The Understudy's Revenge

Sophie Masson (author)

Scholastic Press, Australia: February 2011

ISBN: 9781741698138

Genres: historical fiction, mystery

Issues: family, friendship, relationships

When Oliver Parry, handsome young actor, auditions for her father's lavish new production of Hamlet, Millie finds herself increasingly intrigued by his air of mystery.

Parry asks plenty of questions of his own – about the company, about the Kings who own it, about the sudden death of the Robert King and the way his widow, Lily, married again so quickly – and to his younger brother... But Millie finds that Oliver avoids answering any questions directed at him. Who is this young Colonial and why is he so interested in the Kings? Why does Millie see him associating with shady characters in the less-than-salubrious area known as the Seven Dials? And what is his connection to the medium, Ruby Malone?  Will Millie find the answers before her own life is at risk?

Sophie Masson is an experienced and skilful writer who delights in adapting famous stories and crafting a tale within them, just as Hamlet stages his play within a play. Set in 1860, The Understudy's Revenge references the revenge tragedies so popular at the time. In this novel, Masson's focus is Shakespeare's Hamlet and not only as the setting for her wider narrative. Its themes of parent/offspring relationships, friendships and loves betrayed, grief and possible madness – all these infuse Masson's story as Millie's imagination runs riot, fuelled by the dark drama of one of the Bard's best-loved plays.

Well researched, as always, Masson's London is full of the colourful characters of the time – the thieves, swindlers and fortune tellers; the growing police force; actors, animal handlers, and writers such as Charles Dickens. Millie's strong-willed, independent nature is used by Masson to remind readers of the usual role played by women during the 17th Century – domestic duties and definitely second-class citizens. A lively, absorbing mystery and adventure story, The Understudy's Revenge is not only entertaining but gives readers insight into the complex characters and events of one of the Bard's best-known plays.