“Shakespeare’s
Lady” is a novel that arrived with surprise and took me in much the same way.
I always knew that the 16th
century was a corrupt era, this novel paints that corruption in a vivid manner.
Mistresses, deceit, lies, adultery and yet…the novel walks the line between
disparaging and glowing. Giving a glimpse into a world coated in lace and pearls,
but hiding so many sinful longings.
The writing of the novel pulled me
in, to where I didn’t want to be let go, even though time demands were
abundant. I can’t agree with what the main character Emilia did in her affair
with William Shakespeare, but the book never gives the assumption that you
should. It merely gives a glimpse into a life that must have been so incredibly
tormented. To yearn for love, but Queen and Country must come first. Which
ultimately led to Emilia and Shakespeare’s affair.
It’s a time period rife with
conflict, one does not have to search hard for the drama that flows as freely
as the wine. And at the close of the book, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sad
for the characters. It’s based on a true story, there isn’t much room for
fictional interruption, and thus it must end as history ends. Which gives the
reader a very plain view of the human condition
.
A great work of fiction, written
exceptionally well it’s a novel journey into a world we don’t see often, but
one that truly isn’t much different from our own today.
This review is my honest opinion.
Thanks to the publishers from my advance copy to review.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
More about the novel...
...a love story between William Shakespeare and the Dark Lady from his sonnets. The author, Alexa Schnee, took what facts she could find about Shakespeare and Emilia Lanier, the woman she postulates is the mysterious woman from his famous poems, and has built a romance around them. It dances on the line between fact and fiction, and brings the true facts—about Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, Tudor society—to life in a way a history book never could.
Friday's Note:
The winner of Hush Little Baby by Deborah Piccurelli is...
Tore923@....!
Congrats! Be watching your inbox for my email. ;-)
I have a copy of this book waiting to be read too. I'm always intrigued by fact-laced fiction. This sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Beth! Sure loved seeing you last night at the chat (just wish I didn't have to leave so soon)
DeleteIt was good. I wouldn't call it Christian Fiction, but the author has a talent for words. :)
So, how many stars did you end up giving this book?
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time with books that don't end happy. I guess that I read fiction to escape and I always want to close the cover with a smile.
I ended up giving it 4 stars, mainly for some issues through the book that I didn't agree with or some writing glitches. I agree, the ending was another reason I still have mixed feelings. It's one of those books you have to realize when you read it, isn't going to be a perfect conclusion or a pretty painting of that life.
DeleteYeah this didn't really have a strong Christian message but it was definitely a good book. I think it would be good for someone who is unsure about or who has never read CF before as it doesn't "preach" or anything.
ReplyDeleteGood review Case!
XOXO~ Renee C>