67 pages • 2 hours read
The Shakespeare Stealer
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Book Brief
216
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1600s
1998
Middle grade
10-14 years
840L
Super Short Summary
The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood follows Widge, an orphaned apprentice in 1600s England, who is tasked with using charactery, a form of shorthand, to illegally copy Shakespeare's Hamlet. Initially motivated by his assignment, Widge becomes conflicted as he forms close bonds with the actors at the Globe Theatre, forcing him to choose between completing his mission or remaining loyal to his new friends.
Adventurous
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Exciting
Reviews & Readership
7,809 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Gary L. Blackwood’s The Shakespeare Stealer offers a thrilling historical adventure that captivates readers with its engaging plot and well-researched Elizabethan setting. Reviews praise its educational value and dynamic storytelling. Some critics, however, find character development lacking. Overall, it’s a commendable read for young adults interested in history and literature.
Who Should Read The Shakespeare Stealer?
A reader who enjoys The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary L. Blackwood likely appreciates historical fiction, adventure, and young adult literature. Fans of The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson would find this tale of a young boy in Shakespearean England captivating.
7,809 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Timothy Bright
Timothy Bright
A rector and doctor who adopts and teaches Widge the method of shorthand known as charactery before selling him to a stranger.
Falconer/Simon Bass
Falconer/Simon Bass
The antagonist who disguises himself as Falconer, characterized by his menacing appearance and criminal endeavors, and purchases Widge under false pretenses.
Sander
Sander
Widge's roommate and fellow theatre apprentice who warmly befriends him and guides him through the complex world of the theatre.
Julia/Julian
Julia/Julian
A teenage girl who disguises herself as a boy to join the theatre troupe, showing determination and skill in her acting and perseverance in following her dreams.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
A minor character portrayed as a contemplative playwright whose work, particularly Hamlet, is central to the novel's events.
216
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1600s
1998
Middle grade
10-14 years
840L
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