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Loving Will Shakespeare
Poor Anne Hathaway is still living with her callous stepmother, and her prospects for marriage and a home of her own are becoming grim. However, she can't seem to get charismatic Will Shakespeare out of her mind--even though he is much too young for her. But then one day Will impulsively kisses his childhood friend Anne, changing the course of their lives forever.
Here is the story of the childhoods of and tumultuous romance between the boy who became the world's most famous playwright and the spirited farmer's daughter who became his wife. Carolyn Meyer has delivered a riveting historical tale about love, family, the pursuit of one's dreams--and the price one pays for each.
265 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2006
5 people are currently reading
1781 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Meyer
112 books1,088 followersCarolyn Meyer is as versatile a writer as you will find. Along with historical fiction and realistic novels for young adults she has written nonfiction for young adults and books for younger readers on topics as diverse as the Amish, the Irish, Japanese, Yup'ik Eskimos, a rock band, rock tumbling, bread baking, and coconuts. And ten of her books have been chosen as Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. In her most recent historical novels she has dealt with the young lives of Mary Tudor, Princess Elizabeth, Anastasia, and Isabel of Castilla, Spain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
May 20, 2011
I'm a little conflicted about how to rate this book. I listened to it in two days at work. The first day I was enjoying it because my imagination was thoroughly transported into Shakespearean England. The author clearly did her research well, because she recreates the time period so convincingly. I loved just listening to how they used to speak. That was my favorite part.
However, I was dissatisfied the second day as I finished the story. I kept hoping that further into the book we'd get a better glimpse of the character of William Shakespeare as he became a more important figure in Anne's life, but I feel like in the end all we got were glimpses of him. He was a supporting character in a story where I'd expected him to play a major part. He begins as a cute, precocious, and gallant little kid the few times we see him, but seems to become more ghostlike once the two finally begin dating. If anything, he loses personality. We often hear his name at that point but seldom see his face. Even when they are together we only HEAR that they spend every Saturday and Sunday evening together: we rarely SEE scenes of it actually happening. Also, we spent so much time leading up to what we most anticipated and expected: the title, after all, leads us to believe that this should be a good love story. However, we don't actually get to Anne and Will's courtship and marriage until near the end of the book, where they are rushed through. Granted, there are some parts of that I'm glad she didn't get too explicit on, but she still could have shown some romantic scenes of him quoting his poetry to Anne, rather just assuring us that they were happening. Maybe she chose to do that just so we, like Anne, would wonder if he really did love her. The ending was abrupt, sad, and disappointing too. I was hoping we'd at least get a glimpse of a joyful homecoming and reunion to assure us that he really does still love his wife. We never get to that scene. We end in anticipation, left to wonder along with Anne, if the love is still, or ever was, there. Perhaps that is the author's way of trying to be true to history, which is also ambiguous or conflicted on that question.
One more small criticism I have is that there were some things that were mentioned so frequently in the book that I expected them to have some significance later on in the story. They talk about witchcraft a number of times, and we hear worries for the lives of friends who convert to the outlawed Catholic religion, but nothing ever comes of that. No arrests, no witch burnings, etc. Tangent themes that never go anywhere. Also, Anne speaks earlier on in the story about how the idea of being a single, independent woman tantalizes her, even though she knows it would be quite impossible in that age and society. Later, however, we are given the impression that all Anne has ever wanted was to have husband, home, and family. That seemed a little inconsistent. I guess she just had to have her little feminist moment to please the people of modern days with whom the joys of simply being a wife and mother often seem to be out of fashion.
However, I was dissatisfied the second day as I finished the story. I kept hoping that further into the book we'd get a better glimpse of the character of William Shakespeare as he became a more important figure in Anne's life, but I feel like in the end all we got were glimpses of him. He was a supporting character in a story where I'd expected him to play a major part. He begins as a cute, precocious, and gallant little kid the few times we see him, but seems to become more ghostlike once the two finally begin dating. If anything, he loses personality. We often hear his name at that point but seldom see his face. Even when they are together we only HEAR that they spend every Saturday and Sunday evening together: we rarely SEE scenes of it actually happening. Also, we spent so much time leading up to what we most anticipated and expected: the title, after all, leads us to believe that this should be a good love story. However, we don't actually get to Anne and Will's courtship and marriage until near the end of the book, where they are rushed through. Granted, there are some parts of that I'm glad she didn't get too explicit on, but she still could have shown some romantic scenes of him quoting his poetry to Anne, rather just assuring us that they were happening. Maybe she chose to do that just so we, like Anne, would wonder if he really did love her. The ending was abrupt, sad, and disappointing too. I was hoping we'd at least get a glimpse of a joyful homecoming and reunion to assure us that he really does still love his wife. We never get to that scene. We end in anticipation, left to wonder along with Anne, if the love is still, or ever was, there. Perhaps that is the author's way of trying to be true to history, which is also ambiguous or conflicted on that question.
One more small criticism I have is that there were some things that were mentioned so frequently in the book that I expected them to have some significance later on in the story. They talk about witchcraft a number of times, and we hear worries for the lives of friends who convert to the outlawed Catholic religion, but nothing ever comes of that. No arrests, no witch burnings, etc. Tangent themes that never go anywhere. Also, Anne speaks earlier on in the story about how the idea of being a single, independent woman tantalizes her, even though she knows it would be quite impossible in that age and society. Later, however, we are given the impression that all Anne has ever wanted was to have husband, home, and family. That seemed a little inconsistent. I guess she just had to have her little feminist moment to please the people of modern days with whom the joys of simply being a wife and mother often seem to be out of fashion.
November 19, 2008
I liked this! I thought the historical stuff was done very well -- the author has obviously done a great deal of research. I'm no authority on Shakespeare or his times, but she certainly put in a lot of little details of language and culture that sounded convincing.
I also appreciated the way that Carolyn Meyer made Anne spirited and intelligent while still allowing her to be flawed and making her a believable product of her time -- while she's smart, she doesn't display an improbable degree of learning or interest in literature, and though she chafes at the restraints her society puts on her, she knows better than to think that she can just take off and be an Independent Woman with any success. And she makes some pretty big mistakes, or near mistakes, along the way -- but not the kind that make you smack your forehead in exasperation that anyone could be that stupid (or that the author could insult the reader's intelligence to that degree in the effort to contrive an exciting plot).
And since I am rather fond of romances which involve an age gap, I thought the Will - Anne relationship worked well. But at the same time bittersweet, because we know how little time Will *really* spent with his wife and family as compared to his acting and playwriting life.
I would recommend it. It's quite well done.
I also appreciated the way that Carolyn Meyer made Anne spirited and intelligent while still allowing her to be flawed and making her a believable product of her time -- while she's smart, she doesn't display an improbable degree of learning or interest in literature, and though she chafes at the restraints her society puts on her, she knows better than to think that she can just take off and be an Independent Woman with any success. And she makes some pretty big mistakes, or near mistakes, along the way -- but not the kind that make you smack your forehead in exasperation that anyone could be that stupid (or that the author could insult the reader's intelligence to that degree in the effort to contrive an exciting plot).
And since I am rather fond of romances which involve an age gap, I thought the Will - Anne relationship worked well. But at the same time bittersweet, because we know how little time Will *really* spent with his wife and family as compared to his acting and playwriting life.
I would recommend it. It's quite well done.
March 22, 2018
Carolyn Meyer is a wonderful YA writer. She is engaging and sets the tone for those who want to learn about history. Her books challenge young adults, and older adults as well, to learn more about a specific topic.
This is a tale of young Will Shakespeare and a woman that he is attracted to. Little is known about Shakespeare's marriage. In this book the couple are portrayed as childhood friends, and as they age, it is Will who is most attracted to Anne Hathaway.
Very much wanting to be a successful writer and playwright, we find Will at the age of 18 before his career began. Will's marriage is one wherein Anne becomes pregnant and he must marry her in a hurry. She is seven or eight years older than he. It is thought that perhaps she trapped him. She is 26 and very unhappy living with a step mother and her children, none of whom want her with them. Anne's father died and then it became unbearable to live with those who are nasty and blatantly want her out.
Those who know little of this time period, soon learn of country life and the allure of the wonderful admiration of their Queen, Elizabeth I.
This is a quick read, written by one of the best YA authors for historical people and events.
This is a tale of young Will Shakespeare and a woman that he is attracted to. Little is known about Shakespeare's marriage. In this book the couple are portrayed as childhood friends, and as they age, it is Will who is most attracted to Anne Hathaway.
Very much wanting to be a successful writer and playwright, we find Will at the age of 18 before his career began. Will's marriage is one wherein Anne becomes pregnant and he must marry her in a hurry. She is seven or eight years older than he. It is thought that perhaps she trapped him. She is 26 and very unhappy living with a step mother and her children, none of whom want her with them. Anne's father died and then it became unbearable to live with those who are nasty and blatantly want her out.
Those who know little of this time period, soon learn of country life and the allure of the wonderful admiration of their Queen, Elizabeth I.
This is a quick read, written by one of the best YA authors for historical people and events.
January 21, 2017
Meyer did an amazing amount of research into this time period, which really shows through into her writing. Although little is known of Shakespeare and his wife, she did a very, very good job in giving me a glimpse of how it could have been for them. I learned a few things about that time period that I had never heard before, and really enjoyed the writing itself.
The first half of this book was very, very well done. The plot was captivating, and I hardly wanted to put it down. However, the second part of the book left me a little bit unsatisfied. Once their courtship finally began, the writing felt far too rushed to me. It was like she was trying to wrap up the book just to get it done with, which was very unlike the beginning that took time to give details that endeared us to the characters.
So in summary, the ending was what lost the book a few points in my rating. Overall, if you like writing set in that time period I would recommend this. The first part of this book is definitely fantastic, just don't expect the ending to be the same.
The first half of this book was very, very well done. The plot was captivating, and I hardly wanted to put it down. However, the second part of the book left me a little bit unsatisfied. Once their courtship finally began, the writing felt far too rushed to me. It was like she was trying to wrap up the book just to get it done with, which was very unlike the beginning that took time to give details that endeared us to the characters.
So in summary, the ending was what lost the book a few points in my rating. Overall, if you like writing set in that time period I would recommend this. The first part of this book is definitely fantastic, just don't expect the ending to be the same.
February 1, 2018
It was a very cute quick read. The speculation into what Will Shakespeare would have been like as a kid was fun and entertaining. The main character is engaging and makes you care about her, and her friends. It was interesting to read a narrative that incorporated a lot of small facts I had learned about Will Shakespeare and that time period.
Fun read overall, worth it if you like reading about that time in history or are looking for a engaging female character book.
Fun read overall, worth it if you like reading about that time in history or are looking for a engaging female character book.
October 7, 2020
I have never been one to read Shakespeare plays, but I sure love learning about him! I loved that this centered around Anne (Agnes) Hathaway, instead of hun. It brought a fresh perspective that I very much appreciated!
February 26, 2013
Since little is known about William Shakespeare's life, and since what is known is often questioned, it was interesting to read a fictionalized version of what life could have been like for William and his wife. The story focuses on Agnes (or Anne, as William called her)as she grew up in Stratford upon Avon. It focuses on the hardships of her family, the daily life in these times, as well as the religious and political climate that impacted everyone. Meyer did a great job of describing the prejudices and expectations of women and the abuse they came under if they did not follow through on society's expectations of them. Anne, seven years older than Will, bucked tradition by getting married to a younger man and getting pregnant before wedlock. The story had a very anti-climactic ending as the author described how William and Anne's relationship worked. 80% of the book focused on the events leading up to them falling in love and then their passionate affair that led to marriage, but then it ended with a blase description of how William left for London and Anne lived life with their children and his family without him.
January 14, 2011
Pleasant story about the life of Anne Hathaway (probably nee Agnes Hathaway, who knew?) before and after marrying William Shakespeare, the event for which she is known. Since few facts are known about her life there is a great deal of speculation, but there is no whitewashing of the facts that Hathaway was pregnant when she and Shakespeare were married, or that Shakespeare left his wife in Stratford while he became a prominent stage actor in London. Probably most interesting for readers interested in Elizabethan history or in Shakespearean drama.
February 4, 2011
This was a very interesting book. It was nice to understand a different side of William Shakespeare from a female's point of view. I do recommend it more for girls because it is told from a female's point of view and because it relates to girls more. I really liked the book.
February 4, 2022
This was a very quick read, but I ended up also reading it quick just to get through it so I could move on.
Mainly, this was not my cup of tea. While it was clearly INCREDIBLY well researched and clearly great effort was made to make it as historically accurate as possible, it was so hollow and distant that it read barely more than a mildly dramatized documentary or slightly-less-than-personal journal. There was plenty of detail for daily life, food, chores, culture, even language ('Tis, mayhap, whisht, etc. - altho, while accurate, was also super distracting to read). Considering it was called "Loving Will Shakespeare", there's not a lot of that until maybe the last quarter of the book. While I definitely didn't mind reading the life and times of his future wife, there was no real person or heart to connect to in any of the characters - at best, we're told she felt this or this, but even major events or emotional moments read like they're merely recorded as flatly as what they cooked for a meal or how many children the neighbors have. At best, the characters come off as stereotypes. At worst, they're a name on a page you won't remember by the next chapter. Having nothing to connect to - either character, emotion, relationships, etc - means a pretty empty read for me.
Reading it as a historical (if mostly imagined/fictionalized) journal of the woman who eventually married Shakespeare (though we see virtually none of that life, save basically a summary in the last couple pages), sure. Reading it as a sweeping love story and tale of the girl who fell in love with one of the famous figures in history (as it seems to be billed by title, blurb, and cover)? Not at all. Again, the clear care for history here is genuinely admirable, but without the same level of care going into the people/characters you're reading about it, it ends up being super forgettable and unengaging.
Mainly, this was not my cup of tea. While it was clearly INCREDIBLY well researched and clearly great effort was made to make it as historically accurate as possible, it was so hollow and distant that it read barely more than a mildly dramatized documentary or slightly-less-than-personal journal. There was plenty of detail for daily life, food, chores, culture, even language ('Tis, mayhap, whisht, etc. - altho, while accurate, was also super distracting to read). Considering it was called "Loving Will Shakespeare", there's not a lot of that until maybe the last quarter of the book. While I definitely didn't mind reading the life and times of his future wife, there was no real person or heart to connect to in any of the characters - at best, we're told she felt this or this, but even major events or emotional moments read like they're merely recorded as flatly as what they cooked for a meal or how many children the neighbors have. At best, the characters come off as stereotypes. At worst, they're a name on a page you won't remember by the next chapter. Having nothing to connect to - either character, emotion, relationships, etc - means a pretty empty read for me.
Reading it as a historical (if mostly imagined/fictionalized) journal of the woman who eventually married Shakespeare (though we see virtually none of that life, save basically a summary in the last couple pages), sure. Reading it as a sweeping love story and tale of the girl who fell in love with one of the famous figures in history (as it seems to be billed by title, blurb, and cover)? Not at all. Again, the clear care for history here is genuinely admirable, but without the same level of care going into the people/characters you're reading about it, it ends up being super forgettable and unengaging.
August 29, 2018
No lack exists for books about Shakespeare. Comparatively little, however, has been written about his wife, Anne Hathaway Shakespeare, a woman significantly older than Will as well as a woman who spent the majority of their married life separated from him while he wrote his plays and performed for many, including Queen Elizabeth.
Meyer, once again had limited historical constraints with this character due to the lack of concrete information, and used that to her advantage to create a compelling, believable story.
I recommend this book.
Meyer, once again had limited historical constraints with this character due to the lack of concrete information, and used that to her advantage to create a compelling, believable story.
I recommend this book.
March 4, 2023
The painting of the scenes and time period were beautiful. I felt wrapped up in 1500’s England and the homesteaders life. I enjoyed Anne and her family with all their flaws. The book was written as a fast track through time, though, and didn’t spend tons of time on the characters. Meyer did a good job of bringing out the emotions of characters anyway, but I didn’t get to know them in a deeper way.
Will Shakespeare was probably the most disappointing character only because he wasn’t there much.
Will Shakespeare was probably the most disappointing character only because he wasn’t there much.
January 25, 2025
I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
And it was kinda gross Ngl
Andddddd it totally ruined my opinion of Shakespeare. Like what a doosh bag to just leave his wife and kids for years to selfishly be a play writer in London or whatever.
But if that was the history of it, that was the history.
I really did like it in the beginning but I feel like if not much is known on Anne Hathaway and even Will himself why write a novel about it?
Especially a “romance”
But it was entertaining nonetheless
And it was kinda gross Ngl
Andddddd it totally ruined my opinion of Shakespeare. Like what a doosh bag to just leave his wife and kids for years to selfishly be a play writer in London or whatever.
But if that was the history of it, that was the history.
I really did like it in the beginning but I feel like if not much is known on Anne Hathaway and even Will himself why write a novel about it?
Especially a “romance”
But it was entertaining nonetheless
July 13, 2022
*3.8*
Again, Meyer is an old favorite author. You can tell she's done tons of research, but her stories don't feel like a dump of exposition. The only complaint I have isn't Meyer's fault, it's the story of William Shakespeare and Anne (Agnus). Not gonna lie, it's a risk with historical fiction, but it ends up making me sad at the mess they made the people made their lives.
All in all, a well-executed story of people in history where relatively few things are known about them.
Again, Meyer is an old favorite author. You can tell she's done tons of research, but her stories don't feel like a dump of exposition. The only complaint I have isn't Meyer's fault, it's the story of William Shakespeare and Anne (Agnus). Not gonna lie, it's a risk with historical fiction, but it ends up making me sad at the mess they made the people made their lives.
All in all, a well-executed story of people in history where relatively few things are known about them.
April 8, 2023
This was okay, but for something called Loving Will Shakespeare, there's very little Shakespeare in it. I guess I just found myself waiting for more that never got there. It's certainly an interesting look at the time period, but I found it too heavy on the historical and not enough of the fiction to keep me as engaged as I wanted. It just didn't work for me.
December 31, 2025
I devoured this book. This type of writing is exquisite to me, it was a very very exciting story, first time reading this author. Not the ending I personally hoped for, but I really enjoyed it nevertheless- a tragic, romantic love story 💓😭. I'll definitely look for more books by Carolyn Meyer. 100% recommended from a no-romance reader 🙌
December 9, 2017
I think this book could have bene more aptly named: The Loves of Anne Hathaway. That was the majority of the novel and does not really reimagine what her life as Will’s life would have really been like. I felt pretty sad for her overall but I also really enjoy the presentation of the time period.
August 4, 2018
I mean, it wasn't spectacular, but I really liked it. Short and easy to read. Relatable people and circumstances so I connected with the characters. It's also pretty clean and no gross language. I enjoyed it!
February 16, 2019
A fictionalised version of the life of Anne Hathaway, the woman who married Shakespeare. Very little is known about Anne which, I guess, is a bonus for novelists. This was okay although now and again the interactions between Anne and the much younger Will became a bit icky.
February 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It focuses on Anne and her experiences as a young adult. I liked how Meyer blended historical details about Elizabethan domesticity and the inner thoughts and feelings of Anne through the course of the novel.
March 4, 2018
I enjoyed this fiction of how things might have been between William Shakespeare and his wife, from her point of view.
March 4, 2018
Historical fiction of Ann Hathaway's story before and when she met Will.
October 24, 2018
Would not read again
October 1, 2019
It held my interest. I am fascinated by how she created this intriguing story when there is actually very few facts to go on.
August 26, 2020
I simple historical fiction novel about Agnes and Will, focusing on her more than him. But it paints both of them in a kindly light, which I appreciate and isn’t always the case.
Want to read
January 8, 2021Absolutely Beautiful
February 1, 2021
I enjoyed listening to the book of Elizabethan-Shakespearean England. A fanciful wondering about a woman, Anne Hathaway, whom we know little but can imagine much.
February 13, 2021
I loved the writing style and the story itself. The ending left much to be desired. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfactory.
October 25, 2022
An enjoyable bit of YA Historical Romance that stick pretty closely to what little we know of Shakespeare’s early years. Telling it through Anne’s POV was a brilliant choice by the author.
August 13, 2020
My favorite book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews