Nicole Galland's Boy and that lovely smirky cover is about two "boy"s. . .

Sander Cooke - one of Shakespeare's favorite young men who could pull off the ingenue roles in his plays - that's Boy #1. The next protagonist in this read is Joan Buckler - who has ambitions to be a philosopher, and a surgeon - she's Boy #2. Both of these line crossing people are friends, and help each other to better fulfill their hopes. Joan helps Sander be better at girling, giving fashion advice, coaching mannerisms and helping him understand the female mind. She also lends her hand to stitching costumes, props and feather arrangement. Sander helps Joan pass as a young man in amongst the students, patients, and leading guildsman in the halls of learning where she regularly makes her way in by dressing male servant or other inconspicuous accepted [male] member. In that garb she's able to watch surgeries, dissections and attend medical lectures.

Set in Shakespeare's world, amongst his works and comrades, the author deftly weaves in the political intrigues of the time - and there were plenty. Readers attend plays from both sides of the stage with these two characters, and a number of historical events including the execution of the 2nd Earl of Essex (Robert Devereux) a former favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. The Rose and Globe theatres are featured.

Those who are interested in all things Bard, may settle in expecting a book completely about the most famous William - but this truly is the story of Boy #2 mostly, whose moon is Boy #1.

Enjoyable and hit all my *I love Shakespeare* buttons!

*A sincere thank you to Nicole Galland, William Morrow, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #Boy #NetGalley

Boy was a super interesting read. I loved the character study and the writing felt propulsive. I'd read more from the author.

3.5 stars rounded up. This was a well-written work of historical fiction with a really interesting premise. It didn't pull me in as much as I would've liked, but I think I was the problem this time, not the book. Historical fiction books tend to be pretty hit or miss for me when it comes to holding my attention and this one was mostly a miss, unfortunately. It's definitely a YMMV kind of book though and I can easily see how other readers would be more entertained and enlightened than I was.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Over on my booktube channel (Hannah's Books), I shared this book in my description of exciting books forthcoming in February. Link to the particular discussion: https://youtu.be/LbU2uGZy46I?si=kcBwszNewVjSEfsF&t=456

I was really excited about this one, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. It was good, but it didn't stand out to me. The book delved more into philosophy than I was anticipating and I think that's where it started to lose me. Nonetheless, I think the book was very intelligent! It raises great conversations regarding gender roles and I loved all the little Shakespeare references scattered throughout. I especially loved that the book was divided into five acts, a nod to Shakespeare's play structure. All in all, a good book, but not as much for me as I hoped it would be.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, like it was one of my most anticipated ARCs and releases this year and I am in love with this story! Joan and Sander capture my heart, and the conversation on gender based expectations and queerness in gender roles makes my heart so happy. Galland does a fantastic job at keeping the story interesting from start to finish, and I would pay copious amounts of money to see more about the duo's future together and their exploits! I cannot get over how badass Joan is, and how badass it is that Sander sees her for who she is and encourages her in a world that was not quite on that page yet. I could gush about this book for literal hours!

I'm always here for the historical ~*drama*~ especially when it involves Shakespeare.

Boy follows Sander Cooke, the beloved “boy player” of the Chamberlain’s Men, as he grapples with the end of his onstage youth and the uncertainty of what comes next. His best friend, Joan Buckler, dreams of a life filled with learning, but in a world that denies women access to education, her curiosity becomes a dangerous pursuit. When their paths cross with Francis Bacon, both are pulled into a world of politics, secrets, and survival.

Nicole Galland’s writing is vivid, thoughtful, and full of life. I loved getting swept up in the atmosphere, stakes, and friendship at the heart of it all. Highly recommend to anyone who loves smart, character-driven historical fiction.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a fantastic work of historical fiction and is a very character driven philosophical book . I felt it was a good read

Joan Buckler and Sander Cooke have been friends ever since they were children. Both of them are unusual. Joan is a gifted natural philosopher (scientist) who has been lucky enough to find mentors willing to teach a girl. Sander is famous for playing female roles in the prestigious acting company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. But as Sander approaches the end of his apprenticeship and the end of when he can credibly play women and Joan starts working with the polymath Sir Francis Bacon1, their dynamic shifts. Boy, by Nicole Galland, tells their story (with hints of Twelfth Night and The Merchant of Venice, among other works by Shakespeare) of love, betrayal, loyalty, and ambition.

While Joan and Sander are both clearly cisgender, their biological sexes present challenges. If Joan had not been born a girl, it would be so much easier for her to attend school, find employment with other natural philosophers (early modern scientists), and not have to deal with the constricting expectations society has for girls. Sander, because he is aging out of being able to credibly play Shakespeare’s young heroines, doesn’t know what he will do with himself when his apprenticeship ends. He doesn’t have the physicality (or the opportunity) to jump into male roles. Also, Sander has found it much easier to make his way in the world by enticing women and gay or bisexual men for money and favors. A bit of luck introduces Sander and Joan to powerful men who might be able to help them find a good living. Sander’s acting talent catches the interest of Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, who is desperate to get back into Queen Elizabeth’s good graces. Joan, meanwhile, impresses Sir Francis Bacon after an otherwise disastrous meeting, with Sander’s assistance.

Even as Sander and Joan’s paths start to pull them in different directions, they discover a shared passion. No one else knows Joan the way Sander does, and vice versa. Both of them inhabit a gap in society because neither of them is willing or able to be conventional. So while Joan helps Bacon with his experiments with temperature and Sander tries to find a patron who will pay him enough to support himself and a wife, they continue to meet at the Globe Theatre. Patronage plays a huge role in both of their lives and, over the course of the novel, both are forced to wonder if they’ve found the right person to pin their hopes on. Bacon is fussy and humorless, constantly worried about staying on the Queen’s good side. The charming Robert Devereux is less concerned with propriety and the way things are done. Devereux is determined to win back the Queen’s favor by whatever scheme or strategem possible, dragging Sander along with him.

Readers who are familiar with Shakespeare’s plays will spot the references to the plays as Joan and Sander constantly cross-dress, pass messages, and get involved in subplots. (Shakespeare himself doesn’t really show up in this book but John Heminges frequently appears. Richard Burbage has cameo appearances.) Galland even organizes the book in five acts. While I could see some of the references coming (I grinned when I recognized Joan’s gambit at the conclusion of the book), I was on tenterhooks waiting for the novel to reveal itself as a comedy or a tragedy. Would our protagonists get married? Or would everyone end up dead? Either conclusion is possible until the very end. Boy is a marvelous tale, beautifully written, that hit me right in the heart. I loved every word.

This book delves into philosophy more than I expected but it's also very character driven. The characters are dynamic and interesting. Such a fantastic work of historical fiction.

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

I’ve been wanting to read one of Nicole Galland’s historical novels for a long time, but never got around to it. So I was pleased to review an e-galley for Boy.

Set in Elizabethan England and intermingling the worlds of the theater, the queen’s court and courtiers, and the scientists of the day, Galland centers the story around two gender-bending protagonists.

Alexander Cooke (Sander) is an apprentice actor at the Globe Playhouse and a city-wide celebrity. Slender, pretty, and coquettish, he stars in the female roles of Shakespeare’s great plays and is admired wherever he goes. Much of that admiration, particularly among the highborn and/or well-to-do, is due to his powerful sex appeal, making him a favorite of both women and men. Sander loves the attention. And the sex.

However, he’s getting older and the term of his apprenticeship is coming to an end. Sander knows he is outgrowing the female leads without growing into male roles. He isn’t interested in taking on a more managerial role. He wants to act. And if he cannot act, he needs a new “career.” He wants to be a courtier with a patron.

Joan Buckler is Sander’s oldest friend. They grew up together and know each other’s deepest secrets. However, while Sander is not particularly bright (except for a phenomenal memory), Joan is exceptionally smart. She wants to be a natural philosopher. Her problem is that she is female, with no hope of studying such things with the masters.

The crux of the novel focuses first on the budding physical attraction between these longtime friends, and then its blossoming into romantic love and strong sexual desire. Sander, in an effort to do something to please Joan, utilizes his acquaintance with Sir Francis Bacon to introduce Joan (who is masquerading as “Jack”) to Bacon’s circle and his ideas of inductive logic.

While Joan is furthering her education, Sander seeks patronage. This is even more important now that he wants to be able to support Joan as his wife. Unfortunately, he is fixed upon joining the circle around the earl of Essex, who was once one of the queen’s favorites but is now very much on the outs.

Galland does a lovely job of bringing young Sander and Joan to life. Sander is a complicated (if shallow) character who is redeemed by his love for his soul mate. Joan is bright, loyal, and brave. The London of the Elizabethan era is described in detail as the two make their way around in it. And the intrigue of Queen Elizabeth’s court is shown through the efforts of rivals for influence as they work to manipulate the queen’s favor.

This all requires a lot of set-up. The story ultimately reaches a satisfying conclusion; however, much of the book is slow as all the pieces must be maneuvered into position. I found my engagement with the story waxed and waned throughout. It’s definitely a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction and the time of Shakespeare, but for a 350-page book, it read longer.

In Shakespearean London, this tells of Sander, a young man who often plays the roles of women, and his friend Joan who desires more than a typical woman’s life. Interesting characters and a wonderful setting.

There were many interesting historical details incorporated throughout this work that helped to bring the setting and characters to life. I was honestly a little surprised by how heavily it focused on natural philosophy and conversations surrounding it - not a bad surprise, just a little unexpected. While I generally enjoyed these conversations, there were many of them and they did slow down the work in places. This aspect could detract from the work for many readers.

The premise of this one was interesting, and I enjoyed how gender was explored through the lens of the 16th century without forcing today's views into the mix. It was thoughtfully done, and one of my favorite aspects. I did want a bit more from the characters, especially Joan. Her whole personality is science and I feel like she was a flat character because of it. It didn't greatly detract from the work, but she could have been much stronger.

If you like historical fiction, especially set in 16th century London, then you may quite like this one. My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you ever had a dream for your life that seemed so impossible that you would do anything to make sure it happened? Whether the matter of age or gender or even circumstances of one’s birth, there is always that one dream that keeps you going even during the most difficult times. Sander Cooke and his best friend Joan Buckler have dreams that seem impossible, especially living in Elizabethan England. Sander wants to stay young so he can continue to act in female roles in plays whereas Joan wants to be a natural philosopher even though she is a woman. Can they achieve their dreams or will they be doomed to fall to greater powers? The story of Sander and Joan is told in Nicole Galland’s latest novel, “Boy.”

I want to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this novel. The cover caught my eye first, and I was impressed by its simplicity. Then, I read the description, and I knew it was right up my alley. I don’t read a lot of novels about Elizabethan theater life or natural philosophy, so I was excited to see how she could incorporate these ideas into one cohesive novel.

We begin with Alexander ‘Sander” Cooke who is one of the best boy players in the Chamberlain’s Men. He can get any female part that he wants that is written by William Shakespeare. Sander is renowned for his beauty and his acting skills, but he knows that his youth will not last forever so he is working feverishly to create connections at court. Meanwhile, Sander’s friend Joan just wants an opportunity to show that she can study just like a man can. She has no formal education, but she wants to study in the halls of the Barber-Surgeons and with natural philosophers.

It seems that both Sander and Joan’s problems are solved when Sander is introduced to Sir Francis Bacon, a natural philosopher. Sander comes up with a scheme for Joan to converse with Bacon, but Joan must dress as a male servant. While Joan has to deal with masquerading as a man, Sander has his issues as he is close to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, and his sister Lady Penelope Rich. While there are areas of love, danger, and intrigue, what grabbed my attention was how revolutionary some of the scientific and philosophical experiments made me think about their discussions in depth. It was refreshing and innovative in its approach with the historical figures we all know from this period of the past taking more of a back seat.

This was an evocative novel that gave even more depth to an already rich period of the past. It shows the lives of the common people striving for better lives and how to better the world around them through the arts or scientific discoveries. I did not know what to expect when I first selected this book, but I am so glad I read it. If you want a novel with a fresh take on Elizabethan England, I highly suggest you read “Boy” by Nicole Galland.

Thanks to BookClubGirl, NetGalley, and William Morrow Books for this copy of "Boy."

I'm mood reading books about English history right now, and I've always been a Tudor geek and love to read fictionalized accounts of famous people associated with them (and no, I've never watched the TV show.)

So of course I had to read "Boy" with characters Alexander "Sander" Cooke and Joan Buckler, and Francis Bacon.

Sander is beautifully androgynous and the darling of the theatre. He doesn't like the thought of growing older and doesn't know yet what he wants, other than to continue acting. (He's a real historical person and I didn't know that until I searched and found him.)

Joan is a brilliant self-taught botanist and herbalist prodigy. She wants to learn human anatomy (among other sciences) but women aren't allowed in the lectures.

Sander and Joan have been best friends forever but they're starting to look at each other differently. And Sander wants to help Joan with her knowledge quest by letting her attend after-performance-parties with Francis Bacon and other philosophers, but of course she has to dress as a "boy."

Sander and Joan unknowingly get caught up in all the political and court intrigue. And whom can they trust? And how can they protect each other? And I was holding my breath at the end.... and loved it!

Rounded up from 4.5 stars

Sander and Joan, the protagonists of "Boy," won my heart from the get-go. Each is intelligent, witty, inquisitive, and enjoyable to spend time with individually, and when they're together, they are an absolutely delightful duo. Whether they will indeed come together romantically—they've been friends since childhood—is the question that propels the novel, and I was rooting for them all the way.

Nicole Galland's prose strikes an ideal balance between of-the-period (late-Elizabethan England) and contemporary. The descriptions of Thames River crossings and watching a play at the Globe Theatre were just as vivid as those showing Sander and Joan experiencing first love. The only reason I didn't rate this a full five stars is that a few of the discussions regarding Francis Bacon's scientific methods, while important to the story, were a bit dry for me. Otherwise, I adored Sander, Joan, and "Boy."

Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The energy of this book is delightfully kinetic, propelled by ebullient characters and animated prose. Much like the tale itself, the story is the stage, and the theatrical whimsy through which we see the story develop is as charming as the budding romance between our main characters.

Ultimately, this is a character-driven book: our main characters and side characters are unique and well-developed as we progress in the story, each of whom embody an inquisitive nature and daring intellect that challenge the status quo of Elizabethan London. This is a well-researched tale, well-peppered with embellished versions of historical figures that enhance these interwoven themes of normative rebellion.

The pacing of the story is a bit inconsistent (sometimes energetic, other times unvaried - particularly in the first half of the story), which may be an issue for some, but the switch of narrative perspectives between the two main characters throughout the chapters ferried my attention and the last half of the story was pure fun. 4 stars - would recommend, this was an enjoyable read! Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC and opportunity to give an early review!

Sander is a boy in Shakespeare’s company of players. He is a star in the female roles, a sought after celebrity. His best friend, Joan, is not a star but she has a brilliant and inquisitive mind. They are both growing up. Soon Sander will age out of the young female roles and Joan will be a candidate for marriage. Are they meant for each other? Will Sander’s efforts to further Joan’s education and to find a patron end in misery? Tudor politics in the form of Francis Bacon and the Earl of Essex play a role.

Setting details were good! They were great and really kept me interested. There were anlso some really funny moments of dialogue. At times, though, interactions between people could be a bit awkward, flat or unrealistic. so ultimately the story didn’t keep me hooked.

I really wish there had been more establishment of the status quo between Sander and Joan. We hear that they’ve been friends, but from their first interaction the dynamic starts to shift. I think their relationship lacked a sense of groundedness, and I wish the status quo of their lifelong friendship had been shown rather than told. I also wish we’d been more so shown rather than told so much about Sander’s devoted fans and appeal to others.

witty and funny story at points but dealing with a lot of intense political drama the farther it goes. sander and joan are both very compellingly written characters. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.