The Gap of Time by Jeanette Winterson

The Gap of Time is Jeanette Winterson's take on the Shakespearean story, The Winter's Tale.   I've never been heavy into Shakespeare, but I purchased the Barnes and Noble The Complete Works of William Shakespeare for casual reading.  I've thumbed through a page or two from time to time, loving the work till I hit an incomprehensible paragraph or so.  Thankfully, that did not stop me from enjoying this book.

The Gap of Time is the story of a powerful, wealthy man, (Leo) and his belief of his wife's (Mimi) infidelity, as well as the illegitimacy of her daughter, Perdita.  His jealous rage brings him to send away the daughter, and cause the tumultuous end of his marriage and family.  

Predita lives a happy life with Shep, the teller of the story.  The POV's change yet doesn't harm the flow of the story at all.  You either feel like a good friend is telling you a tale, or you're trapped, riding the tempest of a mad man.  

I endured Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet back in high school and I remember a deep sense of exertion.  I was so grateful for Winterson's modern-day version.  The Gap of Time told of jealousy, unrighteous revenge, forgiveness and mental instability.  Dark undertones are enunciated with Leo's heavy monologues that time-chucked me right back to those uncomfortable plastic and metal school seats of school, writhing from confusion and boredom, but tolerable.  I'm honestly happy I stayed with the story.  

I gave the book 4/5 specs instead of five because the book had moments where there was pondering of the universe and other such trivialities that made me want to toss the book.  I didn't and managed my way through- and found it worth the journey.  I hope you try this book out and see if you share the same thoughts.  Send me a message or leave a comment!  I'd love it.
Have a great day and an even greater book!