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Shakespeare Society of India – Journal of Drama Studies (2011)

Admirers of Shakespeare are not just found in the third-world countries, but also in England and America, that are otherwise fast catching up with neo-liberalist postmodernism and a general insensitivity rampant in our time. The book under review is a fictionalised account of Shakespeare’s early days — from the time he was a child to when he attained adulthood. The backdrop of Shakespeare’s home is the vibrant neighbourhood. The important people in the town of Stratford had a small-town culture.

In Young William, father John Shakespeare is a man of etiquette and authority, surrounded by individuals who follow rules of conduct and have a way with words — they are eloquent, respectful and well-meaning — a style of thought the child Shakespeare would have imbibed with alert curiosity. The early chapters bring out the presence of a point of view forming itself under the impact of the broader Renaissance ethos.

Paul Harrison devotes a big chunk of space to Shakespeare’s father, showing him as a good administrator, an able householder and a watchful father. Shakespeare himself is portrayed as a sensitive child, yet maintaining independence of mind, and as highly imaginative. One vivid scene describes him making masks, where his mother Mary asks:

“Who were you talking to, William?”
“A flower or hopping bird, perhaps.”
“No, not quite, Mother… It was just a rehearsal for the masks I’m making. The characters I want to portray are so different that I find it easier to speak aloud to compose my thoughts.”
“But you have carved facial expressions. Will their faces portray what you have in mind for them to say?”

Such imaginative projections echo characters later found in Shakespeare’s plays. The book also highlights his tender exchanges with Anne Hathaway, reminiscent of Orlando with Rosalind, Ferdinand with Miranda, and Claudio with Hero.

“I love you more than a poor man’s belly might seek out a king’s feast… Thoughts of my destiny make me happier than a child on their birthday.”
Anne responds: “Oh William, if only I could write this now or remember some of the verse.”
William replies: “My mind is full of more verses such as these and you hold the key to unlock it.” (pp. 212–13)

Reviewer Anand Prakash concluded: “Harrison has done his homework well.”

Source: Journal of Drama Studies, Vol. 5, No. 2, July 2011. Reviewer: Anand Prakash.

Wellington Shakespeare Society, New Zealand (2012)

Having read many biographies that claim “very little is known about Shakespeare’s early life,” it was refreshing to find a brave and enterprising writer take up the challenge to fill in the gap. This is an entertaining and clever novel, giving an excellent background of life in Stratford for William and his family from his birth in 1564 to his marriage with Anne Hathaway.

Harrison provides a credible picture of the events and adventures which shaped Shakespeare’s character and imagination. He is shown mixing with a range of people who accepted him in advance of his years.

Quite refreshingly, the book cuts new ground by recreating the early life of the Bard of Stratford. At a time when the question of Shakespeare’s authorship is topical, Harrison offers a plausible case for the traditional author, strengthened by his vivid depiction of local Elizabethan life and customs.

“The glimmers of William’s singular personal intelligence, perceptiveness, wit etc., presented through family anecdotes and experiences on the basis of Harrison’s obviously wide-ranging research, provides both a convincing case and an enjoyable read.”

The intended readership is probably young people, but many adults will find it of considerable interest also.

Reviewers: Elizabeth Butcher (2012), Neil Coup (2012). Wellington Shakespeare Society Inc., New Zealand.

Open University Shakespeare Society, UK (2012)

Paul Harrison, “a former motor engineer, bakery manager, cleaning contractor, builder and now writer,” offers a fictional biography spanning Shakespeare’s life from birth to his marriage with Anne Hathaway. His inspiration included unusual phrasing discussed with Sir Colin Sampson, who encouraged him to read Dickens as a model.

The book presents Shakespeare’s childhood vividly, through scenes of family life, schooling, and ceremonies. One early chapter, The Christening, introduces William’s sister Joan, and highlights his wonder at baptismal rituals, shadows, and water. His fear of dark church doors is contrasted with youthful exuberance, as he later recreates the ceremony with his brother Gilbert.

“Harrison’s book, mixing the few known facts of Shakespeare’s early life with fine details of Tudor life and a good helping of folklore, produces an interesting and unusual account of Shakespeare’s early years. Enjoy!”

Review by Martin Final, A Groat’s Worth of Wit, Vol. 23 No. 3, September 2012. Open University Shakespeare Society.