Shakespeare's Scribe

The Shakespeare Stealer #2

by Gary L. Blackwood

When an outbreak of the deadly Black Plague closes the Globe Theatre, William Shakespeare's acting troupe sets off on a tour of England. Widge, the orphan-turned-actor, knows that he'll be useful on the trip. Not only does he love the stage, but his knack for a unique shorthand has proven him one of the most valuable apprentices in the troupe. But then a mysterious man appears, claiming to know a secret from Widge's past-a secret that may forever force him from the theatre he loves.

"An exciting, well-written tale that is sure to leave [readers] clamoring for more." ( School Library Journal , starred review)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Shakespeare, Fiction, Historical, Childrens

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

He grew up in rural Cochranton, Western Pennsylvania, where he attended school in a one room schoolhouse. He graduated with a B.A. in English from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. While a college student, Blackwood published his first short story, Cliffs of Gold, in Twelve/ Fifteen magazine.

He has sold dozens of stories to children's magazines, and has published thirty-five novels and nonfiction books for adults, young adults and middle readers.

Blackwood is also a widely produced playwright.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Gary L. Blackwood's The Shakespeare Stealer certainly does provide a decently readable, historically realistic and accurate introduction to main protagonist and first person narrator Widge (who is a teenaged orphan in late Renaissance England and ends up joining the Lord Chamberlain's Men as an apprentice actor and under the tutelage of none other than William Shakespeare), I also have to say that the second book in the series, that Shakespeare's Scribe is in my opinion where Widge's story really matures and solidifies, really becomes totally and utterly delightful.

Because yes indeed, the frustrating and annoying writing style issues which Gary L. Blackwood's presented narrative at times does tend to show in The Shakespeare Stealer (mostly regarding one dimensional, rather stereotypical characters and indeed that the main villains are all and sundry cardboard thin, on the surface and lacking in any kind of emotional depth), in Shakespeare's Scribe, this has thankfully and appreciatively all but disappeared, leaving both the main character (Widge) and even most if not actually all secondary personages (and indeed also and equally not so positive, villainous individuals) rendered by Blackwood with textual depth and nuanced emotions, showing instances of both intense joy and deep pain, both pleasure and heartbreak (with for example, in Shakespeare's Scribe, Sander’s death from the bubonic plague of course being described as intensely sad and traumatic for his best friend Widge, but also presented as something that is a necessary part of Widge's maturation process from teenager to adult and from an apprentice to a full fledged actor and member of The Lord Chamberlain's Men).

And furthermore (and yes, much importantly, since in The Shakespeare Stealer this really has not at all been the case), I also do very much appreciate that in Shakespeare's Scribe William Shakespeare himself actually plays a much more important and omni-present role and is thankfully not like in The Shakespeare Stealer just some kind of a famous playwright placeholder, but is in fact a richly rendered both living and breathing character, who in Shakespeare's Scribe demonstrates to us readers just how much work writing or dictating an original dramatic work is (or can be) for a given author (and yes of course also for a scribe if an author is in fact dictating his words to the former).

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very good. It wasn't filled with action, but it was a good, rambling book. I especially liked the nervous parts of the book, and how each little story got unraveled. What's more, all the characters had a strong mind. Lastly, I liked how the book came together at the end.
I would recommend it to anyone.

[Elijah (Not all those who wander are lost) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! I still can't decide between 4 or 5 stars... I think I still like the first book better.

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in Blackwood's series which introduces children and pre-teens to Shakespeare. Most of the characters were actual people but a few are invented by Blackwood for his story. The plays, of course, are real.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't love it as much as the first,but still enjoyed it. Good amount of action (duels), some subtle mystery, and some interesting new characters. One new character I really could do without, though.Got really emotional and a bit angry at one point, but no spoilers.

Was frustrated with Widge's lack of confidence and ability to stick up for himself. It takes him way too long to fight for himself in this one. After what he'd been through that surprised me. The ending happened way too fast. Everything unfolds really quickly and I would have liked it the last four ages had a bit more time. More exploration of what the characters were feeling.

Loved Mr. Shakespeare in this. It's interesting seeing him in the process of writing one of my favorite plays. The inclusion of his brother Ned was a good touch to the story as well.

[Kathy Mathey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this author's historical voice; I feel like I'm wandering the backroads and alleys of London right along with Shakespeare and company.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable series. Great for middle school age readers and up.

[Asa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book!Just a little bit longer and more agonizing moments then the first book"The Shakespeare Stealer"

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good sequel. It was nice to have the note in the front talking a little about the historical background, as apparently many others were wondering what was fact and what was fiction.

With a little more idea of how much is fact, it amazes me how little I actually know about Shakespeare. Everyone knows his name, and most people have studied at least one of his plays at some point in their schooling, but I really don't know much about his life, about the historical events in his lifetime, or how acting troupes functioned.

To talk more about the actual book, I really liked Widge's character arc in this. He really grows in this book, and the ending was perfect for the arc he went through. The new characters fit well into the story, and helped to push Widge into this journey of change.

Things could be a little slow at times (especially in the first third), but I was never bored, just more of wondering where the story was going. Still, I enjoyed it.

This isn't a book I'm in a rush to buy, but I would like to add it to my collection.

[JimtheDean · Rating 5 out of 5]

2017: I loved this book. Can't wait to read the next.

2024 Update: reread this book. I continue to love it. Written for a younger reader but I enjoy the historical fiction and the story used to communicate the history.

Probably not for everyone, but I love this series.

[Chrissy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and Heart-warming!

I have been reading this series with my 13-year old, and we love the storyline and the characters. The books are exciting, funny, and heartwarming.

[Rachael Robbins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This historical fiction book for middle-grade readers will likely please its intended audience and may be a fun supplement for homeschoolers. Unfortunately it lacks the true power and greatness which make generations of children and adults return to "children's" works like "Black Beauty" "Winnie-the-Pooh" and "Little Women." Widge - an orphan - is an apprentice in Shakespeare's acting company when the plague closes the theaters. He struggles to know who he is, where his loyalties lie, and what his skills are. This has the elements and potential for a great coming-of-age novel, but ultimately falls terribly flat. There was no real understanding or knowledge gained and no memorable characters who will stick with you after reading. As an adult, this book had little to appeal to me; it verges on the mindless "twaddle" that is prepared solely for children which Charlotte Mason complained about.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is volume two in The Shakespeare Stealer series and the story, characters, and situations develop nicely. The orphan Widge has found a family and home in a theatre troupe. In this book, the shorthand he learned from his earlier (villainous) employer comes to good use, and solidifies the lad's role in the company.

A bonus is the description of living in plague times. While I am sure Blackwood could not have foreseen 2020, it added to the whole experience. This is loads of fun, with terrific villains.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book in a series of historical fiction featuring Shakespeare - in this one, Widge, the protagonist of The Shakespeare Stealer, is traveling with Shakespeare when the Bard breaks his arm, and needs a scribe to help him write down his latest play . . .

[Isabella Roh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike the first book in this series, this one seemed to have substance of its own--it did not rely purely on being Shakespearean historical fiction. Though parts of it were obvious--the whole Jamie plotline, and unfortunately, also, Sander's fate--and though the stakes were a little all over the place, it was still enjoyable. I might have enjoyed it more had I yet read All's Well that End's Well. Maybe I'll add that to my summer list.

[Fiery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first, however, my sadness towards the untimely death of the protagonist's best friend does dampen my love for it quite a bit. On the whole, this book kept me at the edge of my seat, trying to guess what was to happen next as the sequence of events shakes the protagonist's life all the more.

[Amy Linton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining middle-grade story set in Shakespeare's London (and beyond), this short novel continues the story started in The Shakespear Stealer. Not having read the first book, I can say one needn't to enjoy a quick trip to the era of the Globe Theatre, The Black Death, and clever word-play.

[Judine Brey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had originally read these books in order because, while they are all stand alones, they compliment each other very well. I loved watching Widge's growth process, and I almost cheered when he found his own way to take Sal Pavy down a notch. Blackwood has a knack for combining real characters with fictional ones.

[John Barclay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second of three books in the series. It doesn't work as well as the first one, but there is still a lot of fun period detail and Shakespeare atmosphere. The Plague plays a small part in the story which is interesting, but I felt that the whole thing wrapped up too quickly and neatly.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was a smidge predictable but the book was still really good.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book, The Shakespeare Stealer, but still held my kids' attention and brought forth some valuable discussion points.

[Regann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing quite extraordinary, but a solid book nonetheless.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun continuation of The Shakespeare Stealer. Can’t wait to read #3 in the series.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Widge, but I did enjoy the references to theatre.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

Much more engaging than the first book; the characters 'came to life.' More references to Shakespeare himself; less about London.

Good intro to the plague and medical treatments of the time.

[Ránna Shirrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this slightly better than the first in the series. It still lacks a certain something, heart maybe?

[Joy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was AWESOME!

I really enjoyed the great detail in the book, and combined with such a storyline it was a pleasure to read.

[Lee (Rally the Readers) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also posted on Rally The Readers.

The Shakespeare Stealer was a very enjoyable read, so I was really looking forward to reading the follow-up, Shakespeare’s Scribe. Much to my disappointment, the sequel lacked the charm and wit that made the first book so captivating. I just didn’t feel as invested in the story and the characters as I did with The Shakespeare Stealer.

The plot of Shakespeare’s Scribe, which centers around the Lord Chamberlain’s Men taking their act on the road after the plague forces the shutdown of London’s theaters, wasn’t all that compelling to me. I failed to find anything particularly fascinating about the day-to-day life of a traveling actor in Elizabethan England. As Shakespeare and his actors trudged through muddy country roads, I felt like I was slogging through the book. Shakespeare, who’s in the midst of writing a play that will eventually become All's Well That Ends Well , has a greater presence here than he did in The Shakespeare Stealer. Although it’s welcome, more page time for the Bard still doesn’t inject enough spark into the story.

The biggest letdown was the lack of character growth by the protagonist, Widge. We pretty much see the same Widge from the previous book. The story line involving the addition of an apprentice named Sal Pavy, who previously belonged to another acting company and becomes Widge’s rival, fell kind of flat. My interest was piqued when the Lord Chamberlain’s Men made a stop in York, where Widge grew up, and a visit to his old orphanage resulted in an unexpected clue to his parentage. I thought that this development in Widge’s story had a lot of potential, but I didn’t like the way that it played out. At times this plotline seemed forced, like it was in the book just to give Widge something to do besides transcribing for Shakespeare and worrying about losing his roles to Sal Pavy. I really do like Widge; he’s an endearing sort of lad whom you can’t help but cheer for, and I felt that he deserved a more satisfying resolution to his search for answers about his identity.

Shakespeare’s Scribe isn’t a bad book by any means. It’s just that I went into it with high expectations after liking the previous book so much, and this installment in the series didn’t quite meet those expectations. I do still plan on reading the third book in this series, Shakespeare's Spy , to see if the story picks up.

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

#30 of my books.