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nickmasters's review
2.0
Unfortunately this was just not my cup of tea. I have wanted to read Bernard Cornwell for quite some time, as the premises of the books have always intrigued me. Unfortunately, though, I was left a little disappointed. At least I now know.
I did however appreciate the world of theatre and the places it took people (and still takes people today). I had butterflies reading how enthralled and engrossed the audience were. As well as leaving me with a renewed appreciation of the art that the playwrights, players, and background staff share with us in the name of entertainment.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy.
I did however appreciate the world of theatre and the places it took people (and still takes people today). I had butterflies reading how enthralled and engrossed the audience were. As well as leaving me with a renewed appreciation of the art that the playwrights, players, and background staff share with us in the name of entertainment.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy.
laurazdavidson's review against another edition
3.0
This fictional treatment of Shakespeare's acting company and A Midsummer's Night Dream was obviously well researched, but the storytelling was very uneven. Some parts were thoroughly entertaining... some parts dragged.
mfreader's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting and intriguing look at plays and players in 16 century. Felt like I was there. The story wasn't so engaging. Had moments of intrigue but fleeting. I did like that the story took the the perspective of Shakespeare's brother. Definitely a unique story with true history as the backdrop.
romanvs91's review
5.0
A pleasant surprise
This is not the sort of book which Cornwall usually writes, but he writes it wonderfully. I read it in one sitting.
This is not the sort of book which Cornwall usually writes, but he writes it wonderfully. I read it in one sitting.
gjmaupin's review against another edition
3.0
Fun! At least, I enjoy this sort of thing. 3.5 stars, really.
laurenmidna's review against another edition
4.0
It has been years since I’ve read any Shakespeare. 8, I think. And that’s mostly because it’s not my style. So when Fools and Mortals turned up this month for my book club, I decided to just grit my teeth and bear it. A book about William and his brother, Richard, performing the plays I could barely stand to read in high school? Oh boy.
But I was entranced. The descriptions of the plays are magical. I felt like I was one of the members of the audience and a player peeking around the curtain, holding my breath to see what would happen next and if the scene could be pulled off.
I will admit that the book starts pretty slowly. I spent 80% of my time on the first half of the book, but devoured the second half in just two days. Once it begins to untangle, it goes quickly, and is an absolute joyride.
Richard is an excellent protagonist. He’s riddled with flaws, but still impossible not to root for. Scorned by his brother, dirt poor, and madly in love with a woman who is to be married off. He’s an underdog through and through, but also goes on an incredible journey of growth that’s satisfying and sweet.
I think this book gave me a better appreciation for William Shakespeare in the context of the time period. Who knows, now that I’m older I may give his plays another try.
But I was entranced. The descriptions of the plays are magical. I felt like I was one of the members of the audience and a player peeking around the curtain, holding my breath to see what would happen next and if the scene could be pulled off.
I will admit that the book starts pretty slowly. I spent 80% of my time on the first half of the book, but devoured the second half in just two days. Once it begins to untangle, it goes quickly, and is an absolute joyride.
Richard is an excellent protagonist. He’s riddled with flaws, but still impossible not to root for. Scorned by his brother, dirt poor, and madly in love with a woman who is to be married off. He’s an underdog through and through, but also goes on an incredible journey of growth that’s satisfying and sweet.
I think this book gave me a better appreciation for William Shakespeare in the context of the time period. Who knows, now that I’m older I may give his plays another try.
emmah_h's review against another edition
4.0
Very funny, as per usual. It's difficult to put down. Really enjoyed it.
richard_farley1976's review against another edition
3.0
I was looking forward to reading this novel especially the subject matter, but I was disappointed. I found it very slow to start and the characters one sided and not developed. The writer provides good descriptive writing about the era and plot, but most of this could have been done in half the pages.
k_dog_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nemrac23's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0