Henry Hamlet’s Heart

Henry Hamlet’s Heart by Rhiannon Wilde (University of Queensland Press) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780702263149

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Set in Brisbane in 2008, Henry Hamlet is in his final year of high school. He spends his time between school captain duties, debate team responsibilities, studying and hanging out with his small group of friends – Len, Ged, Harrison and Vince - otherwise known as ‘The Boiyss’. Henry is socially awkward, an overthinker, and unsure about many things. In contrast, his childhood best friend Len is confident, charming, and popular with the ladies.

Henry is just trying to get through an already big year when a game of ‘truth or dare’ changes everything. It becomes the catalyst for big change in his life and big feelings to emerge… feelings he is not sure how to deal with.

Henry Hamlet’s Heart is a coming-of-age novel written in the first person. The light-hearted narrative encapsulates LGBTQIA+ teenage love, friendship dynamics, family diversity and embracing who you are. The ‘friends to lovers’ tale also includes an intriguing list of supporting characters and interesting side stories.