Joan Buckler and Sander Cooke have been friends ever since they were children. Both of them are unusual. Joan is a gifted natural philosopher (scientist) who has been lucky enough to find mentors willing to teach a girl. Sander is famous for playing female roles in the prestigious acting company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. But as Sander approaches the end of his apprenticeship and the end of when he can credibly play women and Joan starts working with the polymath Sir Francis Bacon1, their dynamic shifts. Boy, by Nicole Galland, tells their story (with hints of Twelfth Night and The Merchant of Venice, among other works by Shakespeare) of love, betrayal, loyalty, and ambition.

While Joan and Sander are both clearly cisgender, their biological sexes present challenges. If Joan had not been born a girl, it would be so much easier for her to attend school, find employment with other natural philosophers (early modern scientists), and not have to deal with the constricting expectations society has for girls. Sander, because he is aging out of being able to credibly play Shakespeare’s young heroines, doesn’t know what he will do with himself when his apprenticeship ends. He doesn’t have the physicality (or the opportunity) to jump into male roles. Also, Sander has found it much easier to make his way in the world by enticing women and gay or bisexual men for money and favors. A bit of luck introduces Sander and Joan to powerful men who might be able to help them find a good living. Sander’s acting talent catches the interest of Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, who is desperate to get back into Queen Elizabeth’s good graces. Joan, meanwhile, impresses Sir Francis Bacon after an otherwise disastrous meeting, with Sander’s assistance.

Even as Sander and Joan’s paths start to pull them in different directions, they discover a shared passion. No one else knows Joan the way Sander does, and vice versa. Both of them inhabit a gap in society because neither of them is willing or able to be conventional. So while Joan helps Bacon with his experiments with temperature and Sander tries to find a patron who will pay him enough to support himself and a wife, they continue to meet at the Globe Theatre. Patronage plays a huge role in both of their lives and, over the course of the novel, both are forced to wonder if they’ve found the right person to pin their hopes on. Bacon is fussy and humorless, constantly worried about staying on the Queen’s good side. The charming Robert Devereux is less concerned with propriety and the way things are done. Devereux is determined to win back the Queen’s favor by whatever scheme or strategem possible, dragging Sander along with him.

Readers who are familiar with Shakespeare’s plays will spot the references to the plays as Joan and Sander constantly cross-dress, pass messages, and get involved in subplots. (Shakespeare himself doesn’t really show up in this book but John Heminges frequently appears. Richard Burbage has cameo appearances.) Galland even organizes the book in five acts. While I could see some of the references coming (I grinned when I recognized Joan’s gambit at the conclusion of the book), I was on tenterhooks waiting for the novel to reveal itself as a comedy or a tragedy. Would our protagonists get married? Or would everyone end up dead? Either conclusion is possible until the very end. Boy is a marvelous tale, beautifully written, that hit me right in the heart. I loved every word.

This book delves into philosophy more than I expected but it's also very character driven. The characters are dynamic and interesting. Such a fantastic work of historical fiction.

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

I’ve been wanting to read one of Nicole Galland’s historical novels for a long time, but never got around to it. So I was pleased to review an e-galley for Boy.

Set in Elizabethan England and intermingling the worlds of the theater, the queen’s court and courtiers, and the scientists of the day, Galland centers the story around two gender-bending protagonists.

Alexander Cooke (Sander) is an apprentice actor at the Globe Playhouse and a city-wide celebrity. Slender, pretty, and coquettish, he stars in the female roles of Shakespeare’s great plays and is admired wherever he goes. Much of that admiration, particularly among the highborn and/or well-to-do, is due to his powerful sex appeal, making him a favorite of both women and men. Sander loves the attention. And the sex.

However, he’s getting older and the term of his apprenticeship is coming to an end. Sander knows he is outgrowing the female leads without growing into male roles. He isn’t interested in taking on a more managerial role. He wants to act. And if he cannot act, he needs a new “career.” He wants to be a courtier with a patron.

Joan Buckler is Sander’s oldest friend. They grew up together and know each other’s deepest secrets. However, while Sander is not particularly bright (except for a phenomenal memory), Joan is exceptionally smart. She wants to be a natural philosopher. Her problem is that she is female, with no hope of studying such things with the masters.

The crux of the novel focuses first on the budding physical attraction between these longtime friends, and then its blossoming into romantic love and strong sexual desire. Sander, in an effort to do something to please Joan, utilizes his acquaintance with Sir Francis Bacon to introduce Joan (who is masquerading as “Jack”) to Bacon’s circle and his ideas of inductive logic.

While Joan is furthering her education, Sander seeks patronage. This is even more important now that he wants to be able to support Joan as his wife. Unfortunately, he is fixed upon joining the circle around the earl of Essex, who was once one of the queen’s favorites but is now very much on the outs.

Galland does a lovely job of bringing young Sander and Joan to life. Sander is a complicated (if shallow) character who is redeemed by his love for his soul mate. Joan is bright, loyal, and brave. The London of the Elizabethan era is described in detail as the two make their way around in it. And the intrigue of Queen Elizabeth’s court is shown through the efforts of rivals for influence as they work to manipulate the queen’s favor.

This all requires a lot of set-up. The story ultimately reaches a satisfying conclusion; however, much of the book is slow as all the pieces must be maneuvered into position. I found my engagement with the story waxed and waned throughout. It’s definitely a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction and the time of Shakespeare, but for a 350-page book, it read longer.

In Shakespearean London, this tells of Sander, a young man who often plays the roles of women, and his friend Joan who desires more than a typical woman’s life. Interesting characters and a wonderful setting.

There were many interesting historical details incorporated throughout this work that helped to bring the setting and characters to life. I was honestly a little surprised by how heavily it focused on natural philosophy and conversations surrounding it - not a bad surprise, just a little unexpected. While I generally enjoyed these conversations, there were many of them and they did slow down the work in places. This aspect could detract from the work for many readers.

The premise of this one was interesting, and I enjoyed how gender was explored through the lens of the 16th century without forcing today's views into the mix. It was thoughtfully done, and one of my favorite aspects. I did want a bit more from the characters, especially Joan. Her whole personality is science and I feel like she was a flat character because of it. It didn't greatly detract from the work, but she could have been much stronger.

If you like historical fiction, especially set in 16th century London, then you may quite like this one. My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you ever had a dream for your life that seemed so impossible that you would do anything to make sure it happened? Whether the matter of age or gender or even circumstances of one’s birth, there is always that one dream that keeps you going even during the most difficult times. Sander Cooke and his best friend Joan Buckler have dreams that seem impossible, especially living in Elizabethan England. Sander wants to stay young so he can continue to act in female roles in plays whereas Joan wants to be a natural philosopher even though she is a woman. Can they achieve their dreams or will they be doomed to fall to greater powers? The story of Sander and Joan is told in Nicole Galland’s latest novel, “Boy.”

I want to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this novel. The cover caught my eye first, and I was impressed by its simplicity. Then, I read the description, and I knew it was right up my alley. I don’t read a lot of novels about Elizabethan theater life or natural philosophy, so I was excited to see how she could incorporate these ideas into one cohesive novel.

We begin with Alexander ‘Sander” Cooke who is one of the best boy players in the Chamberlain’s Men. He can get any female part that he wants that is written by William Shakespeare. Sander is renowned for his beauty and his acting skills, but he knows that his youth will not last forever so he is working feverishly to create connections at court. Meanwhile, Sander’s friend Joan just wants an opportunity to show that she can study just like a man can. She has no formal education, but she wants to study in the halls of the Barber-Surgeons and with natural philosophers.

It seems that both Sander and Joan’s problems are solved when Sander is introduced to Sir Francis Bacon, a natural philosopher. Sander comes up with a scheme for Joan to converse with Bacon, but Joan must dress as a male servant. While Joan has to deal with masquerading as a man, Sander has his issues as he is close to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, and his sister Lady Penelope Rich. While there are areas of love, danger, and intrigue, what grabbed my attention was how revolutionary some of the scientific and philosophical experiments made me think about their discussions in depth. It was refreshing and innovative in its approach with the historical figures we all know from this period of the past taking more of a back seat.

This was an evocative novel that gave even more depth to an already rich period of the past. It shows the lives of the common people striving for better lives and how to better the world around them through the arts or scientific discoveries. I did not know what to expect when I first selected this book, but I am so glad I read it. If you want a novel with a fresh take on Elizabethan England, I highly suggest you read “Boy” by Nicole Galland.

Thanks to BookClubGirl, NetGalley, and William Morrow Books for this copy of "Boy."

I'm mood reading books about English history right now, and I've always been a Tudor geek and love to read fictionalized accounts of famous people associated with them (and no, I've never watched the TV show.)

So of course I had to read "Boy" with characters Alexander "Sander" Cooke and Joan Buckler, and Francis Bacon.

Sander is beautifully androgynous and the darling of the theatre. He doesn't like the thought of growing older and doesn't know yet what he wants, other than to continue acting. (He's a real historical person and I didn't know that until I searched and found him.)

Joan is a brilliant self-taught botanist and herbalist prodigy. She wants to learn human anatomy (among other sciences) but women aren't allowed in the lectures.

Sander and Joan have been best friends forever but they're starting to look at each other differently. And Sander wants to help Joan with her knowledge quest by letting her attend after-performance-parties with Francis Bacon and other philosophers, but of course she has to dress as a "boy."

Sander and Joan unknowingly get caught up in all the political and court intrigue. And whom can they trust? And how can they protect each other? And I was holding my breath at the end.... and loved it!

Rounded up from 4.5 stars

Sander and Joan, the protagonists of "Boy," won my heart from the get-go. Each is intelligent, witty, inquisitive, and enjoyable to spend time with individually, and when they're together, they are an absolutely delightful duo. Whether they will indeed come together romantically—they've been friends since childhood—is the question that propels the novel, and I was rooting for them all the way.

Nicole Galland's prose strikes an ideal balance between of-the-period (late-Elizabethan England) and contemporary. The descriptions of Thames River crossings and watching a play at the Globe Theatre were just as vivid as those showing Sander and Joan experiencing first love. The only reason I didn't rate this a full five stars is that a few of the discussions regarding Francis Bacon's scientific methods, while important to the story, were a bit dry for me. Otherwise, I adored Sander, Joan, and "Boy."

Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The energy of this book is delightfully kinetic, propelled by ebullient characters and animated prose. Much like the tale itself, the story is the stage, and the theatrical whimsy through which we see the story develop is as charming as the budding romance between our main characters.

Ultimately, this is a character-driven book: our main characters and side characters are unique and well-developed as we progress in the story, each of whom embody an inquisitive nature and daring intellect that challenge the status quo of Elizabethan London. This is a well-researched tale, well-peppered with embellished versions of historical figures that enhance these interwoven themes of normative rebellion.

The pacing of the story is a bit inconsistent (sometimes energetic, other times unvaried - particularly in the first half of the story), which may be an issue for some, but the switch of narrative perspectives between the two main characters throughout the chapters ferried my attention and the last half of the story was pure fun. 4 stars - would recommend, this was an enjoyable read! Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC and opportunity to give an early review!

Sander is a boy in Shakespeare’s company of players. He is a star in the female roles, a sought after celebrity. His best friend, Joan, is not a star but she has a brilliant and inquisitive mind. They are both growing up. Soon Sander will age out of the young female roles and Joan will be a candidate for marriage. Are they meant for each other? Will Sander’s efforts to further Joan’s education and to find a patron end in misery? Tudor politics in the form of Francis Bacon and the Earl of Essex play a role.

Setting details were good! They were great and really kept me interested. There were anlso some really funny moments of dialogue. At times, though, interactions between people could be a bit awkward, flat or unrealistic. so ultimately the story didn’t keep me hooked.

I really wish there had been more establishment of the status quo between Sander and Joan. We hear that they’ve been friends, but from their first interaction the dynamic starts to shift. I think their relationship lacked a sense of groundedness, and I wish the status quo of their lifelong friendship had been shown rather than told. I also wish we’d been more so shown rather than told so much about Sander’s devoted fans and appeal to others.

witty and funny story at points but dealing with a lot of intense political drama the farther it goes. sander and joan are both very compellingly written characters. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

I adored this book, it was a whirlwind and I will remember the characters for ages, they were so real and darling. I will seek out more by this author!

What a lark of a story! In Shakespearean London an apprentice teenager has risen to fame acting female roles, invited into the homes–and beds–of society. But Sander is discovering his feelings toward his childhood friend Joan in changing.

Joan “has the mind of a philosopher but no access to much learning,” so they come up with a plan. Sander appropriates clothing from the theater wardrobe and Joan dresses as a boy–Jack–and as Sander’s servant is taken into the home of Francis Bacon. Joan is soon discovered, but Bacon is impressed with her mind and arranges for her to help with his experiments.

Meanwhile, Joan and Sander have admitted their feelings and engage in a passionate affair.

Sander’s future after his apprenticeship ends in a few months is uncertain and he seeks a patron. The Earl of Essex is interested in hiring him to start a new actors troop. But Bacon warns that Essex is out of favor with Queen Elizabeth I.

We learn about the life of Shakespeare’s actors, the political machinations against Queen Elizabeth I, the newly forming inductive logic of Bacon, but it’s never boring.

Sander has been coddled for his beauty, but Joan is forcing him to grow up.

Joan is the strong character in the book, a 16th c woman with the mind of a scientist–and a feminist, intend on forging her own life. She can mop and clean and haul Thames water for experiments with equal competence. When Sander is implicated in the plot to overthrow the Queen, it is Joan, using Bacon’s logic, who saves the day.

“I will be a natural philosopher,” Joan announces in the end. And we believe she will outshine her new teacher as she did Bacon.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.

Boy is about real life an actor, Sander Cooke, who performed all the female parts of Shakespeare plays, and his friend/love interest, Joan who dressed up as a boy to pass in educated society of Elizabethan England. There are many real historical characters of the era sprinkled through out the book. Sander is a regular at the dinners hosted by the great intellect and scientist of the day, Francis Bacon and his contemporaries. . There is much palace intrigue surrounding the many facets of Elizabeth I's court, those vying for her favor, those trying to hang on to favor, and those desperate to win it back.. While this could have been an over the top with smarmy name-dropping twaddle- it was a very realistic portrayal of England of the day- warts and all. This was London of the day and these were it's denizens. This book also had a lot to say about women's healthcare at the time, using many herbal remedies to deal with the many ills and needs of women.

This book was an interesting and realistic look into England in Shakespeare's time. Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC opportunity.

A young actor who play female roles in Shakespeare's Globe Theater laments his uncertain future as he grows into manhood. Meanwhile, his best friend since childhood disguises herself as a boy in serach of educational opportunities not available to women. An entertaining novel with a too convenient ending.

The Boy by Nicole Galland is my 1st book by the author. This historical novel is set in set in the theatre world during Elizabethan times in London. Alexander "Sander" Cooke is the toast of the Chamberlains Men, Shakespeare’s theatre company. He is aging out of being able to play the women's roles and seeks a patron to help sponsor him.
His best friend, Joan Buckler, is a young woman seeking intellectual development, she has been trained in botany but is limited by her gender. They meet Francis Bacon, an intellectual philosopher and advisor to the queen. The rich details, and historical context is well researched and draws you into the era of political intrigue, social class and gender expectations. There is suspense, romance, philosophical debates that are interesting to read what they thought in that era, and some botany. There is some sexual content, not too graphic, and some mild violence, also not graphic and appropriate for the setting. The language is beautifully Shakespearean, the pacing a bit uneven that may lag for some. The ending is satisfying and I would recommend it for anyone interested in a well researched and rich in detail historical novel set in this era.
A big thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

Sander Cooke is an apprentice in the Chamberlain's Men, the most celebrated "boy" player of his time, and Joan Buckler is his best friend, a unique woman for her time, determined to know and understand more about the world around her despite the restrictions placed upon her by her gender. As the book opens, Sander is soon to end his apprenticeship with the players and concerned for his own future, because he cannot fathom playing men's roles, and so begins to seek a wealthy patron who can take him on and ensure his place in society for the future. He meets Sir Francis Bacon, and together with Joan, he takes them under his wing to further Joan's education. As they work with Bacon, Sander becomes embroiled in courtly drama in intrigue in his pursuit of a patron, unfortunately setting his sights on the disgraced Earl of Essex.
This book was quite enjoyable to read for its new take and spin on gender roles in Elizabethan times, as Joan challenged societal expectations, as did Sander in his own struggle with gender identity and seeing himself a masculine man after so many years of being effeminate for the stage. The main plot does meander a bit before it comes to the climax near the final 1/3rd of the book, and I found the conclusion a bit unbelievable as well for the time period. That said, overall, this book was very enjoyable. Both Sander and Joan are narrators, with easily identifiable individual voices, and the writing itself was lovely.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

The Boy reimagines the story of Alexander Cooke who played the female roles of Shakespeare’s plays.

Alexander “Sander” Cooke is the most celebrated boy player in the Chamberlain’s Men, William Shakespeare’s theatre company. His portrayal of female roles made him the toast of London. But now at the cusp of adulthood his future is uncertain.

Sander’s theatrical triumphs catch the first attention of Francis Bacon – philosopher and one of the greatest minds of their time. But what catches his next attention is Sander’s original question, only to discover quickly the truth that Sander is not his would-be acolyte. It’s someone else.

Joan Buckler is Sander’s best friend. While Sander wishes for more than friendship, she craves knowledge. Something that is unattainable for a woman of her time. From childhood, she had interest in botany and using plants for medicinal purposes. She became an experimental botanist under a guide of two experts, who already recognized her early on as a precarious toddler. That’s why they supported her curiosity throughout her childhood, and have been her mentors of natural philosophy and botany.

Joan, as a woman, is not part of the philosophical conversations which she desires. She is fascinated by emerging philosophical thoughts but in order to get closer to those discussions, she needs to disguise herself.

The men talk about inductive logic, knowledge without the bias of old beliefs. Those conversations are fascinating but I can also see that not everyone might be engrossed by it. And at some points, it results in uneven pacing.

As both, Sander and Joan, triumph they draw attention of some influential figures, which also leads to their tragedies as they become snarled into political intrigues of the court.

The Boy is written with eloquence and is immersed with philosophical discussions and intrigues of the court, effortlessly drawing the reader into the story.

A good enough story but felt like it had to be more fleshed out in terms of the world and characters. 3 stars.