I truly enjoy Karen Harper's books. She has a flair for bringing to life Elizabethan England and her latest novel set in that time period is well done. The novel is based on the premise that Shakespeare had two wives, both named Anne. Apparently, in the church registry, two entries exist, only one day apart, for Shakespeare's marriage license to an Anne Whateley and then Anne Hathaway. Is it the same woman or two different ladies? Harper goes with the idea that he married Whateley first and then Hathaway....with Whateley living mostly in London and Hathaway staying in Stratford.
The first Anne tells the story of her life with Shakespeare, the ups and downs of being involved with a creative man and of being the 'other' wife. Sprinkled throughout are character's views on Elizabethan politics and religion. Harper makes the London of that time breathe. She also writes her dialogue in such a way that while it sounds like what you'd expect from an Elizabethan person, yet it isn't cumbersome to read.
"Mistress Shakespeare" was an interesting book and a nice break from the urban fantasy novels I have been reading of late.
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