The fast-paced writing makes this book a real page-turner.

Character-wise, Ophelia has everything you can look for in a significant thriller.
The black sheep of a son that has to confront multiple demons at once: the pills, the ups and downs of his relationships, the ghost of his father, the remaining members of Danmark's board of directors. The black widow, evicted from Danmark's direction ages ago, ready to do anything to regain her place at the top of the company. The deceased father who left codes and hidden mysteries for his son to unearth the truth. Two families bound by an inter-generational vow, intertwined with complex decisions about running large companies.
I loved the character development in this book, especially Talem's and Luncinda's. Each character has its flaws and importance to the general plotline.

The editing was almost perfect. I only noticed that the Neilson family name is written 'Nielson' four times. Otherwise, I don't have any typos to report.

The only negative critique I can make is the title choice. I don't understand why the book is called Ophelia. Ophelia is barely more than a secondary character here to help Tal on his journey. The book almost exclusively focuses on the Neilson family members each battling their way to the top of the company.
However, it is only a minor detail and does not impact the potential of this book.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I have to take a star off for the recurrent patronym inconsistency. However, it is an excellent psychological thriller for me. I highly recommend it to anyone in search of a great thriller with a soft and happy ending.

******
Ophelia
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

There is some nice history at the beginning of this story that lays the foundation for the plot and character development. I think I will enjoy this psychological thriller. Thank you for the recommendation.

[RJ Reviews]

Ah, this book sounds delicious, lol. A good psychological thriller always delights. And apart from the minor flaws you mentioned, I think it'll satisfy my cravings for a thriller.

It was a great review. You presented the book in an alluring way. Thank you.

[Alissa Nesson]

This sounds like a great book! I love the new backdrop of the story, and I’m always up for a good psychological thriller. I’ll have to keep this one in mind. Thanks for your very enjoyable review and recommendation!

[Kshitija Sonawane]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Ophelia" by Norman Bacal.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

“If you look for meaning you will never find it, but if you create meaning you will never look for it.”

Ophelia by Norman Bacal is a modern retelling of Hamlet turned into a breathtaking thriller.

The story starts in Denmark in 1943. In the middle of the night, a Danish fisherman and his twelve-year-old son Gerhard sail out to sea with a family of Jewish people to get them safely to Sweden. Out of selflessness, Mr. Neilson doesn’t accept the family’s diamonds to pay for the trip. In return, the unnamed father vows to always protect the Neilson family.
Sixty years later, Geri Neilson has built a pharmaceutical empire in the United States, Danmark, all thanks to the loyalty and support of this family. One night, while away on a business trip, Geri dies of a heart attack. Friends, family, and all of Manhattan attend his funeral. In the crowd stands his son Tal, convinced his father was murdered.

At first, the intrigue settles slowly. Each character is carefully and skillfully introduced. It then quickly turns into a well-crafted search for truth and revenge. All the side plots hooked me and I loved this book until the end. I was even moved to tears multiple times by the last couple of chapters. The fast-paced writing makes this book a real page-turner.

Character-wise, Ophelia has everything you can look for in a significant thriller.
The black sheep of a son that has to confront multiple demons at once: the pills, the ups and downs of his relationships, the ghost of his father, the remaining members of Danmark's board of directors. The black widow, evicted from Danmark's direction ages ago, ready to do anything to regain her place at the top of the company. The deceased father who left codes and hidden mysteries for his son to unearth the truth. Two families bound by an inter-generational vow, intertwined with complex decisions about running large companies.
I loved the character development in this book, especially Talem's and Luncinda's. Each character has its flaws and importance to the general plotline.

The editing was almost perfect. I only noticed that the Neilson family name is written 'Nielson' four times. Otherwise, I don't have any typos to report.

The only negative critique I can make is the title choice. I don't understand why the book is called Ophelia. Ophelia is barely more than a secondary character here to help Tal on his journey. The book almost exclusively focuses on the Neilson family members each battling their way to the top of the company.
However, it is only a minor detail and does not impact the potential of this book.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I have to take a star off for the recurrent patronym inconsistency. However, it is an excellent psychological thriller for me. I highly recommend it to anyone in search of a great thriller with a soft and happy ending.

******
Ophelia
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

This book seems very interesting. I have not read Hamlet but after reading this, I might need to read it. Is the Ophelia character even significant? I am intrigued about her since the book mentions it. Did she change the plot significantly in one way or the other?

[Priya Murugesan]

An excellent review! I love thrillers a lot! This one seems like a breathtaking read. Waiting to read this one!