This book read as though it had been inspired by Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code". The author tries to deny that by describing a time line of authorship which predates Dan Brown's work. He didn't convince this reader.
If you're the type of person who likes to check their brain at the door when they go to the cinema (to view a motion picture), then you may well enjoy this book.
The "Macguffin" of a lost Shakespeare play is quite interesting and very well developed. The characterization of the principal character is also well developed. The milieu of Shakespearean academe is well described. However, every other character though is a cypher, barely filled in.
Despite this the book flows well. The pages do go by quickly. I would not say you couldn't put it down, but you are at least prepared to pick it up again.
The author also utilized fashbacks to the Elizabethan creation of the lost play. Whilst providing some back fill of the plot, this reader was left unsatisfied by the detailing.
The plot itself is forced. Some of this is probably due to the fact that the characterization is restricted to the main character. The motivation of even important baddies is only really explained in hindsight. You never really foresee the action. I guess some of that is good. You are constantly surprised. But its surprise from lack of knowledge, not arising from a surfeit of knowledge.
If you come across it in a public library, borrow it by all means. You'll probably enjoy the story.
If you come across this book in a book store, make a note of it and then borrow it from a public library.
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