Fools and Mortals

I adore Bernard Cornwell and this book lived up to expectations. It's not all-action like the Sharpe series or Uhtred of Babbenburg, but does have a couple of exciting fights that are entirely in context. As usual it's beautifully written so you don't want to put the book down and naturally it is impeccably researched.
This story was of particular interest to me as I have taken to a little bit of acting in my retirement and last year appeared in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, so it was fascinating to see the supposed development of the play and learn about how things were staged, the history of the playhouses and so on at the time.
I really hope this is the start of the series and that I'll learn more about Will's plays and Richard's acting and life with Silvia.

Bernard Cornwell is, without a doubt, one of the finest historical novelists writing in the genre imho and this is no exception.
It's a slight departure from his usual style as there's no warfare or great battles as in the Sharpe or the Warlord novels, instead it takes the reader firmly into Elizabethan England at a time when William Shakespeare was in the city establishing The Globe theatre and getting into conflict with the Lord Chancellor's Men a vival theatre company, and fighting with the rising Puritanical influence on the entertainments of the city.

The hero is William's brother Richard, again a real historical figure although not one we know as much about as his famous sibling, and he's a fully rounded character, neither sympathetic nor villainous. William isn't portrayed in a particularly flattering light so lovers of the Bard take heed!

The plot focuses on the rehearsals and first night performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, in the book it's written to celebrate the marriage of the Lord Chancellor's daughter (again with the historical placement of the narrative which I love from Cornwell) so there's all the usual rivalries, backstabbing, petty feuding and problems with the production.

There are familiar faces from history too, the great actor Will Kemp makes an appearance, there's visits from the nobility and, arcing over the whole thing, is the pressure to perform the play and get one over the new rival theatre which has been established at The Swan.
The intrigue keeps the reader interested, there's a side order of romance to bring a bit of light-hearted relief, and the fractious relationship between William and Richard elevates the plot with petty jealousies as only sibling rivalry can.

For lovers of Cornwell it's a no brainer to add this to your bookshelves, but for lovers of both Elizabethan history and of the great playwright it's a romp through a fascinating period in time when England really did rule the waves both economically and intellectually.

Just as brilliant as I trusted it would be.

Bernard Cornwell has already provided me with hours and hours of downtime enjoyment; from my early days travelling in the footsteps of Wellington with Sharpe to adventuring with Uhtred I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of Cornwell's stories. And this is no exception.

A slightly slow start as we're introduced to our main character, William Shakespeare's brother Richard (and at first he's not the most likeable of leads) soon settles into the usual high class storytelling. The tale itself evolves slowly, and it's not exactly rollicking at any point, but this is all to the good as we're given insight into the plays and the players at this astonishing time of creativity and invention. The social divides are made clear and the rise of the Puritan looms large - as usual the research that takes place before Cornwell puts pen to paper is absolutely clear, but this research informs, it does not direct or detract from the story Cornwell wants to share.

Running away from Stratford-Upon-Avon seemed like a sensible thing to do at the time. Richard Shakespeare was sure that his eldest brother, William, would be glad to see him. Alas, that was not the case. But he was here now. There was nothing William could do about that. Following in his brother's footsteps, Richard becomes a player as well as the occasional thief.

As the years roll on, Richard Shakespeare becomes more and more discouraged. He is way past the age of playing the girl parts in his brother’s plays, but William insists that he play them. When William finally casts Richard in his first male role, Richard is overjoyed. But this was William they were talking about, Richard should have known there would be a catch. Now Richard has a decision to make, should he stay with the Lord Chamberlain's men, or should he leave them to join Langley and his new impressive theatre, The Swan?

Rich with historical detail and with characters that leap off the page, Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell is a must for all fans of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan era.

The story is told from Richard Shakespeare perspective, and therefore it does not portray William in such a great light. Fans of William Shakespeare be warned! The story itself is very fast in the telling, and it was so gripping that I read this book in a day and I have to say that I enjoyed every minute of it.

Fools and Mortals reminded me greatly of the 1998 period costume drama Shakespeare in Love. There was the same feel to it, except the play in the spotlight this time is A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Mr. Cornwell depicts in great detail what it may well have been like to be a player in Elizabethan England. It was very believable and very real in the telling. Kudos Mr. Cornwell!

The story itself is full of intrigue and plots between the rival playhouses. There is, of course, the ever-present threat of the zealous Protestants who wanted to see the playhouses close for good. There is also a sweet romance.

The Last Kingdom it is not, but for fans of Shakespeare, and the Elizabethan era it is a must read.

I Highly Recommend.

*I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via Netgalley, for review consideration.”

Bernard Cornwell takes us into the Elizabethan era and the world of the theatre evolving from a transient company of players touring London and other towns to the birth of permanent theatre, with buildings built solely for this purpose. The popularity of plays with audiences puts pressure for new plays on a continuous basis, leading to a demand for writers to satisfy the demands of growing audiences. At the same time, the chill winds of Puritanism drive a desire to destroy the growing bastion of the theatre and its association with bawdiness, criminal elements, and seen to be a threat to the god fearing and austere section of Protestantism. If the Puritans had their way, players and writers would be purged, and to enforce their views are the Pursuivants, aka the Percies, raiding theatres and pursuing Catholics and those they deem 'criminal' with the power to hang people. However, the aristocracy and royalty are equally determined to support and sponsor this source of popular entertainment.

Cornwell has clearly done his research of this historical period and his love of theatre shines brightly throughout. He does take some liberties as he blends a mix of fact and fiction as he delivers a thrilling historical take on the drama and details of the process of putting on plays with the Lord Chamberlain Men, for whom William Shakespeare writes and Richard, his brother, is a lowly but ambitious player. The two brothers are estranged, with William unwilling to help Richard. It is 1595 and Richard is a gifted thief, a skill honed by his three years of misery with Sir Godfrey Cullen, a church minister and predator that preys on the boys of St Benet's Choir School, for which William was responsible. Richard has had to suffer the indignity of continually playing women but is determined to play men with meatier roles. We are given a picture of his life of poverty, his lodgings, and relationships with the others in the company. There are the insecurites, rivalries, jealousies, betrayal, romance and intrigue as the players rehearse to perform A Midsummer's Night Dream written by William for the wedding of the daughter of the Lord Chamberlain. There are numerous real figures from the period such as the famous Will Kemp, the comic actor, and almost anything that can go wrong does.

Cornwall's love of Shakespeare is transparent in the title of this novel and the knowledge of the Shakespeare plays permeating the narrative. There is rich period detail of London and the intense and demanding process of what it takes to put on a play, right down to set design and costume. Little is known of the actual Richard Shakespeare, leaving Cornwell free to breathe life into him as the protagonist, a gifted player struggling to survive, embarking on adventure and romance, and facing grave dangers. You can't help but get engaged with his travails, character and life. Cornwell does a wonderful job in making the Elizabethan world of London, Shakespeare, and theatre come vibrantly alive. A fantastic piece of compelling historical fiction which I highly recommend. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.

Fools and Mortals is a change of pace from a standard Bernard Cornwell novel. Gone are the battles, the soldiers, the blood and the guts. Instead we are given a homage to Cornwell's love of the theatre. The book starts slowly, and takes its time to build. Initially I felt it was weak, and a loss of form from a man who is probably our greatest historical fiction author.

However after a while, boy does it pick up. The story is set around the first performance of A Midsummers Nights Dream. The main character, Shakespeare's little known younger brother Richard, is compelling, and the supporting cast, including The Bard himself, carry the story brilliantly. We even have great villains (which in perfect Cornwell fashion, are religious nuts). The plot is simple, but it steams ahead in such a manner that the book flies by.

The closing stages of the book, the staging of the play itself, are just magical. Beautifully written by a man who clearly loves the theatre and Shakespeare, we're drawn into the performance, as enchanted and spellbound as those who first saw in in the 1590s. A brilliant book, truly brilliant.

Another epic read from one of my favourite authors. Characters who are engaging yet true to life, especially Richard Shakespeare who is a true "warts & all" unlikely hero. A wonderful plot and incredibly descriptive writing make for an immersive experience! Very highly recommended to fans of historical fiction or those who like a cracking good book.

When I first read the blurb for this book (quite some time ago), I was disappointed and felt that despite all of Bernard Cornwell's prior success he had decided to sell his soul to Satan. The Tudors and the Elizabethan period, in particular, have, as far as I'm concerned, been done to death. I vowed I wouldn't read the book - I won't read anything that's Tudor/Elizabethan anymore because I can't believe that there's anything to say about the period that hasn't been covered elsewhere.
However, when this came up on NetGalley, I decided to take a chance. I'd read a few other reviews, and looked at the 'star' ratings on Goodreads and was just a bit curious.
My first impressions were not that great - it's a ridiculously easy book to read - even with all the quotations from the plays - but none of the characters are at all 'pleasant' and London, as ever, has been depicted as gross and disgusting (even if it's historically accurate, I'm sure that there's no need for such detail). It probably doesn't help that the book is set during the winter and so everyone is cold and freezing most of the time.
Yet, I was intrigued enough to keep on reading - quite avidly. And so I did. Slowly some of the characters developed a few more personable traits - Will Shakespeare is a grumpy man to his brother, but sometimes pleasant to others - his brother is needy and a little desperate. All of the other 'players' are sketched with firm strokes, although we never really get to know them well.
The storyline concerning the work of the players, the way the theatres of London worked, and the precariousness of their position, is told very well. But the 'main' story (perhaps - maybe it's not actually the main part after all - in true Shakespeare play within a play style) is a little weak and ends quite abruptly.
The story is at its best when describing the Shakespearian play being 'played' and it's here that most will find the story a real joy to read and will appreciate the vision of Shakespeare that Cromwell has.
It would perhaps have been better to release this book under a pseudonym. Fans of Uhtred will be disappointed - and those who love stories of Elizabethan England might be put off by the 'warlike' nature of many of Cromwell's previous books. It means that the people who would enjoy this book might miss it all together, whereas though who shouldn't read it, just might and will be disappointed by it.
It's a shame really. The book will more than likely be a huge commercial success - but in terms of ratings and reviews, it might well falter for these reasons.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel. Thank you for allowing me to read it before everyone else!
(Links will be added when the book goes live - as requested).

I am a huge fan of Cornwell and I expected a lot from this book and it did not disappoint. Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for offering the chance to review i before it was published..
I enjoyed it from start to finish, and loved how the story was told through Shakepeare’s different plays. I especially appreciated how the story unfolded and untangled like one of the storylines. A sweet comedy.

A pleasant surprise - not what I was expecting from Bernard Cornwell. Set in Elizabethan times, it centres around Shakespeare's brother Richard. Cromwell evokes the atmosphere of the time brilliantly; one can almost smell the stench and feel the cold. A very enjoyable book.

Shakespear.

Tudor England.

Political intrigue.

Religious bigotry.

Love triangles.

Sword fights, drunken brawls, and backstabbing enemies.

Hypocrites abound.

The Greatman’s plays come to life.

No one does historical fiction better than Bernard Cornwell. In his latest book, Fools and Mortals, he brings us into the bawdy, robust and dangerous world of London during the Elizabethan era. Rivalries abound. The theater has become a cultural icon. Plays are worth their weight in gold, and people were willing to do anything to obtain a Shakespeare play.

Read the entire review at https://journalingonpaper.com/2017/10/09/book-review-fools-and-mortals-by-bernard-cornwell/

"I died just after the clock in the passageway struck nine." It is said that the opening lines of a novel are some of the most important words in a book. In this case, Bernard Cornwell truly cast a well aimed hook and I was caught.
The story is different from his other works that I have read and enjoyed. Well researched, and he gives full credit to his researcher, Amanda Moore, who has done a marvellous job for him, I was drawn into the theatre scene of Elizabethan England. It was a joy. While the story revolves around the first production of 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' and the problems caused by the Puritan faction in the City of London, the hero is Shakespeare's brother, Richard.
In addition, I rarely read the Historical Notes at the end of a book. This time I did and found them to be enjoyable and very useful.
I have other books to read, but this is one that I really do want to read again - and very soon too.
I am very grateful to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me this review copy, but this review is completely unbiased- I really did enjoy it.

I have never read a book by Bernard Cornwell before, so I now have the pleasure of reading his back catalogue. This book tells the story of Richard Shakespeare, brother of William. The reader is plunged into life in Elizabethan days, complete with the fear of being found to be believing in the 'wrong' religion. The descriptions of the horrors of living in cold, damp lodging make the reader glad of their own home comforts. My favourite parts were when tensions ran high when Richard was accused of stealing. Overall, a very entertaining and enjoyable read.

Loved every single page of this book. The setting in late Elizabethan London was so vivid, I could here and smell it!

Seeing William Shakespeare from the eyes of his younger brother was fascinating. The skulduggery that went on was intriguing and I could sense the pressure on the Bard to produce work.

This is all against the background of the evolving Midsummer's Night's Dream.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Having read several of Bernard Cornwall's previous books (and with several still to read), having initially read the naval books and moving to other themes this seemed a slightly different proposition again.
However once past the start (which often is a little slow) the writing became as good as normal and the story one which is believable and also entertaining. Another era which could perhaps be the start of another mini series to look forward to and wait for with anticipation.
I find it one that I can put down and pick up as I needed to slip it in between other things I was doing but one that made me want to go back to find out what would be happening in the next pages, so it was not too long before I found myself drawn back for my next instalment

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I sometimes have problems with historical fiction. It's great when the author has done a lot of research into their subject, but not so great when they get the urge to shoe horn it all into the book to prove to the reader that they have. There needs to be a balance between the narrative and the facts that make the book both readable and credible. I am delighted that this book does this incredibly well. I love the premise and I really liked the character of Richard, Shakespeare's younger brother. As the protagonist he carries the narrative beautifully, and I liked the fact that he was a complex and well fleshed out character in his own right, rather than just a foil for Shakespeare himself. The plot was nicely tense and the background of how Midsummer Night's Dream originated was charming and a great counterpoint to the main plot line.

A wonderful change of direction for this author,a clever yarn of Shakespeare and A Midsummer Nights Dream with a fictional brother this rattles along splendidly. Heroic actors, dark villains all appear in this beautifully described story. Hope there may be more for this cast but it works fine as a standalone piece. Excellent!

Fools and mortals is a wonderful Elizabethan tale full of drama and thrills.
Richard the brother of Will Shakespeare is an actor in the theatre company Will writes plays for. The relationship between Richard and Will is extremely strained and for some reason the reader is not made aware why this has occurred.
Will only ever gives his brother small parts, so often without money for food and his lodgings Richard has at times had to resort to thievery.
The players are about to perform a new play A Midsummer Nights Dream for the Lord Chamberlain, whose daughter is to be married, the play is commissioned to be performed on the wedding day.
This is an atmospheric story fully evocative of the age, the smells and sounds of London seem to leap off the pages. Plots abound, Puritans who will stop at nothing to ban any form of entertainment, other new theatres attempting to steal other writers plays and show themselves, so thrills, intrigue, romance and comedy abound just like any Shakespearean play!
An absorbing and entertaining story
My thanks to Net galley and publisher Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
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What a treat!

Cornwell is a brilliant author. I am quite the fan. Anyone who enjoys the character of Utred from the Last Kingdom series will be able to love Richard, the protagonist of this tale. Richard is the brother of the most well known playwright of Christendom. This book follows the brotherly relationship of Richard and William, with Richard facing a familiar conflict; both looking up to his brother, wanting his approval whilst also wanting to find a place in the world as his own man.

This book is one of drama, both laminated by events in Richard's life and the characters that the theatre company portray. The sense of the story is quite believable, but over all, it is incredibly enjoyable.

Read this book. You will not regret it.

A marvellous thriller,set in Elizabethan England,where the new fashion is going to see plays and other distractions in newly built theatres alongside the river Thames. Playwrights are much in demand and skilful men of letters can earn small fortunes by writing such plays and becoming attached to titled personages and protected by their patronage. Best known are William Shakespeare and Kit Marlowe,and any new play by these people is always at threat of being stolen. This is the premise of this book, a play has been stolen that was due to be shown at a grand society wedding. Lord Hunsden's granddaughter is being married and the family has close Royal links, his mother was Mary Boleyn and his father was rumoured to be King Henry v11. What follows are convoluted attempts to steal back the play by Richard Shakespeare on behalf of his brother William,leading to attempts at blackmail,sword fights,death threats,alongside rehearsals for the new plays A Midsummer Nights Dream and Romeo and Juliet ,and the ever constant worry of the Percies, Pursuivants, who monitor all activities in the theatres for links to Catholicism and sedition against the Queen.
I loved this book!! I found it to be full of historical fact,but not dry and fusty, but full of atmosphere and humour,fast paced and an absolute joy to read. Life in London is sharply contrasted with provincial Stratford upon Avon and it portrays Shakespeare as an obsessed man, only concerned with his writings and his troupe of players, his wife and domestic details are extremely sparse. I do hope this will be the first of a new series of novels, I loved the Sharpe books and am enjoying The Last Kingdom as well. I have posted a copy of this review on Goodreads today. Thank you for letting me have this book, I am a massive fan of this author.

I enjoyed this. Haven't tried this author before and it's not my usual type but was a welcome change on the usual books I go for!

My Review is 4.5 star.
Set in Elizabethan England, at a time when static playhouses are still in their infancy, as the days of players touring the country will gradually decline.  The story focuses on one playhouse and it's players known as the Lord Chamberlain's Men.  It is here where the reader in introduced to Richard, a small time actor who has followed his estranged brother to London.  His brother is the script writer William Shakespeare and scripts are becoming a valuable commodity.  Because the audiences are now going to the playhouse then there is a need for more plays.  It is at this time that William is creating A Midsummer Nights' Dream and also Romeo and Juliet.

Richard is where the focus of this story lies, we are told why and how he decided to follow his older brother to London as well as his experiences of acting, living and social conditions  This is at a time when the playhouses are being targeted by the Pursuivants, who have the belief that what they the players do is all a lie, cheat and are generally considered to be rogues and criminals, luckily for us Queen Elizabeth and other notable aristocracy of the time were big supporters and so we have access to theatres today. 

This is a really good read with a lot of historical research.  Cornwell is well-known for his historical fiction books, they tend to be more battle based.  This is a shift away from that style, this is has a real different feel to his previous works.  It is lighter and entertaining, but still shows the huge amount of research as his other books.  There are many characters to get to know, but once that is done the story becomes very addictive and a page turner.

Cromwell has included a very interesting "Historical Notes" addition at the end of the book, here he discusses the origins of the playhouse as well as the historical figure he has used in the story. 

If like me you like historical fiction genres, then this is a book I would recommend.  It has a great cast of characters, that will lead the reader through jealous rivalries, romance, betrayal as well as having some great historical content.  I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for my eARC copy of this book.  My views expressed are my own and are unbiased.