This book was very well researched, and I loved seeing the struggle of being Catholic, the many holiday celebrations, the gender roles and class rules and day to day lives.

The idea was fascinating: in one of his lost years, Will Shakespeare seduces a widow who inspires him to write poetry even as she fears he will leave her and go back to London. But the sheer scope of foreshadowing of his evil nature, mimicked in the secret lives of the supporting characters, made the story trudge on as Katherine loved him, avoided him, loved him, and hated him. The two rape scenes (I can't in good conscience refer to them as sex scenes) were unnecessary and did not fit the story to that point. The ending also seemed forced.

Overall it was a story of obsession and scoundrels. Would not recommend unless you really love history and aren't that into Shakespeare.

I received an ARC from the publisher.