A Wonderful Light Hearted Read

Things We Do For Love by Miranda Dickinson is a delightful, contemporary novel that will warm your heart and leave you smiling.

The novel is set over a summer in Stratford Upon Avon and celebrates all things Shakespeare. We follow the Garden Players as they bring the works of the bard to life.

We see how hard it is to break into acting. As well as sheer hard work, a little bit of luck is needed.

Shakespeare brings out the passion in his followers. To have his works performed in his home town is the icing on the cake for them.

We witness the uglier side of theatre as a jealous director has the power to thwart a talented career.

There is a thin line between what is real and what is acting. Misunderstandings occur when the truth comes to light, mirroring a scene from the bard himself.

All the characters are well drawn and likable. There are some wonderful sparring scenes as well as witty retorts.

I absolutely loved Things We Do For Love. It was charming and it was fun. It was a wonderful way to spend a few hours escaping to Stratford from the confines of my sofa.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON