3/5 stars
Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2013
310 pages
YA Historical
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Though I'm not the biggest Shakespeare fan (I appreciate his contributions to the English language but I just don't read many plays), I find myself continuously drawn to stories about his life. There's just so much we don't know about the guy so it's ripe for various interpretations.
In this version, Shakespeare has a run-in with the sisters Hathaway that ends wrongly and he eagerly jumps on an opportunity to go to London and pursue his fortunes as a player. Meanwhile Long Meg has had trouble follow her for ages and is eager for a safe place to call home. When she meets Shakespeare, she undertakes to disguise herself as a man to aid him in his quest while also unwittingly serving as his first muse.
I've read some discussions lately about deciding when or even whether or not to DNF a book and this is an instance where I decided not to DNF and it paid off. I found the beginning of this book rather dull-it's clunky and it's hard to see how everything ties together. But I persevered and though I never fell in love with the characters, I found several elements to really admire.
First and foremost would be the language. I feel like Klein had a ball selecting just the right Renaissance-era language to reveal Shakespeare's quick and ready wit. Once the story gets moving, the writing really sparkles. It is just making it through the beginning that is difficult. Second, a big inspiration for this book was Shakespeare's comedies rather than his more famous tragedies. I recognized several elements (women dressed as men being the main one) but I bet fans of the plays will make out even more and enjoy it accordingly.
Meg is a really cool character! She gets to do so much over the course of the book, serving as enforcer, helping Shakespeare with his word choice and plots, and running all over London. Is there anything she can't do? And the book applauds her for her derring-do. Unfortunately Shakespeare is kind of a jerk and my inability to sympathize with him dragged down his bits. Yes, I enjoyed his way with words but as a person, he sucks.
Overall: I'm glad I stuck with this book and I think people who like language will find much to enjoy in that regard. Character and plot people will probably be less enthusiastic.
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Huh-- I haven't heard of this one but it sounds interesting! I'm a bit fascinated by Shakespeare and love decoding his use of language so I think I'd appreciate it (though I'd probably have to be in the right frame of mind to read it).
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it sound cool? It just didn't quite work out for me.
DeleteToo bad! Much as I love language, I'm a huge character reader, so I think I have to pass on this one. :(
ReplyDeleteOnce I was settled in the world, I really appreciated how Klein played with language but I think character readers would be disappointed.
DeleteGlad it ended up being worth it despite the rough start
ReplyDeleteI am glad I stuck with it but it also would have been okay if I had skipped it, I think.
DeleteI would say that I'm half a language person and half a plot/character person so I think I'll wait on reading this book and see what other reviews come out. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete-Danna
I think it would be really cool if you did decide to read it and I'd love to check out a review if you do!
DeleteI've read Lisa Klein in the past and have enjoyed her books and a book revolving around Shakespeare is intriguing. I'll keep an eye out for this one and probably give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI've had mixed experiences with Klein's writing so far-I keep hoping to fall head over heels with one of her books but I'm going to have to keep looking.
DeleteI'm glad that you stuck with it and ended up enjoying it. Not sure if it is one that I would pick up though. I'll see if my library will carry it. :)
ReplyDeleteI think the cover is super cool and the concept is neat; it just didn't gel for me.
DeleteLove the idea of this book, but that's too bad that it's dull and you never really fell in love with the characters (especially characters - they're usually the most important part of the novel for me).
ReplyDeleteNice honest review :)
I really wish I had felt more for the characters-I think this was a cool conceit on the Shakespeare story but eh.
DeleteI'm definitely curious about this one. It sounds like the beginning is a bit tough, but the rest sounds pretty good. It's a time period and subject that interests me anyway.
ReplyDeleteI loved the time period and the gutsy gals it features instead of timid, stay at home while the menfolk do stuff women I sometimes see.
DeleteDarn, I was hoping you would love this. Also I'm a big DNf'er and now you're making me feel conflicted about that. But it's rare that a 2 or 3 star book suddenly turns into a five star!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
Yeah, I can't imagine any book that is so difficult ending up getting 5 stars but sometimes you are rewarded. Personally I admire your ability to DNF as I am not good at that at all.
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