Shakespeare's Daughter

by Peter W. Hassinger

Susanna Shakespeare finds the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon much too quiet and provincial. She yearns to travel to London to see her father's world of players and poets, and to follow a secret dream of her own. Once Susanna arrives in London, nothing is quite as she expected it to be -- least of all her relationship with her famous father. But propelled by her love for Thomas Cole, a Catholic chorister, and her desire to sing, Susanna discovers that it is only with the support of those who love her that she has the strength to succeed. Screenwriter Peter W. Hassinger creates a Shakespearean tale rife with imagery and beauty that pays homage to the Bard himself.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Shakespeare, Fiction, Teen, British Literature, Romance

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

Peter W. Hassinger works as a screenwriter in Brooklyn. Shakespeare's Daughter is his second novel for young adults. He is also the author of The Book of Alfar: A Tale of the Hudson Highlands.

Reviews

[Anne Osterlund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susanna Shakespeare doesn’t belong in the small town of Stratford.
So she journeys to London on a mission to discover the world.
Instead she finds the hazards of the open road, her father’s illicit lover, and Tom.
The chorister who shares Susanna’s own dream. To sing.

But Tom has a secret passion even stronger than his feelings for Susanna.
Or his love of music.
A passion that may endanger not only himself.
But Susanna.
Her father.
And everyone’s dreams.

A quick historical novel of adventure, first love, and the very real hazards of Elizabethan England.

[Felisha Caldeira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Peter Hassinger's creative story showcasing the life of Shakespeare's oldest daughter Susanna. It was simple story of what one encounters whilst becoming a young adult while also having plot full of adventure, love, and of course, history.

Narrator Kathleen Chalfant does a wonderful job narrating this story.Her smooth overtones and subtle character nuances make for a very pleasant listener experience.

Overall a very sweet tale that I would recommend to all.

This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review

[Kelsey Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize it when I first picked up the book that this is a young adult novel. I thought it was just a shorter adult book. Still, I was extremely impressed! When compared to another book I just read, this book is BY FAR magnificently and remarkably better than some of the other material I've delved into as of late. I was extremely impressed with the plot and the characters. While the plot itself was a little bit heavy on the religious turmoil of the time--something I fear might put off some readers--the rest of the storyline more than makes up for it. The language is lyrical and the descriptions are woven as if from magic. Hassinger's background as a screenwriter is very evident in the eloquent manner in which he describes his characters' surroundings. Though a YA book, this is definitely one to treasure.

The portrayal of William Shakespeare was definitely an interesting one and--though it's most assuredly a fanciful tale with contrived personalities of its characters--I took delight in witnessing Shakespeare's interactions with his children. It was the children that made this story for me. Their personalities were so touching and lifelike. Their dialogue was charming. I could picture them perfectly. Even though anyone who knows about the life of William Shakespeare knows the tragedy that befalls his family, I was still touched by the loss they suffered. It was extremely well-written and I tragically, morbidly beautiful.

While I very much enjoyed Susanna as a character, her actions were not always true to the time period. Now, one can argue that Susanna behaved the way she did because she's a great example for female readers of a strong young woman until he is blue in the face, but that does not necessarily mean I am willing to overlook the historical inaccuracies. ***These aren't really spoilers, but I do discuss tiny bits of the story to prove my point. Fair warning!*** Under NO circumstances would a Tudor-era father allow his daughter to flit around alone with a boy! The informality between some of the characters also rubbed me the wrong way. The interactions between Tom and Susanna were another issue I had. Their lack of modesty and uncharacteristic behavior was not what they would have been raised to practice--not to mention a devout Catholic boy like Tom!

However, if one is willing to overlook the issues with some historical inaccuracies, this is a simply MAGICAL book. I devoured it in about two days and I'm definitely giving it to my thirteen-year-old cousin tomorrow! This book is a wonderful and quick read that I recommend. It has Shakespeare, art, history, and amazing writing all rolled into one. What's not to like?

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shakespeare's Daughter by Peter Hassinger's is a sweet story that I would recommend for the young adult set who may be reading one of Shakespeare's stories in English or Literature class. The story centers around Susanna, Shakespeare's oldest and teen-aged daughter, who lives in Stratford with her mother and two siblings. She is a very talented singer and desires more than anything in this world to become a professional singer. She soon falls in love after a brief meeting with another young singer, Thomas, who sings in a traveling Boys Choir.

After a tragedy strikes one of her younger siblings, Susanna runs away from home and travels to London to be with her father thinking life will be better there. However, after arriving she learns of her father's loveless marriage and adultery, and she soon realizes life outside Stratford is cruel (until then she had no idea people were hunted down as animals just because they were Catholic). In the blink of an eye Susanna matures into a young lady and seeks out to find her own happiness after realizing no one could do it for her.

This story was a bit uneven for me. I loved the history aspect, with the weaving of the Reformation's persecution of Catholics and William Shakespeare's life in London. I also really enjoyed the relationship and conversations between Susanna and her two siblings. But the parts involving Thomas didn't ring true for me; I can easily imagine a teenaged infatuation but true love? Also, how could a teenage girl from the 16th Century runaway from home by herself, survive in the woods overnight, and eventually wind up in London - over 100 miles away - unscathed?

I listened to the Audible version of this book narrated by Kathleen Chalfant who did a great job narrating. She really brought the characters to life, using a variety of voices and giving each character their own distinct voice. I received a copy of this audiobook via Audiobook Blast from the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't say it's a bad book, but it really isn't that great at all. One of the things that kept me reading, was the mere-novelty, is it?-of Shakespeare.

Basically, Susanna is Shakespeare's 13-year-old daughter. Her apiration is to become a singer, and she is also driven by her love of Thomas Cole. She leaves Stratford and her family to go to London to be with her father. She doesn't find the city life as what she thought it would be, or being with her father, but again, propelled by her desire to sing and her love of Thomas Cole, she is willing make things work for herself. Not the perfect summery there, but good enough.

One of the things that ticked me off was there wasn't much happening. It's mostly just her in the city. Also, the plot was confusing, or at least how the climax works. I couldn't tell whether the climax was at the very end, with a speeding-denouement, is it?-and resolution (which is annoying for want of slowing down or filling in details). That, or the climax was more at the ending half, with it going up and down again later near the end. That confuses me. It's not the only thing I was annoyed at either.

Did I mention the plot was, bland? It's mostly Susanna confused about love-for her father, her father's love, stuff about Tom Cole, etc.-and singing. And maybe a little of city life or basic family issues. There's not much conflict, I suppose, if you think about it. Pretty straightforward-what happens. You could probably guess what does happen in the end. Go ahead and guess, I got it right.

Again, I'll say it's ok. But definitely, there wasn't enough charm or whatever in the story or Susanna. Maybe it's the story telling. Who knows? I just really didn't like a lot. Quite honestly, I'm giving it a bonus just for including William Shakespeare, a writer I much admire and enjoy.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was interesting to read this author's idea of how Shakespeare's daughter dealt with coming of age and seeking to do what she loved to do which was to sing which was not for women of 16th century England.
It was rated with an average of 3.44 when I picked it and I can see why. It's not great but it is interesting. It is written kind of in the style that it might have been written in 16th century but very modern at the same time.
Didn't really like how subjects were brought up and then dropped.

[Lexi V · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hassinger's novel is highly entertaining, but doesn't add much to the historical account of William Shakespeare and his family. As Shakespeare and his daughter carry on parallel affairs, the reader is left to wonder about Anne Hathaway's perspective and how Hassinger can emphasize the happy liberation of Shakespeare and his daughter when Anne and the other two children, Hamnet and Judith, are deserted. In short, I couldn't relate to the characters because they are so selfish and didn't have any redeeming qualities that made me want to be like them.

[Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish this were a movie. It would be perfect to get some friends together and MST3K it. Unfortunately the novel takes itself seriously and is just...awkward. Suffers from either so much research it's distracting or such a lack of research it's distracting.

Also, the main character is annoying and the tragic death of her brother is like, what? because he was just obnoxious anyway.

[Ly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice. Susanna Shakespeare was definitely portrayed in a very appealing manner. But, let me just comment on its seriousness in tackling the plot. But in the end, the part where Shakespeare himself sends off Susanna and Thomas, and finally fulfills her dream of singing, it was SUPERB. Very. Overall, I liked it very much.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute story for young adults. Definitely a book for a girl, though. :) The author gives a pretty good description of what life would have been like in Shakespeare's day- especially for Catholics. I really liked the story.

[Abby Westover · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really loved this book!! it was an interesting take on shakespeare before his universal fame and from a perspective of his daughter. it made me laugh, cry, and jump up and down wondering what would happen next! i also appreciated the aspects of singing since thats what i love to do too.

[Portia · Rating 5 out of 5]

shakespeare's daughter is one of those very intresting historiacl fiction books it really excited me i thought tihs book was very exciting. It always made you realize wow thank god i didn't lie in that time period!!!

[Holly Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh! It was just ok. I almost quit partway through, but kept reading. A lot of the plot seems like it's not fully developed...such as the catholic thing for Tom. But maybe it doesn't need to for a YA novel.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like romance but not to much then this book is for you. It has adventure and love with music. Its a great book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book along time ago, but i remember it was really good.

[Emily Farrar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow beginning, but when it picked up I had a hard time putting it down!! Loved it!!

[Theodosia of the Fathomless Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, fluffy entertaining read of a (loose) historical rendering of Susanna Shakespeare the eldest child of William Shakespeare.

[Fairy Alonto · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was tuneful until I cut it short. I realized I had better books on my shelf.

[Stephanie Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not terrible, but it was not good either. Susanna ran away to sing, went back home, then left again. Nothing really happened at all.