Katherine de L'Isle is a young widow living at her uncle's manor, Lufanwal Hall in 1590 under Queen Elizabeth's rule. As a Catholic family, they have found themselves under constant scrutiny. When their family priest disguised as schoolmaster is found dead, their fears intensify. The schoolmaster is replaced with a happy-go-lucky young man named William Shakespeare. Katherine is not all impressed with the new tutor at first, but she becomes more impressed with Will as they begin to trade writings. Eventually Katherine's admiration turns into something more, but her feelings may not be reciprocated by Will.
I had a hard time getting into this book, and usually I love pretty much anything Elizabethan. I did not really feel anything for Katherine, she felt like she was just an educated woman with a pretty face. However, I was intrigued by the fictionalized inspiration for Venus and Adonis that Katherine's character is a muse for. I felt a bigger pull towards Shakespeare's character as he is written in The Tutor, he is characterized as arrogant, philandering and carefree, an interesting take on a well known man. The romance in the book from Katherine's point of view was a little much for me, she seemed to switch on and off from love to hate and obsession too quickly. Overall, this was an ok historical novel that moved quickly and was entertaining.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
I had a hard time getting into this book, and usually I love pretty much anything Elizabethan. I did not really feel anything for Katherine, she felt like she was just an educated woman with a pretty face. However, I was intrigued by the fictionalized inspiration for Venus and Adonis that Katherine's character is a muse for. I felt a bigger pull towards Shakespeare's character as he is written in The Tutor, he is characterized as arrogant, philandering and carefree, an interesting take on a well known man. The romance in the book from Katherine's point of view was a little much for me, she seemed to switch on and off from love to hate and obsession too quickly. Overall, this was an ok historical novel that moved quickly and was entertaining.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
