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Shakespeare's Will

Meredith Whitford

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Dec 02, 2010 Brian Kavanagh rated it it was amazing

By Australian author, Meredith Whitford. My review.
Where there’s a will.
Much of William Shakespeare’s life is unknown apart from a few dates that chronicle his birth, marriage and death but Meredith Whitford has gathered these facts, along with other tantalizing Shakespearian bits and pieces that have come down to us, to fashion the personal life of the greatest poet in the English language. Told largely through the eyes of his wife, Anne Hathaway it chronicles the rise of William from country g By Australian author, Meredith Whitford. My review.
Where there’s a will.
Much of William Shakespeare’s life is unknown apart from a few dates that chronicle his birth, marriage and death but Meredith Whitford has gathered these facts, along with other tantalizing Shakespearian bits and pieces that have come down to us, to fashion the personal life of the greatest poet in the English language. Told largely through the eyes of his wife, Anne Hathaway it chronicles the rise of William from country glove-maker to the London stage, success and acclaim.
William’s passion and desire to create will be recognizable to those who burn with similar ambitions and who, along with Will, are tortured by the challenges of combining a home life with a career. The uncertainties, and sometimes sense of isolation, experienced by those surrounding a creative talent are portrayed in their frustrating realities.
The isolation of the writer is another form of loneliness when the outside world must to be cut off to allow the phantom characters that inhabit the writer’s mind, be permitted their space to grow and develop flesh.
All of this is contained in Shakespeare’s Will; in a style and language that brings 16th century England alive for us and the realisation that things are not so different today. Many contemporary artists will recognise the necessity of seeking patronage, not from an Earl or Monarch, but Arts bodies that dish out money provided the artist has jumped through their endless flaming hoops.
The emotional lives of Anne, Will and Harry, the beautiful Earl of Southampton, who was literary minded, bisexual, and from a long Catholic dynasty, all are explored as well as Will’s fascination with the mysterious and carnal lady with the dark eyes. The steadfast emphasis is on love and the many variations on the meaning of that word.
In a world of intrigue, political dangers and confusion, the marriage of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway must face up to all challenges, from long separations, mistrust, disappointments and the loss of a child.
As Shakespeare brought his characters life, so does Meredith Whitford in what is an exciting and absorbing tale that will stay with you and, I believe, find you returning to it time and time again.
Recommended.

Brian Kavanagh.
Author of Belinda Lawrence Mysteries.
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