From adaptations to original works of fiction to stories starring Shakespeare himself, there are so many ways to approach the Bard’s legacy. Whether you’re well-versed in the plays, are trying to build your way up to reading them, or are looking to expand your knowledge beyond the canon, these novels are just what you’re looking for. We’ve gathered a list of five Shakespeare-inspired stories you’re sure to love.
Mad Blood Stirring by Simon Mayo
Mad Blood Stirring is a fictional tale inspired by true events that is impeccably researched. With vivid personalities and impressive depth, Mayo takes readers to the first-ever all-Black Shakespeare production staged by segregated American prisoners of war. As countries piece together treaties and decide how to handle the return of the prisoners of war, the occupants of Dartmoor prison are not sitting idle. The facility is overcrowded, disease-ridden and barely contains the violence that erupts between rival gangs inside.
A group of imprisoned men create their own theatre group in order to help pass time, with a production of Romeo and Juliet steered by the brutal King Dick. In war’s aftermath, the author shines a dramatic spotlight on a hotbed of racial tension and a unique pursuit of creativity.
(Read the review.)
Such Stuff as Dreams by Thomas Garlinghouse
In 1936 Hollywood, with stars like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard shining, a screenwriter named Joe Holliday is trying to make his mark in the ultra-competitive industry. The head of Holliday’s film studio, C.L. Greenwood, wants “the public’s money and the critics’ praise.” He comes up with the idea for a modern-day Hamlet developed as a movie script — and he wants Joe to write it.
But Joe carries a secret, one that has been dormant for a long time; he has the ability to communicate with ghosts. On the way to writing the modern Hamlet, he keeps coming across a supposedly unfinished manuscript of Shakespeare’s, a play entitled The Apple Orchid. When the ghost of Shakespeare appears before Joe, the Bard convinces Joe to abandon his work on Hamlet and help him complete The Apple Orchid.
(Read the review and author interview.)
The Tragedy of Arthur, King of Britain by Arthur Phillips
In this remarkable piece of meta-fiction, Arthur Phillips’ father, a con artist, has been imprisoned for decades before he reveals something to his novelist son. He knows of a play called The Tragedy of Arthur, written by William Shakespeare, which has never seen the light of day. With the help of his twin sister, Arthur takes on his father’s dream to bring this play to the public and see to its publication.
Is it truly the last great work of the Bard, or is this another con orchestrated by their clever father? Containing the entirety of the play within its pages, the novel explores the intertwined fates of Arthur Phillips, both author and character, and the great historical King Arthur at the center of the play.
The Weight of an Infinite Sky by Carrie La Seur
Environmental lawyer Carrie La Seur tells a stunning story about family, murder, betrayal, and love, drawing in elements of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. In the unforgiving, open land of Montana, Anthony Fry rebelled against the family expectations that, as the only son, he would take over the cattle ranch from his father; a business that had been in the family for generations. Instead, Anthony left Montana for New York City.
With the unexpected death of his father, he is forced to return home, finding that while the years have changed him, they’ve also changed the home he left behind. His black sheep of an uncle is getting a little too close to his mother, and a mining company is looking to overtake the Fry land. Anthony must confront himself, the ghosts of his past and decide what he really wants, the answer to which will decide his fate and that of those closest to him.
(Read the review on BookTrib.)
The Scottish Movie by Paul Collis
In modern-day Los Angeles, actor and writer Harry Greenville decides to write a novel that tackles a question that has been perplexing him. He explores the troubled rehearsal process and premier of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a play considered cursed by many since its inception in 1606. But why was the production so ill-received, and what made it all go wrong in rehearsals?
When Harry posts his novel online in the hopes of getting it into the hands of a Hollywood agent, he’s surprised by who picks it up — and what happens when it gets into the wrong hands. This story is filled with Shakespearean twists, turns, revenge plots and hijinks.
