Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A truly beautiful Shakespearean-inspired set of love letters and poems that are both uplifting and thought-provoking.

It takes a moment to get into the vibe of this collection of letters, but every page is something new and lovely. The writing style is so poetic and makes you feel as if you are the one who is being spoken to in such a tender and loving way.

Shakespearean inspired letters and poems based on Hamlet and the John Everett Millais painting "Ophelia" - two of my core interests. Beautifully written and thoughtfully compiled.

i enjoyed this. while it was a little more straightforward than the poetry i usually enjoy, it felt like being addressed directly by the author. like being encouraged. and what a unique concept to come from a past work of art, to be addressing a known character and relating their struggles to our own lives. it was interesting to pair the poems w letters too. i couldn't always tell what section of ophelia's life was being directly addressed and i did get lost a few times, but i knew enough to enjoy the emotions and care being expressed. interesting and unique piece of writing.

This book was really interesting. I like how it felt very personal. Like I was reading someone’s secret/personal letters or a diary that may have been left behind in a house, after moving in. I think a lot of the wording was very clever. Things like the style of wording made the book pop. But if the reader understands it then it’s pleasant but if not it kinda causes someone to feel a little lost. I did feel lost sometimes. Maybe because I didn’t catch some of the creative word play. Also, I liked the themes. Very relatable.

Arc review.

I enjoyed this poetry book, I really liked the Shakespeare reference in the book.
It took one or two to get intro the way it's written since it's different from what I normally read, but after that I went through it really quick!
The poems/letters are beautifully written.

Thank you for everyone involved for the arc.

For fans of Shakespeare, “Dear Ophelia” is the book for you. I went into this ARC with a bit of healthy skepticism based on the description, but I’m so glad the publisher put this on my radar—it completely won me over..

In the introduction the author suggests two ways to experience this book, and I’m glad I chose to read it straight through. The poems acted like a rhythmic breather between the letters, adding a layer of emotion that prose alone might have missed. It made for a more dynamic read. It was also interesting to not know for sure the gender of Yours Truly. This made it more ambiguous and I was able to visualize myself as Yours Truly helping out a close friend.