Post by mikef6 on Dec 4, 2021 19:16:50 GMT
Fools And Mortals by Bernard Cornwell. Harper Collins, 2017. Shakespeare’s brother Richard, 9-years Will’s junior, is the sibling we know the least about. He was christened and buried in Stratford. That’s it. Those two dates. Since his whole life is a blank page to write on, he is the perfect main character for Cornwell’s novel. As he is entering adulthood, Richard decides to go to London and get work in the theater like his big brother – except his brother is not excited to see him. He gets a job with the theatre company though and makes friends, finds romance, and witnesses the creation and first performance at the court of Elizabeth I of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” He also uncovers a dastardly plot by a rival theatre group to steal material from and ruin his brother’s Lord Chamberlain’s Men company.
Cornwell is a well-know writer of historical fiction, including The Sharp Series (e.g. “Sharp’s Tiger”), so we know he does his research and can vividly describe the reality of everyday life and work in the past. Indeed, “Fools and Mortals” is a perfect example of his bringing an era to life.
Cornwell is a well-know writer of historical fiction, including The Sharp Series (e.g. “Sharp’s Tiger”), so we know he does his research and can vividly describe the reality of everyday life and work in the past. Indeed, “Fools and Mortals” is a perfect example of his bringing an era to life.