I really wanted to love this book because the premise was so exciting and interesting. But the pacing was just off for me and I couldn't really get into the story or care for the characters. The writing was really good and that was the only thing that stopped me from dnf'ing.

"Boy" by Nicole Galland is a captivating novel that intertwines historical events with a fascinating fictional tale. “Boy” is about the real-life actor Alexander Cooke, who played the leading female roles in many of Shakespear’s most well-known plays in the early 1600’s and Alexander’s fictional bff, Joan, who disguises herself as a boy. Alexander (Sander) helps her do this so she can engage in intellectual pursuits that are not afforded to girls and women of those times.

While Galland creates a very compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged, I struggled to maintain interest in the very beginning. That changed as the story progressed, and I truly enjoyed this book!

The author's meticulous research is evident in the rich portrayal of the characters and the vivid settings, which transport the reader to the medieval period. As a fan of Shakespeare, it was fun to see him as a supporting character in the book, as well as a friend and admirer of Sander.

Both protagonists, Alexander and Joan, are complex characters whose journey is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Galland's writing style is eloquent and immersive, effortlessly drawing the reader into the world of the story and the life-or-death drama unfolding around them. The plot is carefully crafted, full of unexpected twists and turns that add depth to the narrative. The seamless blending of historical detail and fictional elements makes for a truly enriching reading experience.

The historically accurate supporting characters, such as William Shakespeare, John Heminges, and Richard Burbage, are equally well-developed, each adding a layer of nuance to the story. The interpersonal relationships and dynamics of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men acting companies are portrayed with authenticity, making the characters feel genuine and multi-dimensional. It also provides justification for many of Alexander’s poor fictional life decisions, including landing himself in the middle of a massive political coup against Queen Elizabeth.

While the novel's pacing is generally well-executed, there are moments when the narrative lingers longer than necessary, which may test the patience of some readers in the very beginning.

Overall, "Boy" is a captivating and rewarding read that offers a unique blend of history and fiction. Galland's masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #NicoleGalland, and #HarperCollins for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. #boy

Sander and Joan, whose relationship is instantly endearing, are coming of in an Elizabethan London of theater and philosophy. Sander's struggle to settle into manhood and its limitations, is paralleled expertly by Joan's struggle to accept her womanhood and its limitations, and both of them explore who they are beyond who they appear to be as they try to carve out a future for themselves and each other.

Any lover of Shakespeare will immediately feel at home in this setting, though he is not a featured character, the story of love and ambition, and how they collide, is timeless. Galland has written two main characters who are very different from each other but whose love feels so easy and genuine, and wants feel so grounded and justified. The plot is intriguing and exciting.

I would highly recommend this to fans of "A Tip for the Hangman" or any of those familiar with the world of Elizabethan Theater and political intrigue.

DNF at 31%

I absolutely love the Tudor/Elizabethan time period and I especially love picking up books on the period during the summer when I am in rehearsals for the Renaissance Festival that I perform in. Boy, with its focus on the world of Shakespeare, instantly drew my eye and I settled in on a Friday night to savor the book over the course of a suitably rainy weekend.

The book starts off well enough and does a wonderful job of establishing the world and our main duo; however, as the story continued, I found that it was not quite reaching the scope that I had been expecting based on the blurb. I thought that we were going to get a story in which the lives of two lowly people get tied up in the vast tapestry of politics and the arts; we might have gotten there eventually, but I found myself so bored at 31% that I wasn't even interested in getting to that part of the book. Alas, I had to DNF.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!