Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper

History is not clear about Shakespeare - whom he married. It is accepted by most historians that he married Anne Hathaway. The mystery of Anne Whateley remains.

The author weaves a captivating story of Mistress Anne Whateley of Temple Grafton, located outside Stratford-Upon-the-Avon, where Will Shakespeare is from. 

Anne tells her story, first of friendship, then of love to Will. They meet as youngsters. Anne notices early on that no matter what obstacle are thrown at Will; he is determined to be a poet. At the same time, they are both determined to be together against all odds, but fate separates and tries their love for each other not once, but twice. After the death of her father, she moves to London, a place she has longed to see for a long time. Will remains in Stratford and is forced to wed against his wish. The loveless marriage drains his spirit. A trial of acquaintance at the Tower brings him to London, where their paths cross again.

Anne is Shakespeare’s inspiration for so many of his works. His writing is also affected by shifts in power and conflicts, “…passions and power that can turn one’s world upside down and destroy destinies.” With his success he changes how players are viewed. “Will and his fellows had managed to help lift players from their reputations as impoverished, strolling entertainers to admired professional men.”

Overall, Anne’s voice is very vivid and authentic. I have to say that the cover is very misleading. I thought it would be some vain historical romance, which I’d put away very fast, but I couldn’t be more wrong. This is a historical fiction beautifully imagined and written. This is a phenomenal read.

@Facebook/BestHistoricalFiction