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The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare
An inventive and vibrant historical novel about the woman who dared to be the equal of the Bard of Avon.
Dramatizing a marriage born of passion and strained by ambition, Arliss Ryan's fascinating historical novel chronicles a love affair for the ages, and the story of a woman who dares to fulfill her own surprising destiny.
Anne Hathaway is weighing her prospects for marriage when a dalliance with young Will Shakespeare, the poetry-writing son of a rural glove- maker, leaves her pregnant and wed. When Will joins a traveling acting troupe and moves to London, Anne leaves their children in his parents' care and boldly follows him.
Taking up a new identity at Will's side, Anne supports his career as a struggling actor by sewing costumes and transcribing manuscripts in the rough-and-tumble world of London's theatres. As Will finds his true calling in writing, Anne's own literary skills begin to flower, leading to a secret collaboration that makes Will the foremost playwright in Elizabethan England.
Dramatizing a marriage born of passion and strained by ambition, Arliss Ryan's fascinating historical novel chronicles a love affair for the ages, and the story of a woman who dares to fulfill her own surprising destiny.
Anne Hathaway is weighing her prospects for marriage when a dalliance with young Will Shakespeare, the poetry-writing son of a rural glove- maker, leaves her pregnant and wed. When Will joins a traveling acting troupe and moves to London, Anne leaves their children in his parents' care and boldly follows him.
Taking up a new identity at Will's side, Anne supports his career as a struggling actor by sewing costumes and transcribing manuscripts in the rough-and-tumble world of London's theatres. As Will finds his true calling in writing, Anne's own literary skills begin to flower, leading to a secret collaboration that makes Will the foremost playwright in Elizabethan England.
465 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2010
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269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 25, 2016
What if...Anne Shakespeare had followed her husband to London and, posing as his sister, collaborated with him? In fact, being the sole author of many of the Bard's greatest works - Othello, Lear, Hamlet, and that Scottish play, among others. That's the premise of Ryan's novel, and she carries it off most of the time. The Secret Confessions is a not wholly implausible, first-person account of Anne and William's marriage, their writing career, and Anne's life as the real genius behind the plays.
I can't recommend it, however. And it's primarily because of the writing, which occasionally rises above the merely competent but not often enough to fully engage me. [In fact, up until about page 75, I was considering dropping this read but then Anne reaches London and the pace quickened for a while.] Ryan does manage to capture several powerful moment's in Anne's life, at which points the writing comes alive. For example, there's a eureka! moment when Anne hands off Romeo & Juliet to WS, who realizes that she's a brilliant author, probably better even than him. Or there's the fraught relationship between Anne and Ben Johnson. But it's broached and concluded within a couple of chapters; the writing then sinks back to "adequate."
For a narrator who's supposedly responsible for this:
the writing should be - well - Shakespearean. Or at least strive for it, but it isn't and I never quite believed the narrator's story. There's a point when Anne is searching the bookstalls of London searching for inspiration and she makes the observation, "Even for recreation's sake, I simply could not abide incompetent writing" (p. 366). Which is close to what I felt while reading much of this novel. Though I wouldn't be so harsh as to say "incompetent." As I mentioned above, the writing is decent. It's fault lies in its flatness.
Ryan is too safe. She takes no chances with her characters or her story. Take the love triangle from the Sonnets. Ryan had a perfect opportunity to make Anne - WS's lover and rival - the Dark Lady but she doesn't. The entire WS-Southampton episode that so exercises many of the Bard's fans today is related as hearsay, and doesn't affect Anne at all nor does it seem to get Shakespeare riled up except for a few vague misgivings about the earl and what his coterie of favorites gets up to.
It's not a bad read and there are moments when it rises to a good one but not enough to make this a favorite among my Shakespeare-related fictions. If you're looking for something better written and more adventurous, I'd recommend Robert Nye's The Late Mr. Shakespeare.
I can't recommend it, however. And it's primarily because of the writing, which occasionally rises above the merely competent but not often enough to fully engage me. [In fact, up until about page 75, I was considering dropping this read but then Anne reaches London and the pace quickened for a while.] Ryan does manage to capture several powerful moment's in Anne's life, at which points the writing comes alive. For example, there's a eureka! moment when Anne hands off Romeo & Juliet to WS, who realizes that she's a brilliant author, probably better even than him. Or there's the fraught relationship between Anne and Ben Johnson. But it's broached and concluded within a couple of chapters; the writing then sinks back to "adequate."
For a narrator who's supposedly responsible for this:
To be or not to be - that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take up arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die, to sleep
No more, and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to. 'Tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished.
the writing should be - well - Shakespearean. Or at least strive for it, but it isn't and I never quite believed the narrator's story. There's a point when Anne is searching the bookstalls of London searching for inspiration and she makes the observation, "Even for recreation's sake, I simply could not abide incompetent writing" (p. 366). Which is close to what I felt while reading much of this novel. Though I wouldn't be so harsh as to say "incompetent." As I mentioned above, the writing is decent. It's fault lies in its flatness.
Ryan is too safe. She takes no chances with her characters or her story. Take the love triangle from the Sonnets. Ryan had a perfect opportunity to make Anne - WS's lover and rival - the Dark Lady but she doesn't. The entire WS-Southampton episode that so exercises many of the Bard's fans today is related as hearsay, and doesn't affect Anne at all nor does it seem to get Shakespeare riled up except for a few vague misgivings about the earl and what his coterie of favorites gets up to.
It's not a bad read and there are moments when it rises to a good one but not enough to make this a favorite among my Shakespeare-related fictions. If you're looking for something better written and more adventurous, I'd recommend Robert Nye's The Late Mr. Shakespeare.
March 12, 2018
There is much speculation regarding William Shakespeare, known as England's bard, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, a poet and a marvelous writer of magnificent plays.
Add this book to the many speculations. A novel, a tale of fiction, yet a decent portrayal of life in England in the late 1500's. It is written that Anne, older than Will by eight years, seduced him, became pregnant and the family forced him to marry her. Restless and not suited for parenthood, he took his talents to London where he believed he could find some type of work.
Originally, it was a hard go for him. Some reports are that he was a horse groomsman, others believe that he was a poor actor, but of course, history allows us to believe he was by far the best writer ever!
In this story, Anne quickly produces three children, a daughter followed by twins. Leaving her babies to be raised by her in laws, Anne walks to London, miraculously finds Will, and he is not at all happy to see her. Throughout 400 pages, the author has us believe they are ill mated, then we find them together again in a tumultuous relationship.
When one of the twins dies, Will grieves the loss of his son. This is difficult to believe since he never wanted children, and only sporadically saw his them. His life was in England, and not the boring countryside.
When in grief, he is unable to write, Anne takes the quill and brings characters to life, giving Will the credit.
This was a captivating book, but at times it bogged down and was difficult to continue. I did finish it. I can recommend it if you are willing to put much speculation aside.
Add this book to the many speculations. A novel, a tale of fiction, yet a decent portrayal of life in England in the late 1500's. It is written that Anne, older than Will by eight years, seduced him, became pregnant and the family forced him to marry her. Restless and not suited for parenthood, he took his talents to London where he believed he could find some type of work.
Originally, it was a hard go for him. Some reports are that he was a horse groomsman, others believe that he was a poor actor, but of course, history allows us to believe he was by far the best writer ever!
In this story, Anne quickly produces three children, a daughter followed by twins. Leaving her babies to be raised by her in laws, Anne walks to London, miraculously finds Will, and he is not at all happy to see her. Throughout 400 pages, the author has us believe they are ill mated, then we find them together again in a tumultuous relationship.
When one of the twins dies, Will grieves the loss of his son. This is difficult to believe since he never wanted children, and only sporadically saw his them. His life was in England, and not the boring countryside.
When in grief, he is unable to write, Anne takes the quill and brings characters to life, giving Will the credit.
This was a captivating book, but at times it bogged down and was difficult to continue. I did finish it. I can recommend it if you are willing to put much speculation aside.
July 5, 2010
The “Shakespeare authorship question” is widely diverse in claims yet “almost without exception, they [Elizabethan literary historians:] were agreed: Shakespeare’s marriage to Anne Hathaway was a youthful mistake in an otherwise glorious career.” But, what if they are all wrong? What if Anne wasn’t a “homely, coarse, illiterate, immoral country wench,” but, instead, half of a duo that aimed to be the foremost writer in the Elizabethan patriarchal England? What if she were truly the most gifted of playwrights but the gender laws and perceptions of the times would never allow her work to see the light of day should she put her own name to her work. What if William Shakespeare was much more progressive than originally though and was able to recognize a talent in the privacy of his own marriage bed what he could never admit publically?
Arliss Ryan’s The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare attempts to answer these hypothetical questions. Anne, an older woman, is seduced into literacy and then into pregnancy by a young and impetuous William Shakespeare (a ne'er-do-well from a family striving to attain status after Queen Elizabeth’s purge of Catholicism). Caught up the passion of their words and deeds, Anne turns up pregnant and forcibly married to Will. This marriage forced her to live with Will’s family who blamed her for ruining their son’s life. Three children later, Will abandons his family to chase his star in London. Shortly after, Anne follows Will to escape torment. Once in London, she takes up the guise of Will’s younger sister (his idea), takes up a needle to sew for the theaters, and ultimately takes up the quill to be part of the creative entity known throughout history as William Shakespeare.
Ryan creates an interesting alternative to what is commonly believed about William Shakespeare, Elizabethan England, and Anne Hathaway. The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare is a historical fiction that lends the reader to wonder if it is really that much of a fiction.
Arliss Ryan’s The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare attempts to answer these hypothetical questions. Anne, an older woman, is seduced into literacy and then into pregnancy by a young and impetuous William Shakespeare (a ne'er-do-well from a family striving to attain status after Queen Elizabeth’s purge of Catholicism). Caught up the passion of their words and deeds, Anne turns up pregnant and forcibly married to Will. This marriage forced her to live with Will’s family who blamed her for ruining their son’s life. Three children later, Will abandons his family to chase his star in London. Shortly after, Anne follows Will to escape torment. Once in London, she takes up the guise of Will’s younger sister (his idea), takes up a needle to sew for the theaters, and ultimately takes up the quill to be part of the creative entity known throughout history as William Shakespeare.
Ryan creates an interesting alternative to what is commonly believed about William Shakespeare, Elizabethan England, and Anne Hathaway. The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare is a historical fiction that lends the reader to wonder if it is really that much of a fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2015
I enjoyed this book and appreciated the author's creative story line. A true Shakespearean would likely take issue with the premise of the book, however, it is presented as a novel with a "what if" scenario. At the end of the book, I thought it was believable. I would give this 3-1/2 stars - if there were 1/2 star options.
August 14, 2021
I could not finish this one. It was written like a weird Shakespeare fanfiction.
September 30, 2023
Oh God. Where do I start?
I expected a flushed-out theory of what Anne Shakespeare may have done during William Shakespeare’s “lost years” where we do not know what happened, besides that he took off to London to be an actor with the Queen’s Men. I expected it to put a feminist lens on the fictional idea of what happened, and how Anne may have contributed to the writing of his plays as many do theorize to this day.
What did I get? Badly-written Shakespeare fanfiction. I’m sure I could have found well-written Shakespeare fanfiction on AO3 or Wattpad if I dared. I cannot count the number of intimacy and sex scenes. (Not all of which were with Will. It seems she was in heat for any man she looked at.) Reading them made me feel like I was physically present and like I should leave the room. But I can’t. Because this was ASSIGNED FOR SCHOOL.
It also made me laugh a lot, but not because it was witty or well-written. I laughed because Anne would say “Oh Will, shake me with your spear!” or some variation of that at SEVERAL POINTS throughout the book. As funny as it is, it’s also… gross. I would rather not envision Anne Hathaway "shaking" on Will’s “spear.” It’s only funny because the author had to write this completely seriously and unironically (despite that the character is joking.) I laughed out loud at any point in the book where Anne would say a well-known Shakespeare line in the context of the conversation, to infer she had come up with it and therefore inspired it because she said it precisely word-for-word before Shakespeare had written the play. It was cringeworthy, and a very bad attempt at planting references meant to be important later.
And there were so many things in this book that seemed… factually wrong. I really want to know if any certified Shakespeare experts have read this because I am curious as to if my hunch is right. I know it’s historical fiction, but this feels like it was written by someone who did a high school report on Shakespeare, and then the teacher said “If you write about what you think happened to Will and Anne after he left Stratford, I’ll give you extra credit,” so they took an edible the night before the deadline and wrote this monstrosity, and used ChatGPT to write anything that needed basic historical accuracy.
I cannot even lie, halfway through the book I gave up. I had to skim the rest of it and have some general idea of what happened because this was for school, but I finally let go of my grip after hanging on for dear life from the first few chapters. It took EVERYTHING in me to NOT stop reading.
And of course, the worst part about the time I wasted reading this is that most of it isn't even true. What was the reason? What is my takeaway? What was the point of reading this?
Dear the ghosts of William and Anne Shakespeare, I’m sure you two are rolling in your graves. I’m very sorry this was written. I’m also very sorry I read this. I didn't have a choice. I don't think I'd be able to look you in the eye if you were alive. I enjoyed reading about all the fantastical sex you two had just as much as you enjoyed hearing about its retelling from the afterlife. Unless you two were truly as horny as the book suggests, then I definitely enjoyed it FAR less. Sincerely, scarred for life, me.
I expected a flushed-out theory of what Anne Shakespeare may have done during William Shakespeare’s “lost years” where we do not know what happened, besides that he took off to London to be an actor with the Queen’s Men. I expected it to put a feminist lens on the fictional idea of what happened, and how Anne may have contributed to the writing of his plays as many do theorize to this day.
What did I get? Badly-written Shakespeare fanfiction. I’m sure I could have found well-written Shakespeare fanfiction on AO3 or Wattpad if I dared. I cannot count the number of intimacy and sex scenes. (Not all of which were with Will. It seems she was in heat for any man she looked at.) Reading them made me feel like I was physically present and like I should leave the room. But I can’t. Because this was ASSIGNED FOR SCHOOL.
It also made me laugh a lot, but not because it was witty or well-written. I laughed because Anne would say “Oh Will, shake me with your spear!” or some variation of that at SEVERAL POINTS throughout the book. As funny as it is, it’s also… gross. I would rather not envision Anne Hathaway "shaking" on Will’s “spear.” It’s only funny because the author had to write this completely seriously and unironically (despite that the character is joking.) I laughed out loud at any point in the book where Anne would say a well-known Shakespeare line in the context of the conversation, to infer she had come up with it and therefore inspired it because she said it precisely word-for-word before Shakespeare had written the play. It was cringeworthy, and a very bad attempt at planting references meant to be important later.
And there were so many things in this book that seemed… factually wrong. I really want to know if any certified Shakespeare experts have read this because I am curious as to if my hunch is right. I know it’s historical fiction, but this feels like it was written by someone who did a high school report on Shakespeare, and then the teacher said “If you write about what you think happened to Will and Anne after he left Stratford, I’ll give you extra credit,” so they took an edible the night before the deadline and wrote this monstrosity, and used ChatGPT to write anything that needed basic historical accuracy.
I cannot even lie, halfway through the book I gave up. I had to skim the rest of it and have some general idea of what happened because this was for school, but I finally let go of my grip after hanging on for dear life from the first few chapters. It took EVERYTHING in me to NOT stop reading.
And of course, the worst part about the time I wasted reading this is that most of it isn't even true. What was the reason? What is my takeaway? What was the point of reading this?
Dear the ghosts of William and Anne Shakespeare, I’m sure you two are rolling in your graves. I’m very sorry this was written. I’m also very sorry I read this. I didn't have a choice. I don't think I'd be able to look you in the eye if you were alive. I enjoyed reading about all the fantastical sex you two had just as much as you enjoyed hearing about its retelling from the afterlife. Unless you two were truly as horny as the book suggests, then I definitely enjoyed it FAR less. Sincerely, scarred for life, me.
October 30, 2022
I really enjoy almost every book set in Shakespeare's world and this was no exception.. In this b00k Arliss Ryan decides to tell the story from Anne Shakespeare's viewpoint. Anne is often maligned for no reason in my opinion. She was a few years older than William which many seem to think means she trapped him in an unhappy marriage. I think this is an absurd conclusion based on one fact. Is it possible the marriage wasn't great sure but I'm not willing to assume that is the case or that it is Anne's fault just because she was older.
Arliss definitely presents a more human Anne which I really enjoyed. The story takes some significant artistic license which is kind of the point with historical fiction in my opinion especially when you have a subject that so little is known about.
As expected she weaves lots of things we do know about William and the time period into the story. She did a really nice job of discussing the influence of Queen Elizabeth and King James to the artistic scene and daily life of the period. Obviously the plays were included which felt natural to the story and as a fan of WS I found very entertaining.
The most controversial take is that Anne helped write many of the famous plays. This may offend some of Shakespeare's biggest fans but I thought it was a pretty original idea. I do not think it's likely Anne was a cowriter since I think most of the evidence points to Anne raising kids in Stratford but it's not out of the question.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and was a little sad to let the characters go.
Arliss definitely presents a more human Anne which I really enjoyed. The story takes some significant artistic license which is kind of the point with historical fiction in my opinion especially when you have a subject that so little is known about.
As expected she weaves lots of things we do know about William and the time period into the story. She did a really nice job of discussing the influence of Queen Elizabeth and King James to the artistic scene and daily life of the period. Obviously the plays were included which felt natural to the story and as a fan of WS I found very entertaining.
The most controversial take is that Anne helped write many of the famous plays. This may offend some of Shakespeare's biggest fans but I thought it was a pretty original idea. I do not think it's likely Anne was a cowriter since I think most of the evidence points to Anne raising kids in Stratford but it's not out of the question.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and was a little sad to let the characters go.
November 8, 2022
Holding on to this book because of its beautiful cover for twelve years, I had already been enchanted by the idea of a biography of Shakespeare's wife. I must admit that I put off reading because of those two things!
Who wrote his plays? That has been debated for ages! Arliss Ryan leads us on a merry romp, having Anne declare to her granddaughter that she wrote many of them, including Romeo and Juliet. Going back to the late 1500s to the early 1600s, requires a ton of research and the author did that. She made a research trip to England and visited the important historical sites in this tale and told the story in the comfortable mode of first person.
We know little of Anne and gave the author license to write an enchanting and very humourous story.
I highly recommend this book for a release from today's woes and plenty of laughter to lighten your mood.
Who wrote his plays? That has been debated for ages! Arliss Ryan leads us on a merry romp, having Anne declare to her granddaughter that she wrote many of them, including Romeo and Juliet. Going back to the late 1500s to the early 1600s, requires a ton of research and the author did that. She made a research trip to England and visited the important historical sites in this tale and told the story in the comfortable mode of first person.
We know little of Anne and gave the author license to write an enchanting and very humourous story.
I highly recommend this book for a release from today's woes and plenty of laughter to lighten your mood.
September 29, 2023
New belt holder for the worst book I've ever read.
Some sincerely embarrassing writing. I also think this is uniquely bad because while unclear historical records *could* make for good historical fiction to fill in the blanks-- the rise of anti-intellectualism and efforts to discredit Shakespeare as the author to his own plays for horrible reason x, y, or z means that a book about how Anne actually wrote everything feels especially unwelcome.
But all of that doesn't compare to how clunky and annoying the writing is. Badly conceived, poorly executed.
Some sincerely embarrassing writing. I also think this is uniquely bad because while unclear historical records *could* make for good historical fiction to fill in the blanks-- the rise of anti-intellectualism and efforts to discredit Shakespeare as the author to his own plays for horrible reason x, y, or z means that a book about how Anne actually wrote everything feels especially unwelcome.
But all of that doesn't compare to how clunky and annoying the writing is. Badly conceived, poorly executed.
August 11, 2019
What an interesting story! I have had this book for a very long time and I cannot believe I waited so long to read it! It is one of those stories that really makes you think and wonder, just really what is the true story. It is also a book that made me want to learn more about the time that this story took place. A really great book indeed!
June 24, 2018
This is a fun well researched novel that takes the controversy about who wrote Shakespeare's plays in an different direction. Don't expect the truth, expect a good story.
November 28, 2022
Fun idea, but really struggled to get into her writing style. Made it feel dense and somewhat hard to get into.
October 19, 2023
Very thorough novel taking place in late 1500s.
October 21, 2025
“There is no such thing as an unselfish artist”
February 17, 2019
Check out more at https://www.instagram.com/bookstolive...
The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare is one of my favorites and it celebrates the strong, independent and surprisingly modern figure of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife! Arliss Ryan explores the long debated question of whether Shakespeare wrote all of his plays by positing that Anne wrote and edited more than half of them! Half historical-fiction and half-romance, Ryan turns a woman that history slightly forgot into a plucky, wonderful protagonist who is fighting for her place in a literary world dominated by men.
The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare is one of my favorites and it celebrates the strong, independent and surprisingly modern figure of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife! Arliss Ryan explores the long debated question of whether Shakespeare wrote all of his plays by positing that Anne wrote and edited more than half of them! Half historical-fiction and half-romance, Ryan turns a woman that history slightly forgot into a plucky, wonderful protagonist who is fighting for her place in a literary world dominated by men.
July 4, 2010
originally posted at http://historical-fiction.com
In a death bed confession to her beloved granddaughter, Anne Shakespeare (nee Hathaway) relates the secret life she lead after following her young husband to London when their children were very young. Feeling a burden to her parents-in-law in their already too crowded home, Anne set out to help Will with the usual wifely duties, but found—when presented with the props and environment of the theater—she had a talent not only for sewing the elaborate costumes, but also for writing plays.
At first she only copied her husband’s scripts in a neater hand. Then she began making subtle changes, and finally, realizing her superior talent, Will began collaborating with her and accepting entire plays written by Anne (though he almost always inserted a few ideas of his own).
Always hiding part of her true self, Anne struggles with self-image, her role in life, her desires and her loyalty to others. While she is very open minded and a steady friend and companion, there is always a breaking point which usually leads to another change in her life, and in extension more sustenance for her muse. These very changes lead to her penning her most important works.
For me the most interesting part of this novel is the timeline and origin of the plays (and Will’s sonnets), as it is done in such a way as to explain why either Will or Anne decided on the themes, characters and topics at the time. It was always a circumstance or event that prompted their ideas, which gives the story substance and relevance. This so intrigued me that I have gone on a sort of Shakespeare kick and purchased a 2 volume set of Shakespeare’s entire works to peruse as well as a biography and another book based on the subject of Elizabethan theater. It feels strange to suddenly enjoy Shakespeare, when I didn’t care for it at all in school, but that just goes to show that a really great novel such as this can change a mind and open a person to further reading.
The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare gives yet another spin on the true authorship of the famous plays of William Shakespeare. Many people are convinced that Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, really wrote the plays credited to Shakespeare (there is even a group called the Oxfordians), but this story creates another—perhaps less feasible—explanation of how an undereducated glove-maker’s son became a prolific playwright.
There are many famous names and personas to enjoy: Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Queen Elizabeth I, Bess of Hardwick, and Arbella Stuart (to name a few). Late Elizabethan and early Stuart England are described in detail, both politically and in matters of everyday life. Through many ups and downs Will and Anne persevere—all the way to the end of their life together with a touching scene that explains why Will famously bequeathed her the ‘second best’ bed.
I could have devoured this book in a matter of days, but I made myself read it slowly and take in every word, pausing to make notes and write down quotes as I went. It’s that sort of book—Anne is so easy to identify with. She deciphers characters, both real and those appearing in her plays, so adroitly that you may have to convince yourself that this is a work of fiction. Here are a few of the quotes I collected:
Page 43
“It may be true that all things are with more spirit chased than enjoyed, yet love and marriage are far more complicated than any tidy five-act play.”
Page 227
“If this is the devil’s work, I contend he is divine.”
page 228
“There are bits and pieces of my life crushed everywhere into that play, and this is another great thing about being a writer: that nothing you do in your life ever goes to waste. You cut it out in little stars and scatter it into the heaven of everything you write.”
Page 288-289
“Perhaps that is the best way to see life, to move continually forward with no regrets. But women are sentimental, attaching meaning to things our opposite sex might disdain, and as the painted heavens broke apart and the columns of the stage were lowered to the ground, I recalled the costumes I had sewn, the lines I had penned.”
The entire book is filled with these wonderful insights and pieces of wisdom. The end of June has wrapped up my mid-year of book reviewing and I must claim this one as my favorite so far! If you’re planning to purchase a new book for yourself soon, this is my recommendation, Shakespeare fan or not!
In a death bed confession to her beloved granddaughter, Anne Shakespeare (nee Hathaway) relates the secret life she lead after following her young husband to London when their children were very young. Feeling a burden to her parents-in-law in their already too crowded home, Anne set out to help Will with the usual wifely duties, but found—when presented with the props and environment of the theater—she had a talent not only for sewing the elaborate costumes, but also for writing plays.
At first she only copied her husband’s scripts in a neater hand. Then she began making subtle changes, and finally, realizing her superior talent, Will began collaborating with her and accepting entire plays written by Anne (though he almost always inserted a few ideas of his own).
Always hiding part of her true self, Anne struggles with self-image, her role in life, her desires and her loyalty to others. While she is very open minded and a steady friend and companion, there is always a breaking point which usually leads to another change in her life, and in extension more sustenance for her muse. These very changes lead to her penning her most important works.
For me the most interesting part of this novel is the timeline and origin of the plays (and Will’s sonnets), as it is done in such a way as to explain why either Will or Anne decided on the themes, characters and topics at the time. It was always a circumstance or event that prompted their ideas, which gives the story substance and relevance. This so intrigued me that I have gone on a sort of Shakespeare kick and purchased a 2 volume set of Shakespeare’s entire works to peruse as well as a biography and another book based on the subject of Elizabethan theater. It feels strange to suddenly enjoy Shakespeare, when I didn’t care for it at all in school, but that just goes to show that a really great novel such as this can change a mind and open a person to further reading.
The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare gives yet another spin on the true authorship of the famous plays of William Shakespeare. Many people are convinced that Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, really wrote the plays credited to Shakespeare (there is even a group called the Oxfordians), but this story creates another—perhaps less feasible—explanation of how an undereducated glove-maker’s son became a prolific playwright.
There are many famous names and personas to enjoy: Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Queen Elizabeth I, Bess of Hardwick, and Arbella Stuart (to name a few). Late Elizabethan and early Stuart England are described in detail, both politically and in matters of everyday life. Through many ups and downs Will and Anne persevere—all the way to the end of their life together with a touching scene that explains why Will famously bequeathed her the ‘second best’ bed.
I could have devoured this book in a matter of days, but I made myself read it slowly and take in every word, pausing to make notes and write down quotes as I went. It’s that sort of book—Anne is so easy to identify with. She deciphers characters, both real and those appearing in her plays, so adroitly that you may have to convince yourself that this is a work of fiction. Here are a few of the quotes I collected:
Page 43
“It may be true that all things are with more spirit chased than enjoyed, yet love and marriage are far more complicated than any tidy five-act play.”
Page 227
“If this is the devil’s work, I contend he is divine.”
page 228
“There are bits and pieces of my life crushed everywhere into that play, and this is another great thing about being a writer: that nothing you do in your life ever goes to waste. You cut it out in little stars and scatter it into the heaven of everything you write.”
Page 288-289
“Perhaps that is the best way to see life, to move continually forward with no regrets. But women are sentimental, attaching meaning to things our opposite sex might disdain, and as the painted heavens broke apart and the columns of the stage were lowered to the ground, I recalled the costumes I had sewn, the lines I had penned.”
The entire book is filled with these wonderful insights and pieces of wisdom. The end of June has wrapped up my mid-year of book reviewing and I must claim this one as my favorite so far! If you’re planning to purchase a new book for yourself soon, this is my recommendation, Shakespeare fan or not!
June 21, 2011
I'm a huge historical fiction fan, so this book was right up my alley. I really enjoyed getting to know Anne, and found that her personality really drew me in. She was a strong woman that used her mind to get what she wanted.
It was an interesting take on the theory that Shakespeare was not the author of the plays written under his name. It showed the ways of the theater pretty well and there weren't any obvious inaccuracies.
The "love" part of the story, and Anne's different relationships were interesting to follow. It never really seemed like she loved being a mother. She loved her kids, and it was a challenge for her to leave them, but the draw and her love for writing and the city seemed to take control. Her love and affection for William was a draw as well, because she cared for him as a person, but I feel like the love they had was more of a familiar love, as compared to a romantic love. In the beginning, I think she was more in love with the attention she was receiving than with William.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I gave it 4 stars because, while it was well written and a good story, it was not one that I was still thinking and obsessing about days later.
It was an interesting take on the theory that Shakespeare was not the author of the plays written under his name. It showed the ways of the theater pretty well and there weren't any obvious inaccuracies.
The "love" part of the story, and Anne's different relationships were interesting to follow. It never really seemed like she loved being a mother. She loved her kids, and it was a challenge for her to leave them, but the draw and her love for writing and the city seemed to take control. Her love and affection for William was a draw as well, because she cared for him as a person, but I feel like the love they had was more of a familiar love, as compared to a romantic love. In the beginning, I think she was more in love with the attention she was receiving than with William.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I gave it 4 stars because, while it was well written and a good story, it was not one that I was still thinking and obsessing about days later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2011
I've studied a lot of classical literature at the University level, and have studied the Renaissance, as well as the life of Shakespeare, in great detail.
There is a lot of his life that is left up to speculation, as very little actual documentation or plays remains intact (or was every recorded for that matter).
What I liked about this book, was the author stuck to the facts we do know about Shakespeare, and then filled in the gaps with her fiction.
As such, the feel of the story was very believable, especially (as anyone who has studied The Bard will know) many historians have often posed the multi-authorship theory of Shakespeare's plays, for many of the same reasons brought to light in this novel (varying stylistic changes throughout the plays, and quality differences, ect.)
I do not have a particular opinion myself as to whether or not Will Shakespeare wrote all of his works in their entirety without a collaborator. However, the thorough research of historical events evident in the writing of this book allows one to at least imagine the possibility.
There is a lot of his life that is left up to speculation, as very little actual documentation or plays remains intact (or was every recorded for that matter).
What I liked about this book, was the author stuck to the facts we do know about Shakespeare, and then filled in the gaps with her fiction.
As such, the feel of the story was very believable, especially (as anyone who has studied The Bard will know) many historians have often posed the multi-authorship theory of Shakespeare's plays, for many of the same reasons brought to light in this novel (varying stylistic changes throughout the plays, and quality differences, ect.)
I do not have a particular opinion myself as to whether or not Will Shakespeare wrote all of his works in their entirety without a collaborator. However, the thorough research of historical events evident in the writing of this book allows one to at least imagine the possibility.
June 9, 2010
This tale of William Shakespeare’s wife is a romance unlike any other. Anne Shakespeare’s husband and lovers pale in comparison to her true love - writing. I’ve never read another work that captures the passion that springs between creator and creation. Ryan’s devotion to both her character and the craft of literature bring to life the exquisite thrill of being an artist. Anyone who loves to tell stories will be able to see themselves in Anne. She’s an unforgettable character, and her story is engrossing beyond belief.
September 24, 2010
I really enjoyed this book, it gave me a new perspective on Shakespeare's plays. Not because they might have been written by a woman, but because of the way the author of this book describe the characters and what may have been behind the invention of these characters. This book rekindled in me a desire to again read many of these plays, and to give ones I never really cared for a second chance. the story itself was well written and engrossing told from the perspective of Anne Shakespeare as she recounts her life to her granddaughter on her death bed.
January 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book a great deal, especially since I recently read an article speculating about the life of Anne Shakespeare. Ryan made a good case for her premise and it was interesting to read about the Elizabethan period from a woman's point of view. Anyone who isn't familiar with Shakespeare's writings might find some of the more subtle points hard to follow, but the story of an ambitious woman's life in a time when women were considered as little more than property is compelling.
May 8, 2011
I loved this book. Although I recognize it was complete fiction, while immersed in the story I was willing to believe. And I fear I'll never quite look at Shakespeare in the same way again.
For my complete review, visit Reading World.
For my complete review, visit Reading World.
August 13, 2016
I really loved this story. Obviously, there is no way of knowing what really happened back in that time, but I found the story very plausible. If nothing else it very much shows what a woman's life was like in that time. Life was very restrictive for everyone in this time, but especially for woman.
January 2, 2013
Very little is known about Anne Shakespeare, so Arliss Ryan just plain makes it up. She posits that Anne lived with Will in London (leaving her children with her in-laws) and did a great deal of the writing of his plays. It was a fun read, filled with real people who knew Shakespeare. My only complaint is that it was rather long.
February 14, 2013
Loved this book! Amazingly well-written and the idea that William Shakespeare's wife, Anne was the true powerhouse writer behind William Shakespeare's fame is intriguing and made for a very entertaining read. I also learned so much about many of the plays written by Shakespeare and the political and cultural climate in England during this time. So glad I gave this book a chance!
February 14, 2013
Loved the premise that perhaps someone else could have written some of these plays and not just the romance/comedies. Well written, easy to follow with well developed characters. Learned quite a bit about the theatre during this time period.
March 16, 2013
Loved this book. It has always been debated whether or not Shakespeare had a ghost writer and this book explores who the ghost writer could be. I had to read Shakespeare in school and hated it, now I want to go back and read them after seeing the background possibilities
December 24, 2014
An interesting and creative idea about the authorship of Shakespeare's plays, but the voice is not very strong or true. There is more "telling" than "showing" in this book and it leaves the main character - Anne Hathaway Shakespeare- flat.
October 29, 2016
I finally covered the material I blew off in Theatre History class. :) How difficult it was to be a woman with a creative mind in England during the reign of Elizabeth I! I could relate to Anne's need to use her mind and engage with others like herself. Enjoyed this book.
November 14, 2011
I gave this book a lot of time, but just couldn't get into it and finally gave up.
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