***** - One of my all-time favorites. There's some great scenes about acting, both historical and modern. The scenes with Shakespeare are magical, and the concept behind the time travel interesting and satisfying. Absolutely loved it.
Nathan Field is a talented young actor who throws himself heart and soul into the theater to escape the tragedies that haunt his young life. He is chosen as part of The Company of Boys to go act in the restored Globe as the plays were performed in Shakespeare's day, and he is thrilled at the chance to do what he loves. Soon after he arrives in London, he goes to bed ill and wakes up in Elizabethan England to act in Shakespeare's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream - and to find a father figure in Shakespeare himself.
The treatment of Elizabethan England was the most thoroughly satisfying of all young adult Elizabethan novels I've read. It talks about the difficulties of life at the time - the plague, the smells, the fact that you have to work even as a child. The world of Elizabethan acting isn't romanticized, but it nonetheless demonstrates the appeal. The duties of an apprenticeship in the theater as well as the classes in swordplay and tumbling are described in detail. In addition Nat's acting 'process' runs through his head during both the classes and performances (historical and modern). I loved the descriptions of the exercises in acting - the modern ones seemed very familiar from my own experiences in a teen acting company. This is great stuff for anyone who is interested in the experience and process of acting and the theater.
The scenes of Nat dealing with his family troubles are seamlessly intertwined with the acting story. His conflicts and emotional reactions about his family are echoed and reflected in his acting and vice versa. And Nat's search for identity never feels tacked on or forced. Instead Nat's budding relationship with Shakespeare becomes as integral to the plot as his desire to be a great actor. The emotions are deep, difficult, and ring very true. An amazing look at dealing with grief and loss.
Nathan Field is a talented young actor who throws himself heart and soul into the theater to escape the tragedies that haunt his young life. He is chosen as part of The Company of Boys to go act in the restored Globe as the plays were performed in Shakespeare's day, and he is thrilled at the chance to do what he loves. Soon after he arrives in London, he goes to bed ill and wakes up in Elizabethan England to act in Shakespeare's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream - and to find a father figure in Shakespeare himself.
The treatment of Elizabethan England was the most thoroughly satisfying of all young adult Elizabethan novels I've read. It talks about the difficulties of life at the time - the plague, the smells, the fact that you have to work even as a child. The world of Elizabethan acting isn't romanticized, but it nonetheless demonstrates the appeal. The duties of an apprenticeship in the theater as well as the classes in swordplay and tumbling are described in detail. In addition Nat's acting 'process' runs through his head during both the classes and performances (historical and modern). I loved the descriptions of the exercises in acting - the modern ones seemed very familiar from my own experiences in a teen acting company. This is great stuff for anyone who is interested in the experience and process of acting and the theater.
The scenes of Nat dealing with his family troubles are seamlessly intertwined with the acting story. His conflicts and emotional reactions about his family are echoed and reflected in his acting and vice versa. And Nat's search for identity never feels tacked on or forced. Instead Nat's budding relationship with Shakespeare becomes as integral to the plot as his desire to be a great actor. The emotions are deep, difficult, and ring very true. An amazing look at dealing with grief and loss.
The inclusion of snippets of Midsummer really enrich the story, and I thought Nat's summary of the plot was funny and fit well with his perspective. Puck is my favorite character anyway, and the loved the idea of his costume. I also enjoyed the analysis of the sonnet Cooper uses to illustrate the relationship between Nat and Shakespeare. This isn't to suggest that it is dry analsis presented as such. It's woven into the story and circumstances without any overt stutters. It just seems right and beautiful that Shakespeare would present it to Nat, as do the reasons behind the gift.
This is a wonderful book that really brings Elizabethan England alive without sparing some of the nastier aspects of the time, but it also explores the world of acting, of grief, and of love. There was so much to this book despite its small size. One of the best young adult books I've read with deep characters and historical detail. I love the portrayal of Shakespeare and the way this book makes the play and a sonnet accessible to kids in a way that can never be forced in school.
Interested in other opinions?
Michele at Scholar's Blog
Mister Troll at Books Under the Bridge
Jen Robinson at Jen Robinson's Book Page
Jenny at Jenny's Book Page
Thanks for commenting on and linking to my review, Lana. Clearly, the book didn't work quite so well for me as it did for you. But, 18 months after reading and reviewing the book, I will add that this is one that has stayed with me. The characterization, especially of Nat, is quite strong.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasure discussing books with you!
truley remarkable review if definately agree. was a terrific novel and you really helped me with my essay topic whcih was ‘Nathan Field finds, in the world he goes to, a fulfillment that he could never have found in the ‘real’ world’. Discuss with close reference to the novel.
ReplyDeleteAnon, thanks for leaving a comment. I'm glad I could help.
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