This book is such a slowburn, at least depending on your interests. I wasn't a big fan of the first 2/3rds aka "here is what dying of the black death is like" and didn't expect this book to hold my interest. I am however a sucker for books that explore grief so I devoured the last third in one sitting. This was overall a very complete and gorgeously written exploration of the people left behind one of the most famous men in the world.

Recommended if you like the idea of hearing about William Shakespeare's family (and how it kinda sucked having him as your dad, let's be real), are ok with reading extensively about the plague, and enjoy gorgeous writing.

More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/N3d0uvty-uQ