Shakespeare's Scribe

The Shakespeare Stealer #2

by Gary L. Blackwood

When an outbreak of the deadly Black Plague closes the Globe Theatre, William Shakespeare's acting troupe sets off on a tour of England. Widge, the orphan-turned-actor, knows that he'll be useful on the trip. Not only does he love the stage, but his knack for a unique shorthand has proven him one of the most valuable apprentices in the troupe. But then a mysterious man appears, claiming to know a secret from Widge's past-a secret that may forever force him from the theatre he loves.

"An exciting, well-written tale that is sure to leave [readers] clamoring for more." ( School Library Journal , starred review)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Shakespeare, Fiction, Historical, Mystery

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

He grew up in rural Cochranton, Western Pennsylvania, where he attended school in a one room schoolhouse. He graduated with a B.A. in English from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. While a college student, Blackwood published his first short story, Cliffs of Gold, in Twelve/ Fifteen magazine.

He has sold dozens of stories to children's magazines, and has published thirty-five novels and nonfiction books for adults, young adults and middle readers.

Blackwood is also a widely produced playwright.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Gary L. Blackwood's The Shakespeare Stealer certainly does provide a decently readable, historically realistic and accurate introduction to main protagonist and first person narrator Widge (who is a teenaged orphan in late Renaissance England and ends up joining the Lord Chamberlain's Men as an apprentice actor and under the tutelage of none other than William Shakespeare), I also have to say that the second book in the series, that Shakespeare's Scribe is in my opinion where Widge's story really matures and solidifies, really becomes totally and utterly delightful.

Because yes indeed, the frustrating and annoying writing style issues which Gary L. Blackwood's presented narrative at times does tend to show in The Shakespeare Stealer (mostly regarding one dimensional, rather stereotypical characters and indeed that the main villains are all and sundry cardboard thin, on the surface and lacking in any kind of emotional depth), in Shakespeare's Scribe, this has thankfully and appreciatively all but disappeared, leaving both the main character (Widge) and even most if not actually all secondary personages (and indeed also and equally not so positive, villainous individuals) rendered by Blackwood with textual depth and nuanced emotions, showing instances of both intense joy and deep pain, both pleasure and heartbreak (with for example, in Shakespeare's Scribe, Sander’s death from the bubonic plague of course being described as intensely sad and traumatic for his best friend Widge, but also presented as something that is a necessary part of Widge's maturation process from teenager to adult and from an apprentice to a full fledged actor and member of The Lord Chamberlain's Men).

And furthermore (and yes, much importantly, since in The Shakespeare Stealer this really has not at all been the case), I also do very much appreciate that in Shakespeare's Scribe William Shakespeare himself actually plays a much more important and omni-present role and is thankfully not like in The Shakespeare Stealer just some kind of a famous playwright placeholder, but is in fact a richly rendered both living and breathing character, who in Shakespeare's Scribe demonstrates to us readers just how much work writing or dictating an original dramatic work is (or can be) for a given author (and yes of course also for a scribe if an author is in fact dictating his words to the former).

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very good. It wasn't filled with action, but it was a good, rambling book. I especially liked the nervous parts of the book, and how each little story got unraveled. What's more, all the characters had a strong mind. Lastly, I liked how the book came together at the end.
I would recommend it to anyone.

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in Blackwood's series which introduces children and pre-teens to Shakespeare. Most of the characters were actual people but a few are invented by Blackwood for his story. The plays, of course, are real.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't love it as much as the first,but still enjoyed it. Good amount of action (duels), some subtle mystery, and some interesting new characters. One new character I really could do without, though.Got really emotional and a bit angry at one point, but no spoilers.

Was frustrated with Widge's lack of confidence and ability to stick up for himself. It takes him way too long to fight for himself in this one. After what he'd been through that surprised me. The ending happened way too fast. Everything unfolds really quickly and I would have liked it the last four ages had a bit more time. More exploration of what the characters were feeling.

Loved Mr. Shakespeare in this. It's interesting seeing him in the process of writing one of my favorite plays. The inclusion of his brother Ned was a good touch to the story as well.

[Kathy Mathey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this author's historical voice; I feel like I'm wandering the backroads and alleys of London right along with Shakespeare and company.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable series. Great for middle school age readers and up.

[Asa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book!Just a little bit longer and more agonizing moments then the first book"The Shakespeare Stealer"

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good sequel. It was nice to have the note in the front talking a little about the historical background, as apparently many others were wondering what was fact and what was fiction.

With a little more idea of how much is fact, it amazes me how little I actually know about Shakespeare. Everyone knows his name, and most people have studied at least one of his plays at some point in their schooling, but I really don't know much about his life, about the historical events in his lifetime, or how acting troupes functioned.

To talk more about the actual book, I really liked Widge's character arc in this. He really grows in this book, and the ending was perfect for the arc he went through. The new characters fit well into the story, and helped to push Widge into this journey of change.

Things could be a little slow at times (especially in the first third), but I was never bored, just more of wondering where the story was going. Still, I enjoyed it.

This isn't a book I'm in a rush to buy, but I would like to add it to my collection.

[JimtheDean · Rating 5 out of 5]

2017: I loved this book. Can't wait to read the next.

2024 Update: reread this book. I continue to love it. Written for a younger reader but I enjoy the historical fiction and the story used to communicate the history.

Probably not for everyone, but I love this series.

[Chrissy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and Heart-warming!

I have been reading this series with my 13-year old, and we love the storyline and the characters. The books are exciting, funny, and heartwarming.

[Rachael Robbins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This historical fiction book for middle-grade readers will likely please its intended audience and may be a fun supplement for homeschoolers. Unfortunately it lacks the true power and greatness which make generations of children and adults return to "children's" works like "Black Beauty" "Winnie-the-Pooh" and "Little Women." Widge - an orphan - is an apprentice in Shakespeare's acting company when the plague closes the theaters. He struggles to know who he is, where his loyalties lie, and what his skills are. This has the elements and potential for a great coming-of-age novel, but ultimately falls terribly flat. There was no real understanding or knowledge gained and no memorable characters who will stick with you after reading. As an adult, this book had little to appeal to me; it verges on the mindless "twaddle" that is prepared solely for children which Charlotte Mason complained about.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is volume two in The Shakespeare Stealer series and the story, characters, and situations develop nicely. The orphan Widge has found a family and home in a theatre troupe. In this book, the shorthand he learned from his earlier (villainous) employer comes to good use, and solidifies the lad's role in the company.

A bonus is the description of living in plague times. While I am sure Blackwood could not have foreseen 2020, it added to the whole experience. This is loads of fun, with terrific villains.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book in a series of historical fiction featuring Shakespeare - in this one, Widge, the protagonist of The Shakespeare Stealer, is traveling with Shakespeare when the Bard breaks his arm, and needs a scribe to help him write down his latest play . . .

[Isabella Roh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike the first book in this series, this one seemed to have substance of its own--it did not rely purely on being Shakespearean historical fiction. Though parts of it were obvious--the whole Jamie plotline, and unfortunately, also, Sander's fate--and though the stakes were a little all over the place, it was still enjoyable. I might have enjoyed it more had I yet read All's Well that End's Well. Maybe I'll add that to my summer list.

[Fiery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first, however, my sadness towards the untimely death of the protagonist's best friend does dampen my love for it quite a bit. On the whole, this book kept me at the edge of my seat, trying to guess what was to happen next as the sequence of events shakes the protagonist's life all the more.

[Amy Linton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining middle-grade story set in Shakespeare's London (and beyond), this short novel continues the story started in The Shakespear Stealer. Not having read the first book, I can say one needn't to enjoy a quick trip to the era of the Globe Theatre, The Black Death, and clever word-play.

[Judine Brey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had originally read these books in order because, while they are all stand alones, they compliment each other very well. I loved watching Widge's growth process, and I almost cheered when he found his own way to take Sal Pavy down a notch. Blackwood has a knack for combining real characters with fictional ones.

[John Barclay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second of three books in the series. It doesn't work as well as the first one, but there is still a lot of fun period detail and Shakespeare atmosphere. The Plague plays a small part in the story which is interesting, but I felt that the whole thing wrapped up too quickly and neatly.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was a smidge predictable but the book was still really good.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book, The Shakespeare Stealer, but still held my kids' attention and brought forth some valuable discussion points.

[Regann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing quite extraordinary, but a solid book nonetheless.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun continuation of The Shakespeare Stealer. Can’t wait to read #3 in the series.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Widge, but I did enjoy the references to theatre.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

Much more engaging than the first book; the characters 'came to life.' More references to Shakespeare himself; less about London.

Good intro to the plague and medical treatments of the time.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this slightly better than the first in the series. It still lacks a certain something, heart maybe?

[Joy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was AWESOME!

I really enjoyed the great detail in the book, and combined with such a storyline it was a pleasure to read.

[Lee (Rally the Readers) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also posted on Rally The Readers.

The Shakespeare Stealer was a very enjoyable read, so I was really looking forward to reading the follow-up, Shakespeare’s Scribe. Much to my disappointment, the sequel lacked the charm and wit that made the first book so captivating. I just didn’t feel as invested in the story and the characters as I did with The Shakespeare Stealer.

The plot of Shakespeare’s Scribe, which centers around the Lord Chamberlain’s Men taking their act on the road after the plague forces the shutdown of London’s theaters, wasn’t all that compelling to me. I failed to find anything particularly fascinating about the day-to-day life of a traveling actor in Elizabethan England. As Shakespeare and his actors trudged through muddy country roads, I felt like I was slogging through the book. Shakespeare, who’s in the midst of writing a play that will eventually become All's Well That Ends Well , has a greater presence here than he did in The Shakespeare Stealer. Although it’s welcome, more page time for the Bard still doesn’t inject enough spark into the story.

The biggest letdown was the lack of character growth by the protagonist, Widge. We pretty much see the same Widge from the previous book. The story line involving the addition of an apprentice named Sal Pavy, who previously belonged to another acting company and becomes Widge’s rival, fell kind of flat. My interest was piqued when the Lord Chamberlain’s Men made a stop in York, where Widge grew up, and a visit to his old orphanage resulted in an unexpected clue to his parentage. I thought that this development in Widge’s story had a lot of potential, but I didn’t like the way that it played out. At times this plotline seemed forced, like it was in the book just to give Widge something to do besides transcribing for Shakespeare and worrying about losing his roles to Sal Pavy. I really do like Widge; he’s an endearing sort of lad whom you can’t help but cheer for, and I felt that he deserved a more satisfying resolution to his search for answers about his identity.

Shakespeare’s Scribe isn’t a bad book by any means. It’s just that I went into it with high expectations after liking the previous book so much, and this installment in the series didn’t quite meet those expectations. I do still plan on reading the third book in this series, Shakespeare's Spy , to see if the story picks up.

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

#30 of my books.

[Wayne Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widge is a fifteen-year-old orphan boy who has become an apprentice actor in William Shakespeare’s troupe, known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. It is the summer of 1602, and the bubonic plague is rearing its ugly head. Theaters in London are closed down, so Widge goes on the road with the rest of the company, except for his best friend Alexander (Sander) Cooke, who stays behind. When they get to York, Widge visits the orphanage where he was raised and learns a little more about his mother. He also finds a man named Jamie Redshaw who gives some evidence of possibly being his father and begins travelling with the players.
Will Shakespeare breaks his arm, and Widge, with his ability to write in shorthand which was taught to him by one of his previous masters, Dr. Timothy Bright, can easily take dictation while Shakespeare strives to continue writing plays. However, a number of strange things start to happen, and they all seem to revolve around Jamie Redshaw. Is he really Widge’s father or not? Also, a new apprentice, Salathiel Pavy, seems to be trying to take away many of the roles which Widge has done. Can Widge remain with the troupe, or will he be replaced? And when Widge returns to London, he finds that Sander has disappeared. What has happened to his friend? Shakespeare's Scribe is a sequel to Blackwell’s The Shakespeare Stealer, which introduced Widge as a boy hired to steal a play by Shakespeare by copying it down in shorthand who then ends up joining the company.
I enjoyed The Shakespeare Stealer, so I thought that I would read the sequel. It gives a good view for young people of what life was like in early seventeenth-century England. A few language issues occur, with a couple of instances of the “d” word and some places where the term “Lord” is used as an interjection. The usual excuse for including such things is to make the plot more “realistic,” but for the life of me I really can’t understand some writers’ compulsion to do such things in a children’s book. A number of references to drinking beer, ale, and brandy are found, and there is a somewhat crude joke involving a person’s “bum.” Some parents may also question the age appropriateness of including the fact that Shakespeare’s brother Edmund (Ned) left his previous residence to join the company because he had “gotten a prominent landowner’s daughter with child.” And, of course, it turns out that Widge’s mother was unwed. It is a somewhat mixed bag, but for the most part the story is quite interesting, although I would recommend it primarily for those on the older end of the suggested reading level. There is now a third book in the series, Shakespeare's Spy.

[Elisabeth Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the fear of the plague causes plays and other public gatherings to be banned, the Lord Chamberlain's Men go gypsy, traveling from town to town, to pay the bills (or make an effort at it). Young Widge goes with them, trying to work hard and be useful while a new prentice, the unbearably perfect Sal Pavy, makes life just a little less tolerable. At one of the towns, there is an altercation over whether or not the players should be allowed to perform and Shakespeare's right arm is broken. Thus, Widge becomes Shakespeare's scribe, taking down the dictation for a play requested by none other than Her Majesty. The troupe meets different hardships and obstacles as they travel, plus a mysterious and questionably honorable man who may or may not be Widge's father. Widge always tries to do the right thing, but is eventually faced with a situation where good and bad are not so cleanly cut and the wrong choice could ruin his life.

I immensely enjoyed this book. It was a stimulating and engaging read that had a bit more light humor than The Shakespeare Stealer, but also heartfelt, painful loss. I was very satisfied with the way Widge dealt with his new nemesis, Sal Pavy, in the end and I think Widge grew a lot more in this book. I definitely recommend Shakespeare's Scribe to anyone looking for a good MG historical fiction book.