Member Review

Bernard Cornwell is best known for his stories of a hero, usually an outsider, who fights and wins epic battles against all odds, and shapes the future of nations. But every now and then He writes something a bit different. Fools and Mortals is one such book. The central character is Richard Shakespeare brother of Playwright William. He is a minor player in William’s company and there is little love lost between the two brothers. He struggles to survive on what he is paid and is not above a little thievery to supplement his income. The overall story of the book covers the nature and relationships of an Elizabethan Theatre Company, the rivalry between the companies and the dirty tricks, violence and political machinations employed to gain the upper hand. And the rehearsal and performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream.
With its portrayal of the seedier side of life in Elizabethan London, and how the arts were sometimes used as status symbols by the nobility,I found this to be an entertaining book, easy to read with the story flowing nicely.