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The Two Wills: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26From USA Today bestselling author of Disco Witches of Fire Island comes a historical romance inspired by Oscar Wilde’s theory of William Shakespeare’s sonnets.
A stunningly beautiful LGBTQ+ novel for fans of Hamnet and Song of Achilles.
Willy Hughes, an arrogant young hustler in Elizabethan England, is used to conning drunken men into believing he’s a young woman of ill repute—and then robbing them of their purses. But behind his thievery, he’s heartbroken over his first love, Barnaby Stubb, ending things between them. Not one to lick at his wounds for long, one night, Willy spots a newly famous stage poet in the alehouse. Will is ten years his senior, and he looks at Willy in a way he’s never been looked at before. Rather than robbing him blind, Willy decides that the sharp-eyed poet is meant to be the greatest love of his life.
Will wants Willy as his muse and perhaps as something more, but the older and more experienced poet is playing a dangerous game with people’s hearts. The confusion is driving Willy mad. Willy’s treacherous connection with Will—who is already married and involved in another love affair—becomes even more complicated when Will’s rival poet comes into the picture.
Christopher Marlowe is sexy, stunning, and dangerous. And he’s pursuing Willy with all he’s got. When Barnaby suddenly comes back into his life, Willy must determine once and for all who his heart belongs to. But London’s burgeoning acting companies have a darker side, and, as Willy goes from lowly apprentice to full-fledged star, he must rise to the occasion and stand up against exploitation and abuse.
A love story for the ages, where the loves you thought were lost forever aren’t ever really lost. Especially when the greatest writer in English literature dedicates his books of sonnets to you.
A stunningly beautiful LGBTQ+ novel for fans of Hamnet and Song of Achilles.
Willy Hughes, an arrogant young hustler in Elizabethan England, is used to conning drunken men into believing he’s a young woman of ill repute—and then robbing them of their purses. But behind his thievery, he’s heartbroken over his first love, Barnaby Stubb, ending things between them. Not one to lick at his wounds for long, one night, Willy spots a newly famous stage poet in the alehouse. Will is ten years his senior, and he looks at Willy in a way he’s never been looked at before. Rather than robbing him blind, Willy decides that the sharp-eyed poet is meant to be the greatest love of his life.
Will wants Willy as his muse and perhaps as something more, but the older and more experienced poet is playing a dangerous game with people’s hearts. The confusion is driving Willy mad. Willy’s treacherous connection with Will—who is already married and involved in another love affair—becomes even more complicated when Will’s rival poet comes into the picture.
Christopher Marlowe is sexy, stunning, and dangerous. And he’s pursuing Willy with all he’s got. When Barnaby suddenly comes back into his life, Willy must determine once and for all who his heart belongs to. But London’s burgeoning acting companies have a darker side, and, as Willy goes from lowly apprentice to full-fledged star, he must rise to the occasion and stand up against exploitation and abuse.
A love story for the ages, where the loves you thought were lost forever aren’t ever really lost. Especially when the greatest writer in English literature dedicates his books of sonnets to you.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Blair Fell
3 books335 followersBlair Fell writes and lives in New York City. Blair’s television work includes Queer as Folk, and the Emmy Award–winning California Connected. He’s written dozens of plays including the award-winning plays Naked Will, The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun, and the downtown cult miniseries Burning Habits. His personal essays have appeared in HuffPost, Out, Daily News (New York), and more. He’s a two-time winner of the prestigious Doris Lippman Prize in Creative Writing from the City College of New York, including for his early unfinished draft of The Sign for Home. Concurrently with being a writer, Blair has been an ASL interpreter for the Deaf since 1993, and has also worked as an actor, producer, and director.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 11, 2026
The Two Wills gives readers a glimpse into William Shakespeare’s life through the eyes of Will Hughes, an eighteen-year-old hustler who meets Shakespeare and decides he’s meant to be the love of his life. And so begins Will’s life as an apprentice and actor.
The story is based on Shakespeare’s sonnets, which, according to some, tell the story of a complex love triangle between Shakespeare himself, a young man known as the Fair Youth, and a woman known as the Dark Lady.
Will is arrogant and outspoken, but also soft-hearted and more insecure than he lets on. He’s incredibly talented, and Shakespeare even writes a play for him, Romeo and Juliet, in which Will plays Juliet.
Will is a character to root for, with all his arrogance and wit. The story is so easy to read, and a smile hardly left my face, even with all the tougher topics beneath the surface (oh, Little Goat…). I loved the dance around each other, along with Will’s longing and yearning. I felt Will’s disappointment when he found out Barnaby had gotten married, and I sat on the edge of my seat when Christopher Marlowe offered Will a job as an actor.
The only part I enjoyed less was Rose’s chapters (the Dark Lady). They didn’t add much to the story. Luckily, there were only a few.
Overall, I adored The Two Wills!
Thank you, Alcove Press and NetGalley for this great historical ARC.
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The story is based on Shakespeare’s sonnets, which, according to some, tell the story of a complex love triangle between Shakespeare himself, a young man known as the Fair Youth, and a woman known as the Dark Lady.
Will is arrogant and outspoken, but also soft-hearted and more insecure than he lets on. He’s incredibly talented, and Shakespeare even writes a play for him, Romeo and Juliet, in which Will plays Juliet.
Will is a character to root for, with all his arrogance and wit. The story is so easy to read, and a smile hardly left my face, even with all the tougher topics beneath the surface (oh, Little Goat…). I loved the dance around each other, along with Will’s longing and yearning. I felt Will’s disappointment when he found out Barnaby had gotten married, and I sat on the edge of my seat when Christopher Marlowe offered Will a job as an actor.
The only part I enjoyed less was Rose’s chapters (the Dark Lady). They didn’t add much to the story. Luckily, there were only a few.
Overall, I adored The Two Wills!
Thank you, Alcove Press and NetGalley for this great historical ARC.
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Want to Read
July 8, 2026I've been eyeing this book for a couple months now and I just got approved for the arc!! So excited to read this, thank you Alcove Press.
Want to Read
January 2, 2026I'm seated. The theater employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s 'not August yet' but I’m simply too seated.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“This is the great benefit of being an artist of any sort, lad. We are gifted with the alchemy of turning our misery into gold.”
3.5, but a really strong 3.5.
where should i begin? i adore shakespeare and his plays, i love the sonnets, and i’m familiar with (and like) wilde’s the portrait of mr. w. h., so this book really seemed like a perfect pick for me. but then it disappointed me in some ways.
first of all, historical fiction really relies on its setting, and it just didn’t entirely work. there were things that i found inaccurate, or just not making much sense. it’s also fine to just use modern language, i don’t mind that, but here it was a mixture of some words and phrases of the time and some that sounded so modern, it took me out.
i also feel like i didn’t really believe in or understand the characters and their actions. it felt overdramatic at some points, which served to advance the plot, but didn’t really work for the characterization of willy or rose that seemed to be emerging before. some things just had to happen to fit the “story” of the sonnets, but i think they could have been developed in a way that’d feel more natural and believable.
and then, of course, there’s will. i was hoping this book would offer a more interesting and original take on him. because this is will as i’ve seen him before - the great bard, barely human, pursuing his muses, who speaks, breaths and fucks poetry. i understand we don’t know that much about his life or him apart from his works, but i just wish he had more character, or one that’s not the same one i can always expect. maybe it’s me who is the problem here because i’ve read and watched numerous works of biofiction concerning shakespeare before, but this was just pretty underwhelming. it also seemed unnecessary to keep calling him “poet” instead of using his name, especially if it’s his mistress speaking to him; it just doesn’t sound natural at all. we can say william shakespeare, it’s not a blasphemy.
i really enjoyed the part from around 60% forward, after marlowe appears, and overall i liked willy as a narrator, i found him sympathetic and really rooted for him (but i have to admit i disliked rose’s chapters and found them quite annoying sometimes). i also appreciate how shakespeare’s works were weaved throughout the story. i think this needed a little bit more research and the plot should have been thought through more to avoid these moments when it felt forced. but maybe that’s also just my experience, and maybe my expectations were a little too high. or maybe reading or watching anything shakespeare-related is simply forever ruined for me, because i care and know too much.
thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
3.5, but a really strong 3.5.
where should i begin? i adore shakespeare and his plays, i love the sonnets, and i’m familiar with (and like) wilde’s the portrait of mr. w. h., so this book really seemed like a perfect pick for me. but then it disappointed me in some ways.
first of all, historical fiction really relies on its setting, and it just didn’t entirely work. there were things that i found inaccurate, or just not making much sense. it’s also fine to just use modern language, i don’t mind that, but here it was a mixture of some words and phrases of the time and some that sounded so modern, it took me out.
i also feel like i didn’t really believe in or understand the characters and their actions. it felt overdramatic at some points, which served to advance the plot, but didn’t really work for the characterization of willy or rose that seemed to be emerging before. some things just had to happen to fit the “story” of the sonnets, but i think they could have been developed in a way that’d feel more natural and believable.
and then, of course, there’s will. i was hoping this book would offer a more interesting and original take on him. because this is will as i’ve seen him before - the great bard, barely human, pursuing his muses, who speaks, breaths and fucks poetry. i understand we don’t know that much about his life or him apart from his works, but i just wish he had more character, or one that’s not the same one i can always expect. maybe it’s me who is the problem here because i’ve read and watched numerous works of biofiction concerning shakespeare before, but this was just pretty underwhelming. it also seemed unnecessary to keep calling him “poet” instead of using his name, especially if it’s his mistress speaking to him; it just doesn’t sound natural at all. we can say william shakespeare, it’s not a blasphemy.
i really enjoyed the part from around 60% forward, after marlowe appears, and overall i liked willy as a narrator, i found him sympathetic and really rooted for him (but i have to admit i disliked rose’s chapters and found them quite annoying sometimes). i also appreciate how shakespeare’s works were weaved throughout the story. i think this needed a little bit more research and the plot should have been thought through more to avoid these moments when it felt forced. but maybe that’s also just my experience, and maybe my expectations were a little too high. or maybe reading or watching anything shakespeare-related is simply forever ruined for me, because i care and know too much.
thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Alcove Press and Netgalley for the ARC
This book is a fascinating dive into the lesser known parts of Shakespeare, that being his personal romantic affairs, specifically those of same-sex variety. Inspired by Oscar Wilde's short story, which was inspired by real sonnets written by Shakespeare himself, this memoir-like novel does a fantastic job of transporting you into this melancholic, romantic world.
Will, the protagonist, was such a fun character to follow. He was full of himself, witty and outspoken (even when he shouldn't be). Such a loud voice fit perfectly with the writing style, which was lyrical and very old-fashioned, fitting the setting most suitably. The other POV character, Rose, was no different. While her motives frequently aligned with Will's, her voice and character was entirely different but no less intriguing. Both stories were fascinating to follow, and I once again have to mention the writing, which really was perfect for the story and just so good.
Shakespeare, or The Poet, made for a fascinating love interest for both of the POV characters. Confusing, alluring, and almost always just out of reach, his character was always shrouded in mystery and was only truly revealed in his plays and sonnets. The different sides he showed both of his loves made for an interesting puzzle to put together to try to create a full image of his character.
Other than the romance, the world of acting in England in the 17th century was explored as well. It showcased how it fit into society and politics, as well as the highs and excitement of being on stage and performing or being behind the scenes, as well as exposing the cruelty many child actors are exposed to.
The ending was satisfactory and appropriate for all of the characters' journeys, with as much melancholy and yearning as one could hope for. Really, yearning was the most consistent theme of the whole novel, as if it was one of Shakespeare's very sonnets.
This book is a fascinating dive into the lesser known parts of Shakespeare, that being his personal romantic affairs, specifically those of same-sex variety. Inspired by Oscar Wilde's short story, which was inspired by real sonnets written by Shakespeare himself, this memoir-like novel does a fantastic job of transporting you into this melancholic, romantic world.
Will, the protagonist, was such a fun character to follow. He was full of himself, witty and outspoken (even when he shouldn't be). Such a loud voice fit perfectly with the writing style, which was lyrical and very old-fashioned, fitting the setting most suitably. The other POV character, Rose, was no different. While her motives frequently aligned with Will's, her voice and character was entirely different but no less intriguing. Both stories were fascinating to follow, and I once again have to mention the writing, which really was perfect for the story and just so good.
Shakespeare, or The Poet, made for a fascinating love interest for both of the POV characters. Confusing, alluring, and almost always just out of reach, his character was always shrouded in mystery and was only truly revealed in his plays and sonnets. The different sides he showed both of his loves made for an interesting puzzle to put together to try to create a full image of his character.
Other than the romance, the world of acting in England in the 17th century was explored as well. It showcased how it fit into society and politics, as well as the highs and excitement of being on stage and performing or being behind the scenes, as well as exposing the cruelty many child actors are exposed to.
The ending was satisfactory and appropriate for all of the characters' journeys, with as much melancholy and yearning as one could hope for. Really, yearning was the most consistent theme of the whole novel, as if it was one of Shakespeare's very sonnets.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blair Fell’s Two Will offers a fascinating, imaginative deep dive into the private life of William Shakespeare, centered on the bold premise of his potential same-sex relationship. It is an incredibly compelling read for anyone who enjoys speculating on the "what-ifs" behind history’s greatest literary figures. A Captivating Premise: The core of the story is inherently intriguing. Exploring the idea that the passion behind Shakespeare’s sonnets might have been directed toward a man invites readers to view his famous work through a completely different lens. It’s a bold narrative choice that makes you rethink the emotional complexity of the Bard. Immersive Linguistic Style: Fell does a fantastic job incorporating elements of Early Modern English. This stylistic choice adds a wonderful layer of authenticity, grounding the reader firmly in the era and making the dialogue feel organic to the setting rather than anachronistic. Pacing and Length: While the journey is engaging, the book feels a bit overextended. The narrative could have benefited from a tighter edit; had it been slightly more concise, it would have maintained a stronger momentum and arguably reached "great" status. Ultimately, Two Will is a creative and evocative piece of historical fiction that successfully bridges the gap between Shakespeare’s legendary public persona and a potentially hidden private life. While it lingers a bit too long in certain chapters, it remains a thoughtful exploration of love and identity.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No need to know much about Shakespeare, let alone about Oscar Wilde's theory regarding the person who inspired most of Shakespeare's sonnets, to be mesmerized by "The Two Wills." Wilde wrote that a man was Shakespeare's muse, and this novel is narrated primarily by that muse, here presented as a thief/prostitute turned actor in Shakespeare's troupe. The secondary narrator is the so-called Dark Lady to whom Shakespeare dedicated a handful of other sonnets.
But even if, like me, you tend to repeatedly check the time while watching a Shakespeare play (at least I'm honest), you will be drawn into the waxing, waning, and interlocking romances of actor Willy, the Poet (as he's dubbed throughout the novel), and Rose the Dark Lady. Christopher Marlowe plays a major role as well, with appearances by several other notables of the time. The book never feels like a period piece, or exclusively like one, however, despite the prose nodding to the language of the era. And the evolution of the characters, Willy in particular, is beautiful. Ditto the graceful depictions of love in all its myriad forms. This should definitely make your "must read" list.
Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
But even if, like me, you tend to repeatedly check the time while watching a Shakespeare play (at least I'm honest), you will be drawn into the waxing, waning, and interlocking romances of actor Willy, the Poet (as he's dubbed throughout the novel), and Rose the Dark Lady. Christopher Marlowe plays a major role as well, with appearances by several other notables of the time. The book never feels like a period piece, or exclusively like one, however, despite the prose nodding to the language of the era. And the evolution of the characters, Willy in particular, is beautiful. Ditto the graceful depictions of love in all its myriad forms. This should definitely make your "must read" list.
Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I first requested this ARC, it was honestly just for the gorgeous cover, but wow… what an incredible surprise ! As soon as I realized it was based on Oscar Wilde’s novella about Shakespeare’s male muse, I was completely hooked. I also loved how the book included excerpts from the very sonnets that inspired the story—it makes it so clear why he came up with that theory in the first place
I mean it’s such a beautiful, melancholic coming-of-age story that pulls you right into 17th-century England. Following both the young actor and Mistress Rose Williams and watching their complex relationships with Shakespeare evolve was so well done. This story doesn't hold back on the darker realities of the era either, like the rise of strict Christianity, the resulting homophobia, and abuse in children’s choirs—my heart broke for Little Goat’s past and everything he went through (🥺) .
honestly, if I had to sum up this whole book in one word, it’s yearning. The longing and nostalgia just radiate off every single page. Such an amazing, dark, and deeply immersive historical queer read !
Thanks to the publisher Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I mean it’s such a beautiful, melancholic coming-of-age story that pulls you right into 17th-century England. Following both the young actor and Mistress Rose Williams and watching their complex relationships with Shakespeare evolve was so well done. This story doesn't hold back on the darker realities of the era either, like the rise of strict Christianity, the resulting homophobia, and abuse in children’s choirs—my heart broke for Little Goat’s past and everything he went through (🥺) .
honestly, if I had to sum up this whole book in one word, it’s yearning. The longing and nostalgia just radiate off every single page. Such an amazing, dark, and deeply immersive historical queer read !
Thanks to the publisher Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
~Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of the Two Wills~
The author's note sums up this book perfectly. "Complicated love in all its forms and arrangements had always existed and always will." That theme permeates the whole story!
I think fans of Shakespeare and interpreted history will enjoy this. The drama and prose are very reminiscent of the poet's plays in a very fun way. Meanwhile, it almost has a memoir-like quality where we live with Willy Hughes throughout his life as a queer boy/man and actor.
Like a memoir, it has a tendency to meander a bit. That's not an awful quality, but sometimes it makes the pacing feel uneven. I also found my interest waning during chapters from Rose's POV. Still, I do think overall her POV deepened the experience.
I enjoyed the book. I loved the poetic prose, and learned a lot of new words. Apparently "zounds!" was a common exclamation of indignation in Shakespeare's time. Very fun.
Did William Shakespeare really have a boy muse and lover to inspire his plays and sonnets? Maybe not, maybe so. Whether true or not, queerness has always and will always exist.
The author's note sums up this book perfectly. "Complicated love in all its forms and arrangements had always existed and always will." That theme permeates the whole story!
I think fans of Shakespeare and interpreted history will enjoy this. The drama and prose are very reminiscent of the poet's plays in a very fun way. Meanwhile, it almost has a memoir-like quality where we live with Willy Hughes throughout his life as a queer boy/man and actor.
Like a memoir, it has a tendency to meander a bit. That's not an awful quality, but sometimes it makes the pacing feel uneven. I also found my interest waning during chapters from Rose's POV. Still, I do think overall her POV deepened the experience.
I enjoyed the book. I loved the poetic prose, and learned a lot of new words. Apparently "zounds!" was a common exclamation of indignation in Shakespeare's time. Very fun.
Did William Shakespeare really have a boy muse and lover to inspire his plays and sonnets? Maybe not, maybe so. Whether true or not, queerness has always and will always exist.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The Two Wills is the story of (follow closely now) Oscar Wilde's theory of the meaning behind Shakespeare's sonnets, in a queer historical romance. Willy Hughes works in a brothel and as a thief. One evening he catches the attention of the poet (the other Will) and is soon working for a theatre group playing women's roles with his beautiful looks, and becoming the poet's muse. Willy's in love with Will and it is devastatingly unrequited. When Christopher Marlowe comes to offer Willy a lead in his new play (and a place in his bed), he's tempted. This historical fiction is compelling for the story itself, but will also make you wonder about Shakespeare's history.
I read this author's The Disco Witches of Fire Island on the recommendation of a customer and liked it. But I didn't notice when this ARC was released. However, my kid (who is also my coworker right now) had picked this one up on Edelweiss and we share a Kindle account. So, I decided to read it too. I was compelled by the story here, but something feels missing and I'm not quite sure what that is.
I read this author's The Disco Witches of Fire Island on the recommendation of a customer and liked it. But I didn't notice when this ARC was released. However, my kid (who is also my coworker right now) had picked this one up on Edelweiss and we share a Kindle account. So, I decided to read it too. I was compelled by the story here, but something feels missing and I'm not quite sure what that is.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC provided by publisher:
DNF at 25%.
This is definitely more of a historical novel than a romance, which is fine…. but that means the historical setting has to do a lot of the heavy lifting. Unfortunately, the parts that were supposed to ground me in the world were the same parts that kept pulling me out of it.
I didn’t connect with the characterization of Shakespeare and kept waiting to find out why we had the woman’s pov. I kept trying to give it a chance, even after the historical choices gave the book a feeling of being under-researched.
The portrayal of theatre in this period as a path to social elevation from the protagonist’s expected station, along with a line suggesting that extremely pale skin was considered undesirable, were the two moments that stood out most to me. I found myself rereading those passages to make sure I understood the author’s intent because both are day one historical inaccuracies and pulled me out of the story.
Ultimately, this wasn’t the right book for me, so I’m stopping at 25%.
DNF at 25%.
This is definitely more of a historical novel than a romance, which is fine…. but that means the historical setting has to do a lot of the heavy lifting. Unfortunately, the parts that were supposed to ground me in the world were the same parts that kept pulling me out of it.
I didn’t connect with the characterization of Shakespeare and kept waiting to find out why we had the woman’s pov. I kept trying to give it a chance, even after the historical choices gave the book a feeling of being under-researched.
The portrayal of theatre in this period as a path to social elevation from the protagonist’s expected station, along with a line suggesting that extremely pale skin was considered undesirable, were the two moments that stood out most to me. I found myself rereading those passages to make sure I understood the author’s intent because both are day one historical inaccuracies and pulled me out of the story.
Ultimately, this wasn’t the right book for me, so I’m stopping at 25%.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Two Wills by Blair Fell is an exciting, humorous, and emotional look into the life and legend of The Bard. The novel follows Willy Hughes, a young actor who is enamoured by the poet, joining his troop and serving as his leading lady and muse. However, Willy must determine whether the poet feels the same about him, which is somewhat complicated by the arrival of the alluring and enigmatic Rose, as well as the only man who challenges The Bard’s skill: Kit Marlowe.
I loved how Fell gave such emotions and depth to the characters; Willy was annoying but understandable, Rose (my favourite) was compelling and outraged, while Marlowe was sweet but tortured. The Bard was, ostensibly, The Bard. My only problem was that I would have loved more interaction between Willy and Rose!!!
Overall, I found the prose delicious and exciting, but some aspects of the ending did not land with me. Therefore, 4.75/ 5 stars. Thank you to Alcove Press for providing The Two Wills for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved how Fell gave such emotions and depth to the characters; Willy was annoying but understandable, Rose (my favourite) was compelling and outraged, while Marlowe was sweet but tortured. The Bard was, ostensibly, The Bard. My only problem was that I would have loved more interaction between Willy and Rose!!!
Overall, I found the prose delicious and exciting, but some aspects of the ending did not land with me. Therefore, 4.75/ 5 stars. Thank you to Alcove Press for providing The Two Wills for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I almost gave up on this book after the first chapters, as I struggled a bit with the writing style.
But I'm glad I continued because in the end Willy Hughes and his adventures won me over, and I quite enjoyed reading about his transformation from a poor young hustler to becoming Shakespeare's muse and the leading actor for female roles in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and later his entanglement with Kit Marlowe (who I was surprised to know is alleged to have been a spy for the royal crown).
I also liked the idea that most of Shakespeare's sonnets had been inspired by his male muse (I understand this was inspired by Oscar Wilde's novella on the subject).
The chapters from Rose's POV (the Dark Lady from Shakespeare's sonnets) were less enjoyable, but thankfully there were not so many.
Overall this was quite an entertaining read, and although I wasn't sure midway through the book if it would be possible, I'm glad the author ended up giving us a happy ending for Willy and his friends.
But I'm glad I continued because in the end Willy Hughes and his adventures won me over, and I quite enjoyed reading about his transformation from a poor young hustler to becoming Shakespeare's muse and the leading actor for female roles in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and later his entanglement with Kit Marlowe (who I was surprised to know is alleged to have been a spy for the royal crown).
I also liked the idea that most of Shakespeare's sonnets had been inspired by his male muse (I understand this was inspired by Oscar Wilde's novella on the subject).
The chapters from Rose's POV (the Dark Lady from Shakespeare's sonnets) were less enjoyable, but thankfully there were not so many.
Overall this was quite an entertaining read, and although I wasn't sure midway through the book if it would be possible, I'm glad the author ended up giving us a happy ending for Willy and his friends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Two Wills offers an LGBT+ historical fiction tale based on the premise that a young player of female roles, William Hughes, is the young man to whom Shakespeare wrote so many sonnets. This story explores the idea of bisexuality in Elizabethan England, following Hughes often complex relationship with Shakespeare and weaving through it his acquaintance with the 'Dark Lady' and other key figures of the time such as Marlowe and Burbage. Overall, I found this a compelling tale. I preferred Hughes' narration over that of Rose, but all in all it was a fun story to follow with plenty of action and emotion along the way. If you are a fan of Shakespeare and of historical fiction with LGBT+ representation, this is likely a story you will enjoy. I am giving it 4 stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
got an arc from this and was very intrigued and overall really loved this. devoured this in one day as i was deeply taken by the life and loves of Willy Hughes. my main critique is the shifting perspective to Rose, whose head i found much less enjoyable to be in and overall did not really see the point in getting her pov. i additionally, though i didn’t love the ending, but i do appreciate what it was trying to do with the ending it has. overall, absolutely a worthwhile read if you are a fan of Shakespeare’s sonnets or just aching to read some deep painful yearning.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was surprisingly warm and funny, while also heartbreaking (fortunately, not the worst kind: there is some happiness for lgbt couples here) and true to historical times. I really liked the first-person narrator, Will's personality and life circumstances really shone through. I had no idea about this theory about Willliam Shakespeare (that he wrote his sonnets for his male lover and an actor who inspired his plays) and I'm glad I learned about it from here, in a well-written and enteraining novel.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm going to be thinking about this book for a long time. A beautiful love story, and so well-written, evoking the language of the era. I loved how the author portrays the chaos of Shakespeare's imagined personal life through Hughes' and Rose's perspectives, and how from that chaos the greatest works in the English language emerge.
Also I want to go reread the sonnets now. Alas.
Also I want to go reread the sonnets now. Alas.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited getting an eARC for this book! The cover is beautiful and the blurb caught my interest immediately. The forbidden love in this was executed very well and I’m happy that each character in the end, ended up being happy.
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