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Boy
From critically acclaimed author Nicole Galland, a vibrant and thought-provoking historical tale of love, political intrigue, and gender-swapping set in the theatre world of Elizabethan London.
Alexander “Sander� Cooke is the most celebrated “boy player� in the Chamberlain’s Men, William Shakespeare’s theatre company. Indeed, Sander’s androgynous beauty and deft portrayal of female roles have made him the toast of London, and his companionship is sought by noblewomen and -men alike. And yet, now at the height of his fame, he teeters on the cusp of adulthood, his future uncertain. Often, he wishes he could stop time and remain a boy forever.
Joan Buckler, Sander’s best friend, also has a dream. Though unschooled, she is whip-smart and fascinated by the snippets of natural philosophy to which she’s been exposed. And while she senses that Sander’s admiration for her is more than mere friendship, Joan’s true passion is knowledge, something that is nearly impossible for her to attain. As a woman, she has no place in the intellectual salons and cultural community of the day; only in disguise can she learn to her heart’s content.
Joan’s covert intellectual endeavors, coupled with Sander’s theatrical triumphs, attract the attention of none other than Francis Bacon: natural philosopher and trusted adviser to Queen Elizabeth. It is through their connection with Bacon—one of the greatest minds of their time—that their lives will be changed forever as they become embroiled in an intricate game of political intrigue that threatens their very survival.
Brimming with heart, curiosity, and rich historical detail,ÌýBoyÌýoffers an intimate glimpse of the moral complexities of a singular artistic era, and the roles we all choose to play on the world’s stage.
Alexander “Sander� Cooke is the most celebrated “boy player� in the Chamberlain’s Men, William Shakespeare’s theatre company. Indeed, Sander’s androgynous beauty and deft portrayal of female roles have made him the toast of London, and his companionship is sought by noblewomen and -men alike. And yet, now at the height of his fame, he teeters on the cusp of adulthood, his future uncertain. Often, he wishes he could stop time and remain a boy forever.
Joan Buckler, Sander’s best friend, also has a dream. Though unschooled, she is whip-smart and fascinated by the snippets of natural philosophy to which she’s been exposed. And while she senses that Sander’s admiration for her is more than mere friendship, Joan’s true passion is knowledge, something that is nearly impossible for her to attain. As a woman, she has no place in the intellectual salons and cultural community of the day; only in disguise can she learn to her heart’s content.
Joan’s covert intellectual endeavors, coupled with Sander’s theatrical triumphs, attract the attention of none other than Francis Bacon: natural philosopher and trusted adviser to Queen Elizabeth. It is through their connection with Bacon—one of the greatest minds of their time—that their lives will be changed forever as they become embroiled in an intricate game of political intrigue that threatens their very survival.
Brimming with heart, curiosity, and rich historical detail,ÌýBoyÌýoffers an intimate glimpse of the moral complexities of a singular artistic era, and the roles we all choose to play on the world’s stage.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2025
57 people are currently reading
11k people want to read
About the author
Nicole Galland
16Ìýbooks447ÌýfollowersNicole Galland writes critically-acclaimed novels in several different genres. She is mostly know for historical fiction, but recently teamed up with Neal Stephenson to write the New York Times bestselling, time-travel-themed The Rise And Fall of D.O.D.O. (HarperCollins, 2017). She'll be releasing its sequel, Master of the Revels, in February of 2021.
Her historical novels (all published by HarperCollins or imprints) include: The Fool's Tale; I, Iago; Revenge of the Rose; Godiva; and Crossed: A Tale of the Fourth Crusade. Her debut, The Fool's Tale, was a "Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers" selection.
Nicole has written two contemporary comic novels, Stepdog, and On The Same Page.
With a collective of six other authors (including Neal Stephenson and Greg Bear) Nicole co-authored the Mongoliad Trilogy (published by 47N), and under the pen name E. D. deBirmingham, also wrote the Siege Perilous, a Mongoliad sequel.
Galland is a "Shakespeare nerd" at heart. With actress/director Chelsea McCarthy she is the co-creator of Shakespeare for the Masses at the Martha's Vineyard Playhouse, and writes a tongue-in-cheek column for the Martha's Vineyard Times.
Her historical novels (all published by HarperCollins or imprints) include: The Fool's Tale; I, Iago; Revenge of the Rose; Godiva; and Crossed: A Tale of the Fourth Crusade. Her debut, The Fool's Tale, was a "Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers" selection.
Nicole has written two contemporary comic novels, Stepdog, and On The Same Page.
With a collective of six other authors (including Neal Stephenson and Greg Bear) Nicole co-authored the Mongoliad Trilogy (published by 47N), and under the pen name E. D. deBirmingham, also wrote the Siege Perilous, a Mongoliad sequel.
Galland is a "Shakespeare nerd" at heart. With actress/director Chelsea McCarthy she is the co-creator of Shakespeare for the Masses at the Martha's Vineyard Playhouse, and writes a tongue-in-cheek column for the Martha's Vineyard Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 22, 2024
The Boy reimagines the story of Alexander Cooke who played the female roles of Shakespeare’s plays.
Alexander “Sander� Cooke is the most celebrated boy player in the Chamberlain’s Men, William Shakespeare’s theatre company. His portrayal of female roles made him the toast of London. But now at the cusp of adulthood his future is uncertain.
Sander’s theatrical triumphs catch the first attention of Francis Bacon � philosopher and one of the greatest minds of their time. But what catches his next attention is Sander’s original question, only to discover quickly the truth that Sander is not his would-be acolyte. It’s someone else.
Joan Buckler is Sander’s best friend. While Sander wishes for more than friendship, she craves knowledge. Something that is unattainable for a woman of her time. From childhood, she had interest in botany and using plants for medicinal purposes. She became an experimental botanist under a guide of two experts, who already recognized her early on as a precarious toddler. That’s why they supported her curiosity throughout her childhood, and have been her mentors of natural philosophy and botany.
Joan, as a woman, is not part of the philosophical conversations which she desires. She is fascinated by emerging philosophical thoughts but in order to get closer to those discussions, she needs to disguise herself.
The men talk about inductive logic, knowledge without the bias of old beliefs. Those conversations are fascinating but I can also see that not everyone might be engrossed by it. And at some points, it results in uneven pacing.
As both, Sander and Joan, triumph they draw attention of some influential figures, which also leads to their tragedies as they become snarled into political intrigues of the court.
The Boy is written with eloquence and is immersed with philosophical discussions and intrigues of the court, effortlessly drawing the reader into the story.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alexander “Sander� Cooke is the most celebrated boy player in the Chamberlain’s Men, William Shakespeare’s theatre company. His portrayal of female roles made him the toast of London. But now at the cusp of adulthood his future is uncertain.
Sander’s theatrical triumphs catch the first attention of Francis Bacon � philosopher and one of the greatest minds of their time. But what catches his next attention is Sander’s original question, only to discover quickly the truth that Sander is not his would-be acolyte. It’s someone else.
Joan Buckler is Sander’s best friend. While Sander wishes for more than friendship, she craves knowledge. Something that is unattainable for a woman of her time. From childhood, she had interest in botany and using plants for medicinal purposes. She became an experimental botanist under a guide of two experts, who already recognized her early on as a precarious toddler. That’s why they supported her curiosity throughout her childhood, and have been her mentors of natural philosophy and botany.
Joan, as a woman, is not part of the philosophical conversations which she desires. She is fascinated by emerging philosophical thoughts but in order to get closer to those discussions, she needs to disguise herself.
The men talk about inductive logic, knowledge without the bias of old beliefs. Those conversations are fascinating but I can also see that not everyone might be engrossed by it. And at some points, it results in uneven pacing.
As both, Sander and Joan, triumph they draw attention of some influential figures, which also leads to their tragedies as they become snarled into political intrigues of the court.
The Boy is written with eloquence and is immersed with philosophical discussions and intrigues of the court, effortlessly drawing the reader into the story.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2024
This revolves around the lives of two people, Alexander, who goes by ‘Sander� is the most acknowledged and beloved actor in the Chamberlain’s Men, Shakespear’s theatre company. He is loved by both men and women, but he wishes - a bit like Peter Pan - to never grow up.
Sander’s best friend is Joan, a young woman who seems determined to be seen as more than just a woman, she is a woman who is interested in philosophy in an age when women were not encouraged to expand their knowledge. She has always been curious, and so she dresses in disguise as a man in order to find a way to learn even more and to be accepted into their world.
This was a somewhat tedious read for me at times, in part because I've been busy with other things that needed my attention, but I’m glad that I finished reading it since it really did come together perfectly at the end.
Pub Date: 25 Feb 2025
Many thanks for the ARC provided by William Morrow
January 15, 2025
What a lark of a story! In Shakespearean London an apprentice teenager has risen to fame acting female roles, invited into the homes–and beds–of society. But Sander is discovering his feelings toward his childhood friend Joan in changing.
Joan “has the mind of a philosopher but no access to much learning,� so they come up with a plan. Sander appropriates clothing from the theater wardrobe and Joan dresses as a boy–Jack–and as Sander’s servant is taken into the home of Francis Bacon. Joan is soon discovered, but Bacon is impressed with her mind and arranges for her to help with his experiments.
Meanwhile, Joan and Sander have admitted their feelings and engage in a passionate affair.
Sander’s future after his apprenticeship ends in a few months is uncertain and he seeks a patron. The Earl of Essex is interested in hiring him to start a new actors troop. But Bacon warns that Essex is out of favor with Queen Elizabeth I.
We learn about the life of Shakespeare’s actors, the political machinations against Queen Elizabeth I, the newly forming inductive logic of Bacon, but it’s never boring.
He had never, since the age of twelve, gone so long without some stranger marveling at his existence. from Boy by Nicole Galland
Sander has been coddled for his beauty, but Joan is forcing him to grow up.
Joan is the strong character in the book, a 16th c woman with the mind of a scientist–and a feminist, intend on forging her own life. She can mop and clean and haul Thames water for experiments with equal competence. When Sander is implicated in the plot to overthrow the Queen, it is Joan, using Bacon’s logic, who saves the day.
“I will be a natural philosopher,� Joan announces in the end. And we believe she will outshine her new teacher as she did Bacon.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.
Joan “has the mind of a philosopher but no access to much learning,� so they come up with a plan. Sander appropriates clothing from the theater wardrobe and Joan dresses as a boy–Jack–and as Sander’s servant is taken into the home of Francis Bacon. Joan is soon discovered, but Bacon is impressed with her mind and arranges for her to help with his experiments.
Meanwhile, Joan and Sander have admitted their feelings and engage in a passionate affair.
Sander’s future after his apprenticeship ends in a few months is uncertain and he seeks a patron. The Earl of Essex is interested in hiring him to start a new actors troop. But Bacon warns that Essex is out of favor with Queen Elizabeth I.
We learn about the life of Shakespeare’s actors, the political machinations against Queen Elizabeth I, the newly forming inductive logic of Bacon, but it’s never boring.
He had never, since the age of twelve, gone so long without some stranger marveling at his existence. from Boy by Nicole Galland
Sander has been coddled for his beauty, but Joan is forcing him to grow up.
Joan is the strong character in the book, a 16th c woman with the mind of a scientist–and a feminist, intend on forging her own life. She can mop and clean and haul Thames water for experiments with equal competence. When Sander is implicated in the plot to overthrow the Queen, it is Joan, using Bacon’s logic, who saves the day.
“I will be a natural philosopher,� Joan announces in the end. And we believe she will outshine her new teacher as she did Bacon.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.
September 10, 2024
"Boy" by Nicole Galland is a captivating novel that intertwines historical events with a fascinating fictional tale. “Boy� is about the real-life actor Alexander Cooke, who played the leading female roles in many of Shakespear’s most well-known plays in the early 1600’s and Alexander’s fictional bff, Joan, who disguises herself as a boy. Alexander (Sander) helps her do this so she can engage in intellectual pursuits that are not afforded to girls and women of those times.
While Galland creates a very compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged, I struggled to maintain interest in the very beginning. That changed as the story progressed, and I truly enjoyed this book!
The author's meticulous research is evident in the rich portrayal of the characters and the vivid settings, which transport the reader to the medieval period. As a fan of Shakespeare, it was fun to see him as a supporting character in the book, as well as a friend and admirer of Sander.
Both protagonists, Alexander and Joan, are complex characters whose journey is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Galland's writing style is eloquent and immersive, effortlessly drawing the reader into the world of the story and the life-or-death drama unfolding around them. The plot is carefully crafted, full of unexpected twists and turns that add depth to the narrative. The seamless blending of historical detail and fictional elements makes for a truly enriching reading experience.
The historically accurate supporting characters, such as William Shakespeare, John Heminges, and Richard Burbage, are equally well-developed, each adding a layer of nuance to the story. The interpersonal relationships and dynamics of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men acting companies are portrayed with authenticity, making the characters feel genuine and multi-dimensional. It also provides justification for many of Alexander’s poor fictional life decisions, including landing himself in the middle of a massive political coup against Queen Elizabeth.
While the novel's pacing is generally well-executed, there are moments when the narrative lingers longer than necessary, which may test the patience of some readers in the very beginning.
Overall, "Boy" is a captivating and rewarding read that offers a unique blend of history and fiction. Galland's masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #NicoleGalland, and #HarperCollins for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. #boy
While Galland creates a very compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged, I struggled to maintain interest in the very beginning. That changed as the story progressed, and I truly enjoyed this book!
The author's meticulous research is evident in the rich portrayal of the characters and the vivid settings, which transport the reader to the medieval period. As a fan of Shakespeare, it was fun to see him as a supporting character in the book, as well as a friend and admirer of Sander.
Both protagonists, Alexander and Joan, are complex characters whose journey is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Galland's writing style is eloquent and immersive, effortlessly drawing the reader into the world of the story and the life-or-death drama unfolding around them. The plot is carefully crafted, full of unexpected twists and turns that add depth to the narrative. The seamless blending of historical detail and fictional elements makes for a truly enriching reading experience.
The historically accurate supporting characters, such as William Shakespeare, John Heminges, and Richard Burbage, are equally well-developed, each adding a layer of nuance to the story. The interpersonal relationships and dynamics of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men acting companies are portrayed with authenticity, making the characters feel genuine and multi-dimensional. It also provides justification for many of Alexander’s poor fictional life decisions, including landing himself in the middle of a massive political coup against Queen Elizabeth.
While the novel's pacing is generally well-executed, there are moments when the narrative lingers longer than necessary, which may test the patience of some readers in the very beginning.
Overall, "Boy" is a captivating and rewarding read that offers a unique blend of history and fiction. Galland's masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #NicoleGalland, and #HarperCollins for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. #boy
August 27, 2024
I enjoyed this imaginative reinterpretation of the inspiration for Shakespeare's indomitable character of Portia, and was interested in the exploration of Francis Bacon's intellectual and political pursuits in the Elizabethan era. While the novel was grounded in the sights, sounds, and smells of its time, themes of female empowerment, reproductive choice, and the performance of gender resonated today. A fun read!
October 23, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for this ARC e-copy of Boy by Nicole Galland.
Set in Elizabethan England, “Boy� by Nicole Galland explores the varied roles of gender in the aforementioned time period, utilizing a cast of both real and fictional characters. Sander Cooke, the most famous “boy player� at the Globe, is nearing the end of his apprenticeship, and therefore, the end of everything he has ever known. Meanwhile, Joan Buckler, his dearest friend, struggles with her inability to join in on her desired intellectual and philosophical pursuits as a woman. But neither of them go unnoticed, and as Sander and Joan increasingly draw the interest of influential figures, they become tangled up in the dangerous political intrigues of the court.
Readers should know that this book is sometimes heavy on philosophy—to be expected of a novel that prominently features Francis Bacon—and includes many in-depth discussions within the text regarding the subject. If you are an enjoyer of philosophy, then this book may please you for that reason; if philosophy was a subject that you did not enjoy in school, as is the case for me, then some portions of this book may feel like a bit of a slog through the mud.
The best part of this novel is the palpable connection between the two main characters. Their long-standing, nuanced friendship is evident on the page in all of their little interactions. The triumphs and tragedies of their relationship I was eager to follow until the end.
I will admit that I enjoyed the second half of this book much more than the first half, and as a Shakespeare enjoyer, I of course loved every play scene at the Globe. This was a well-written and lovingly researched romp through a few months in the life of a niche historical figure.
� � � � - GREAT
Set in Elizabethan England, “Boy� by Nicole Galland explores the varied roles of gender in the aforementioned time period, utilizing a cast of both real and fictional characters. Sander Cooke, the most famous “boy player� at the Globe, is nearing the end of his apprenticeship, and therefore, the end of everything he has ever known. Meanwhile, Joan Buckler, his dearest friend, struggles with her inability to join in on her desired intellectual and philosophical pursuits as a woman. But neither of them go unnoticed, and as Sander and Joan increasingly draw the interest of influential figures, they become tangled up in the dangerous political intrigues of the court.
Readers should know that this book is sometimes heavy on philosophy—to be expected of a novel that prominently features Francis Bacon—and includes many in-depth discussions within the text regarding the subject. If you are an enjoyer of philosophy, then this book may please you for that reason; if philosophy was a subject that you did not enjoy in school, as is the case for me, then some portions of this book may feel like a bit of a slog through the mud.
The best part of this novel is the palpable connection between the two main characters. Their long-standing, nuanced friendship is evident on the page in all of their little interactions. The triumphs and tragedies of their relationship I was eager to follow until the end.
I will admit that I enjoyed the second half of this book much more than the first half, and as a Shakespeare enjoyer, I of course loved every play scene at the Globe. This was a well-written and lovingly researched romp through a few months in the life of a niche historical figure.
� � � � - GREAT
Want to read
February 19, 2025How can I write a review of a book I won four months ago but haven’t yet received, let alone read? I don’t know, but Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ says I should.
April 3, 2025
Joan Buckler and Sander Cooke have been friends ever since they were children. Both of them are unusual. Joan is a gifted natural philosopher (scientist) who has been lucky enough to find mentors willing to teach a girl. Sander is famous for playing female roles in the prestigious acting company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. But as Sander approaches the end of his apprenticeship and the end of when he can credibly play women and Joan starts working with the polymath Sir Francis Bacon, their dynamic shifts. Boy, by Nicole Galland, tells their story (with hints of Twelfth Night and The Merchant of Venice, among other works by Shakespeare) of love, betrayal, loyalty, and ambition...
Read the rest of my review at . I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at . I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read
March 25, 2025One of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year!
April 1, 2025
Such a fun historical fiction book that takes place in Shakespearean England! Loved the two main characters and the development of their relationship. Satisfying ending!
Read
April 7, 2025Awesome
February 27, 2025
Typically I start my reviews with a quick summary of the book, like a rewording of the back of the book. However, I don’t think that this book needs a summary. I think it just needs three words. Historical Soap Opera.
I was excited for this book about a piece of history that I didn’t know much about. The boy actors that were used to act as women and what happens after they grow up. However, this is honestly rarely mentioned. It is used as an explanation for Sander(the boy actor)’s actions but the actual consequences of it are hardly mentioned or explored. Instead, the plot is about people in court and their petty squabbles, not even really touching on the people that get caught between.
I honestly hated both characters too. Sander makes bad decisions at every turn and each time says that he will learn but he doesn’t, not really. His explanations always seem shallow but he always gets away with it. Joan is annoying for a different reason and it is because she’s a flat character. Oh she learns a lot about science, in her apprenticeship with Francis Bacon, but she doesn’t change through the whole novel. I also hated the romance between the two of them because they are stated at the beginning of the book as being long-time friends but
SLIGHT SPOILER
the only thing they do after getting together is argue and have sex. They even “resolve� their issues with sex. It was unnecessary and I felt like it diminished any development that either character might have had.
END OF SPOILER
Honestly, I just don’t think that this was my cup of tea. If the words Historical Soap Opera sounds good to you, give it a read. But I just didn’t like it.
I was excited for this book about a piece of history that I didn’t know much about. The boy actors that were used to act as women and what happens after they grow up. However, this is honestly rarely mentioned. It is used as an explanation for Sander(the boy actor)’s actions but the actual consequences of it are hardly mentioned or explored. Instead, the plot is about people in court and their petty squabbles, not even really touching on the people that get caught between.
I honestly hated both characters too. Sander makes bad decisions at every turn and each time says that he will learn but he doesn’t, not really. His explanations always seem shallow but he always gets away with it. Joan is annoying for a different reason and it is because she’s a flat character. Oh she learns a lot about science, in her apprenticeship with Francis Bacon, but she doesn’t change through the whole novel. I also hated the romance between the two of them because they are stated at the beginning of the book as being long-time friends but
SLIGHT SPOILER
the only thing they do after getting together is argue and have sex. They even “resolve� their issues with sex. It was unnecessary and I felt like it diminished any development that either character might have had.
END OF SPOILER
Honestly, I just don’t think that this was my cup of tea. If the words Historical Soap Opera sounds good to you, give it a read. But I just didn’t like it.
March 15, 2025
The writing in this book was wonderful but the story, in my opinion, was average. I received an ARC of this book and was excited as I love the time period and was interested to learn more about the boy players. The players seemed like an excuse to just write a political intrigue story about petty noble squabbles. Which is fine if that’s what you want to write about, but I don’t like that it was dressed up as something else.
March 6, 2025
When I finished this, my overwhelming thought was that this was maybe five different novels all mushed together into one. It wanted to be about the young boy in amongst Shakespeare and the Chamberlain's Men, but it also wanted to be about a young woman disguising herself as a man to access education, but then it also wanted to be a deeply plotted historical thriller about intrigue and mischief in the dying court of Elizabeth I. So what you get in the end is a jumbled plot that doesn't justify the page length of the book, particularly as the plot didn't seem to really figure out what it was doing until the last quarter. I just felt a bit disjointed from the novel while I was reading it. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy parts of it - I did and I felt the prose writing scene to scene was great - I just felt it didn't quite hit the mark I wanted it to.
Want to read
December 27, 2024I never received my book from the giveaway.
December 12, 2024
I'm lucky to have picked up an ARC of this book. A meandering tale of love, gender, and influence, it really shines due to its characters. While I highly enjoyed Sander and Joan's adventures, the pace dragged at times and the ending felt a bit rushed. There were no real consequences for anyone's actions and I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Overall though, it was a fun jaunt through Elizabethan London and I can't complain.
March 21, 2025
Spoilers below!
First off, I didn’t read the NYTimes review, which I gather is positive, but I have nothing but praise for this wonderful book.
I am a fan of Nicole Galland and very much like her writing—especially the D.O.D.O. books—but she has definitely graduated to a new level of authorship.
I am a sometimes fan of Shakespeare, more of theater generally, and I am a scholar of the Elizabethan period. Galland has managed to write the best kind of historical novel, one that appeals to readers picking up the book with different levels of engagement. At once, the book is a ripping good read with a tale of true love at its heart, and even if it had gone no deeper, that would be enough. The tale is sweet, erudite, funny, and tender.
That said, Boy is also a novel of intrigues, intellectual pursuits, the difference between gender and sexuality, women resisting and overcoming patriarchal mores, and what men who genuinely love women need to do in order to fix the world. I’ve read so many books (mostly by men) who think being an ally is actually little more than mansplaining with heaving bosoms. I am no essentialist. Men can and do write compelling novels featuring female leads, but the occasion is rare. Galland has given us a tale with suspense but no anxiety. We are worried about our seeming star-crossed lovers, but there’s no cruelty in here. Boy is a safe space.
What, to me, elevates Boy beyond a good tale well-told with sensitivity to the readers is the author’s obvious encyclopedic knowledge about Shakespeare and the theater in general. Galland says she likes “to make stuff up.� Yes, but she deftly and seamlessly places her characters into historical events in a way that furthers the imagined story while accounting for historical controversies. Plus, she ably coveys an accurate picture of the remarkably small and close-knit nature of nobility, royalty, and exulted commoners in Elizabethan England. When looking at the UK monarchy today, the Royal Family is so far removed from the people that they seem like they live on another planet in their own massive castles. Before the Stuarts, there was much less pomp and circumstance. The Queen was almost accessible. She traveled to family homes, not just palaces and majestic courts.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the discussions led by Francis Bacon on inductive logic and Jake’s mastery of the idea through contact with Bacon’s contemporaries. Of course, inductive logic will fail if its practitioner is unable to identify his or her own prejudices and assumptions. Inductive logic is as much about the intellectual honesty of the practitioner as it is about the pursuit of truth, humility being the first step in an examined life. This, of course leads the reader to Socrates and deductive logic and to his student Plato, who, in the Republic, argued for the education of women. Plato famously advocated for philosopher kings, but because the health of the polis was paramount, all of those who able to learn should be educated. There might be women who would deceive themselves about the nature of reality and rational examination less than men. Boy is full of such masterful, multilayered, and erudite storytelling.
Galland also speaks to those who are knowledgeable readers of both Shakespeare and Elizabethan England. She slyly drops into imagined discourse details that link our characters to historical mysteries. To wit: Shakespeare was embroiled in some controversy in 1600-1 that had him writing sonnets with references to injustice and his being thought to be out of favor. Galland references one of these sonnets, although the circumstances in the book are only parallel to the historic mystery. There are little Easter eggs throughout for the cognoscenti.
I had trouble putting the book down, but I rationed pages so I wouldn’t finish too quickly. I sincerely hope Galland receives a major award for Boy. She and Joan/Jake certainly deserve it.
First off, I didn’t read the NYTimes review, which I gather is positive, but I have nothing but praise for this wonderful book.
I am a fan of Nicole Galland and very much like her writing—especially the D.O.D.O. books—but she has definitely graduated to a new level of authorship.
I am a sometimes fan of Shakespeare, more of theater generally, and I am a scholar of the Elizabethan period. Galland has managed to write the best kind of historical novel, one that appeals to readers picking up the book with different levels of engagement. At once, the book is a ripping good read with a tale of true love at its heart, and even if it had gone no deeper, that would be enough. The tale is sweet, erudite, funny, and tender.
That said, Boy is also a novel of intrigues, intellectual pursuits, the difference between gender and sexuality, women resisting and overcoming patriarchal mores, and what men who genuinely love women need to do in order to fix the world. I’ve read so many books (mostly by men) who think being an ally is actually little more than mansplaining with heaving bosoms. I am no essentialist. Men can and do write compelling novels featuring female leads, but the occasion is rare. Galland has given us a tale with suspense but no anxiety. We are worried about our seeming star-crossed lovers, but there’s no cruelty in here. Boy is a safe space.
What, to me, elevates Boy beyond a good tale well-told with sensitivity to the readers is the author’s obvious encyclopedic knowledge about Shakespeare and the theater in general. Galland says she likes “to make stuff up.� Yes, but she deftly and seamlessly places her characters into historical events in a way that furthers the imagined story while accounting for historical controversies. Plus, she ably coveys an accurate picture of the remarkably small and close-knit nature of nobility, royalty, and exulted commoners in Elizabethan England. When looking at the UK monarchy today, the Royal Family is so far removed from the people that they seem like they live on another planet in their own massive castles. Before the Stuarts, there was much less pomp and circumstance. The Queen was almost accessible. She traveled to family homes, not just palaces and majestic courts.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the discussions led by Francis Bacon on inductive logic and Jake’s mastery of the idea through contact with Bacon’s contemporaries. Of course, inductive logic will fail if its practitioner is unable to identify his or her own prejudices and assumptions. Inductive logic is as much about the intellectual honesty of the practitioner as it is about the pursuit of truth, humility being the first step in an examined life. This, of course leads the reader to Socrates and deductive logic and to his student Plato, who, in the Republic, argued for the education of women. Plato famously advocated for philosopher kings, but because the health of the polis was paramount, all of those who able to learn should be educated. There might be women who would deceive themselves about the nature of reality and rational examination less than men. Boy is full of such masterful, multilayered, and erudite storytelling.
Galland also speaks to those who are knowledgeable readers of both Shakespeare and Elizabethan England. She slyly drops into imagined discourse details that link our characters to historical mysteries. To wit: Shakespeare was embroiled in some controversy in 1600-1 that had him writing sonnets with references to injustice and his being thought to be out of favor. Galland references one of these sonnets, although the circumstances in the book are only parallel to the historic mystery. There are little Easter eggs throughout for the cognoscenti.
I had trouble putting the book down, but I rationed pages so I wouldn’t finish too quickly. I sincerely hope Galland receives a major award for Boy. She and Joan/Jake certainly deserve it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Have you ever had a dream for your life that seemed so impossible that you would do anything to make sure it happened? Whether the matter of age or gender or even circumstances of one’s birth, there is always that one dream that keeps you going even during the most difficult times. Sander Cooke and his best friend Joan Buckler have dreams that seem impossible, especially living in Elizabethan England. Sander wants to stay young so he can continue to act in female roles in plays whereas Joan wants to be a natural philosopher even though she is a woman. Can they achieve their dreams or will they be doomed to fall to greater powers? The story of Sander and Joan is told in Nicole Galland’s latest novel, “Boy.�
I want to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this novel. The cover caught my eye first, and I was impressed by its simplicity. Then, I read the description, and I knew it was right up my alley. I don’t read a lot of novels about Elizabethan theater life or natural philosophy, so I was excited to see how she could incorporate these ideas into one cohesive novel.
We begin with Alexander ‘Sander� Cooke who is one of the best boy players in the Chamberlain’s Men. He can get any female part that he wants that is written by William Shakespeare. Sander is renowned for his beauty and his acting skills, but he knows that his youth will not last forever so he is working feverishly to create connections at court. Meanwhile, Sander’s friend Joan just wants an opportunity to show that she can study just like a man can. She has no formal education, but she wants to study in the halls of the Barber-Surgeons and with natural philosophers.
It seems that both Sander and Joan’s problems are solved when Sander is introduced to Sir Francis Bacon, a natural philosopher. Sander comes up with a scheme for Joan to converse with Bacon, but Joan must dress as a male servant. While Joan has to deal with masquerading as a man, Sander has his issues as he is close to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, and his sister Lady Penelope Rich. While there are areas of love, danger, and intrigue, what grabbed my attention was how revolutionary some of the scientific and philosophical experiments made me think about their discussions in depth. It was refreshing and innovative in its approach with the historical figures we all know from this period of the past taking more of a back seat.
This was an evocative novel that gave even more depth to an already rich period of the past. It shows the lives of the common people striving for better lives and how to better the world around them through the arts or scientific discoveries. I did not know what to expect when I first selected this book, but I am so glad I read it. If you want a novel with a fresh take on Elizabethan England, I highly suggest you read “Boy� by Nicole Galland.
I want to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this novel. The cover caught my eye first, and I was impressed by its simplicity. Then, I read the description, and I knew it was right up my alley. I don’t read a lot of novels about Elizabethan theater life or natural philosophy, so I was excited to see how she could incorporate these ideas into one cohesive novel.
We begin with Alexander ‘Sander� Cooke who is one of the best boy players in the Chamberlain’s Men. He can get any female part that he wants that is written by William Shakespeare. Sander is renowned for his beauty and his acting skills, but he knows that his youth will not last forever so he is working feverishly to create connections at court. Meanwhile, Sander’s friend Joan just wants an opportunity to show that she can study just like a man can. She has no formal education, but she wants to study in the halls of the Barber-Surgeons and with natural philosophers.
It seems that both Sander and Joan’s problems are solved when Sander is introduced to Sir Francis Bacon, a natural philosopher. Sander comes up with a scheme for Joan to converse with Bacon, but Joan must dress as a male servant. While Joan has to deal with masquerading as a man, Sander has his issues as he is close to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, and his sister Lady Penelope Rich. While there are areas of love, danger, and intrigue, what grabbed my attention was how revolutionary some of the scientific and philosophical experiments made me think about their discussions in depth. It was refreshing and innovative in its approach with the historical figures we all know from this period of the past taking more of a back seat.
This was an evocative novel that gave even more depth to an already rich period of the past. It shows the lives of the common people striving for better lives and how to better the world around them through the arts or scientific discoveries. I did not know what to expect when I first selected this book, but I am so glad I read it. If you want a novel with a fresh take on Elizabethan England, I highly suggest you read “Boy� by Nicole Galland.
March 26, 2025
3.5, rounded up
Boy, by Nicole Galland, is a look at a minor player (ooh, that's a pun) in Elizabethan England. Alexander Cooke was a real person, a young man who eventually became a partner with the King's Men (Shakespeare's company). There's speculation that he might have played some of the bard's female greats.
In Boy, Galland takes this bit of history and turns it into a decent piece of historical fiction, especially enjoyable, I think, for Shakespeare and theatre fans. Sander, as Cooke's known, is aging out of his female roles. He's worried about his livelihood when he can no longer play women. Can he expect to get starring male roles? Can he become a shareholder in the company?
As Sander worries about all this, he's also enjoying his friendship with Joan, a girl he grew up with. Joan is brilliant, but because she's poor and female, education isn't exactly an option for her. She's learned as much as possible from mentors, but she'd really love to study inductive logic with Sir Francis Bacon. Sander, whose feelings for Joan are little more complicated than friendship, decides he will dress her as a boy and take her with him to dine with Bacon. Lots of crossdressing here! And when Sander and Joan exchange a kiss, Joan is in boy gear, and two realize that they must be careful showing affection when they're two males.
Sander and Joan's relationship with Bacon moves them into the troubled waters surrounding the Earl of Essex, once a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. Sander is arrested, and, shades of The Merchant of Venice, Joan defends him.
Why not a full four stars? Galland's novel starts out S*L*O*W. As Sander teases Joan, so does Galland tease her readers. And while the consummation might therefore seem more pleasurable, I found myself disgusted. Just get on with it, will you?
Boy, by Nicole Galland, is a look at a minor player (ooh, that's a pun) in Elizabethan England. Alexander Cooke was a real person, a young man who eventually became a partner with the King's Men (Shakespeare's company). There's speculation that he might have played some of the bard's female greats.
In Boy, Galland takes this bit of history and turns it into a decent piece of historical fiction, especially enjoyable, I think, for Shakespeare and theatre fans. Sander, as Cooke's known, is aging out of his female roles. He's worried about his livelihood when he can no longer play women. Can he expect to get starring male roles? Can he become a shareholder in the company?
As Sander worries about all this, he's also enjoying his friendship with Joan, a girl he grew up with. Joan is brilliant, but because she's poor and female, education isn't exactly an option for her. She's learned as much as possible from mentors, but she'd really love to study inductive logic with Sir Francis Bacon. Sander, whose feelings for Joan are little more complicated than friendship, decides he will dress her as a boy and take her with him to dine with Bacon. Lots of crossdressing here! And when Sander and Joan exchange a kiss, Joan is in boy gear, and two realize that they must be careful showing affection when they're two males.
Sander and Joan's relationship with Bacon moves them into the troubled waters surrounding the Earl of Essex, once a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. Sander is arrested, and, shades of The Merchant of Venice, Joan defends him.
Why not a full four stars? Galland's novel starts out S*L*O*W. As Sander teases Joan, so does Galland tease her readers. And while the consummation might therefore seem more pleasurable, I found myself disgusted. Just get on with it, will you?
April 5, 2025
I enjoyed this historical novel and especially the two protagonists as thy fell in love. However i had ca problem with parts seeming more appropriate to a GenX coming of age story than Elizabethan. Specifically Joan’s parents are depicted as almost absentee parents although they are actually living practically on top of her they seem to have no problem letting her roam around London by herself most if the day and into the night and don’t notice when she starts disguising herself as a boy before she leaves their hone/ business. The narrative tells us they are supportive if her roaming the city to learn as much contemporary kin in multiple fields as she can ( as long as she runs errands for her father while doing this) but they are not directly written into the story as being supportive or even conscious of what she’s doing. Not realistic for that time. And also not believable. Aldo the turmoil both protagonists experience over what they can do as adults to support themselves and achieve personally fulfilling goals seems more contemporary than would be the case in Elizabethss England where just the idea you would not entrr a chosen path you had apprenticed for ( if male) or get married and have babies ( if female) would take some processing but they begin their story having already completely broken away from these norms without much g do discussion of when or how the break happened. Then they do go on to realistic problems because of societal constraints on what they would like to do. That part is realistic. But it reads like two gen X teens with contemporary ideas about choosing their own carerers were placed in Elizabethan England. Not two people raised in that culture are gradually breaking its norms as they devrlopmkore contemporary ideas about h as bing s career.
Despite this criticism I enjoyed the story overall.
Despite this criticism I enjoyed the story overall.
March 24, 2025
May be not everyone's cup of tea but is a top & masterful narrator when dealing with the Elizabethan London, the Globe, Shakespearean times, the everyman's lifestyle by the end of the XVI and, dude, the language. THE LANGUAGE. I had already savoured Galland's sleek and striking command of early modern english while reading DODO's Master of the Revels and just, ehm, well, felt subjugated. As to Boy, can only refer back to my own review of Dodo:
"... well researched, nicely and crisply plotted, packed with fun+mood+stealth+action+literacy+adventure, filled with savoury characters+delicate language puns/metaphors/'devices'+sooooo-well-reported-epoch-related-obscenity... Don't let the paralysis by analysis syndrome take control and get into it with your openest will to enjoy the ride. You will. This is not your regular airport paperback. Get into it and have fun!...
PS (2): The Shakespeare plot is, oh, soooo much fun, mind-bending, entertaining. Being a language and literature scholar myself, I just wish i'd have an ODEC in my own basement to go along to the original Globe with Robin myself!"
You may not like it if you're not into certain genres o academic traditions but Boy is simply brilliant if you're into the niche.
"... well researched, nicely and crisply plotted, packed with fun+mood+stealth+action+literacy+adventure, filled with savoury characters+delicate language puns/metaphors/'devices'+sooooo-well-reported-epoch-related-obscenity... Don't let the paralysis by analysis syndrome take control and get into it with your openest will to enjoy the ride. You will. This is not your regular airport paperback. Get into it and have fun!...
PS (2): The Shakespeare plot is, oh, soooo much fun, mind-bending, entertaining. Being a language and literature scholar myself, I just wish i'd have an ODEC in my own basement to go along to the original Globe with Robin myself!"
You may not like it if you're not into certain genres o academic traditions but Boy is simply brilliant if you're into the niche.
November 26, 2024
Sander Cooke is an apprentice in the Chamberlain's Men, the most celebrated "boy" player of his time, and Joan Buckler is his best friend, a unique woman for her time, determined to know and understand more about the world around her despite the restrictions placed upon her by her gender. As the book opens, Sander is soon to end his apprenticeship with the players and concerned for his own future, because he cannot fathom playing men's roles, and so begins to seek a wealthy patron who can take him on and ensure his place in society for the future. He meets Sir Francis Bacon, and together with Joan, he takes them under his wing to further Joan's education. As they work with Bacon, Sander becomes embroiled in courtly drama in intrigue in his pursuit of a patron, unfortunately setting his sights on the disgraced Earl of Essex.
This book was quite enjoyable to read for its new take and spin on gender roles in Elizabethan times, as Joan challenged societal expectations, as did Sander in his own struggle with gender identity and seeing himself a masculine man after so many years of being effeminate for the stage. The main plot does meander a bit before it comes to the climax near the final 1/3rd of the book, and I found the conclusion a bit unbelievable as well for the time period. That said, overall, this book was very enjoyable. Both Sander and Joan are narrators, with easily identifiable individual voices, and the writing itself was lovely.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.
This book was quite enjoyable to read for its new take and spin on gender roles in Elizabethan times, as Joan challenged societal expectations, as did Sander in his own struggle with gender identity and seeing himself a masculine man after so many years of being effeminate for the stage. The main plot does meander a bit before it comes to the climax near the final 1/3rd of the book, and I found the conclusion a bit unbelievable as well for the time period. That said, overall, this book was very enjoyable. Both Sander and Joan are narrators, with easily identifiable individual voices, and the writing itself was lovely.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.
December 16, 2024
The Boy by Nicole Galland is my 1st book by the author. This historical novel is set in set in the theatre world during Elizabethan times in London. Alexander "Sander" Cooke is the toast of the Chamberlains Men, Shakespeare’s theatre company. He is aging out of being able to play the women's roles and seeks a patron to help sponsor him.
His best friend, Joan Buckler, is a young woman seeking intellectual development, she has been trained in botany but is limited by her gender. They meet Francis Bacon, an intellectual philosopher and advisor to the queen. The rich details, and historical context is well researched and draws you into the era of political intrigue, social class and gender expectations. There is suspense, romance, philosophical debates that are interesting to read what they thought in that era, and some botany. There is some sexual content, not too graphic, and some mild violence, also not graphic and appropriate for the setting. The language is beautifully Shakespearean, the pacing a bit uneven that may lag for some. The ending is satisfying and I would recommend it for anyone interested in a well researched and rich in detail historical novel set in this era.
A big thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
His best friend, Joan Buckler, is a young woman seeking intellectual development, she has been trained in botany but is limited by her gender. They meet Francis Bacon, an intellectual philosopher and advisor to the queen. The rich details, and historical context is well researched and draws you into the era of political intrigue, social class and gender expectations. There is suspense, romance, philosophical debates that are interesting to read what they thought in that era, and some botany. There is some sexual content, not too graphic, and some mild violence, also not graphic and appropriate for the setting. The language is beautifully Shakespearean, the pacing a bit uneven that may lag for some. The ending is satisfying and I would recommend it for anyone interested in a well researched and rich in detail historical novel set in this era.
A big thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
April 10, 2025
Boy by Nicole Galland
Thank you, William Morrow Publishing, for the gifted copy.
Author Nicole Galland transports us to an era rich in theatrics, moral hypocrisy and political intrigue as she flips gender norms and re-examines social constructs in this clever historical fiction.
Playwright, William Shakespeare, created his plays supported by a company of creatives and businessmen who were inadvertently involved, in a short-lived attempted coup on Queen Elizabeth. In Boy, Galland expands on this event, introducing us to Alexander “Sander� Cooke, an acclaimed “boy player,� renowned for his feminine roles, admired by influential men and women. Despite his high society affiliations, Sanders truest affection is reserved for Joan Buckler, his childhood friend and confidant. Joan is an intellectual who practices botany and midwifery. Sander has arranged for her to apprentice with Francis Bacon, but to do so she must assume the role of a male servant.
Society allows Sanders to gender swap freely while Joan must hide her femineity to advance. The juxtaposition of social norms, seasoned with vivid descriptions of costume and setting, amplified by satirical prose, makes Boy a unique tale about love, theatre, philosophy and rebellion
Thank you, William Morrow Publishing, for the gifted copy.
Author Nicole Galland transports us to an era rich in theatrics, moral hypocrisy and political intrigue as she flips gender norms and re-examines social constructs in this clever historical fiction.
Playwright, William Shakespeare, created his plays supported by a company of creatives and businessmen who were inadvertently involved, in a short-lived attempted coup on Queen Elizabeth. In Boy, Galland expands on this event, introducing us to Alexander “Sander� Cooke, an acclaimed “boy player,� renowned for his feminine roles, admired by influential men and women. Despite his high society affiliations, Sanders truest affection is reserved for Joan Buckler, his childhood friend and confidant. Joan is an intellectual who practices botany and midwifery. Sander has arranged for her to apprentice with Francis Bacon, but to do so she must assume the role of a male servant.
Society allows Sanders to gender swap freely while Joan must hide her femineity to advance. The juxtaposition of social norms, seasoned with vivid descriptions of costume and setting, amplified by satirical prose, makes Boy a unique tale about love, theatre, philosophy and rebellion
February 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the e-ARC!
The energy of this book is delightfully kinetic, propelled by ebullient characters and animated prose. Much like the tale itself, the story is the stage, and the theatrical whimsy through which we see the story develop is as charming as the budding romance between our main characters.
Ultimately, this is a character-driven book: our main characters and side characters are unique and well-developed as we progress in the story, each of whom embody an inquisitive nature and daring intellect that challenge the status quo of Elizabethan London. This is a well-researched tale, well-peppered with embellished versions of historical figures that enhance these interwoven themes of normative rebellion.
The pacing of the story is a bit inconsistent (sometimes energetic, other times unvaried - particularly in the first half of the story), which may be an issue for some, but the switch of narrative perspectives between the two main characters throughout the chapters ferried my attention and the last half of the story was pure fun. 4 stars - would recommend, this was an enjoyable read!
The energy of this book is delightfully kinetic, propelled by ebullient characters and animated prose. Much like the tale itself, the story is the stage, and the theatrical whimsy through which we see the story develop is as charming as the budding romance between our main characters.
Ultimately, this is a character-driven book: our main characters and side characters are unique and well-developed as we progress in the story, each of whom embody an inquisitive nature and daring intellect that challenge the status quo of Elizabethan London. This is a well-researched tale, well-peppered with embellished versions of historical figures that enhance these interwoven themes of normative rebellion.
The pacing of the story is a bit inconsistent (sometimes energetic, other times unvaried - particularly in the first half of the story), which may be an issue for some, but the switch of narrative perspectives between the two main characters throughout the chapters ferried my attention and the last half of the story was pure fun. 4 stars - would recommend, this was an enjoyable read!
February 28, 2025
There were many interesting historical detailsÌýincorporated throughout this work that helped to bring the setting and characters to life. I was honestly a little surprised by how heavily it focused on naturalÌýphilosophy and conversations surrounding it - not a bad surprise, just a little unexpected. While I generally enjoyedÌýthese conversations, there were many of them and they did slow down the work in places. This aspect couldÌýdetract from the work for many readers.Ìý
The premise of this one was interesting, and I enjoyed how gender was explored through the lens of the 16th century without forcing today's views into the mix. It was thoughtfully done, and one of my favorite aspects. I did want a bit more from the characters, especially Joan. Her whole personality is science and I feel like she was a flat character because of it. It didn't greatly detract from the work, but she couldÌýhave been much stronger.Ìý
If you like historical fiction, especially set in 16th century London, then you may quite like this one. My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.Ìý
The premise of this one was interesting, and I enjoyed how gender was explored through the lens of the 16th century without forcing today's views into the mix. It was thoughtfully done, and one of my favorite aspects. I did want a bit more from the characters, especially Joan. Her whole personality is science and I feel like she was a flat character because of it. It didn't greatly detract from the work, but she couldÌýhave been much stronger.Ìý
If you like historical fiction, especially set in 16th century London, then you may quite like this one. My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.Ìý
January 12, 2025
Boy is about real life an actor, Sander Cooke, who performed all the female parts of Shakespeare plays, and his friend/love interest, Joan who dressed up as a boy to pass in educated society of Elizabethan England. There are many real historical characters of the era sprinkled through out the book. Sander is a regular at the dinners hosted by the great intellect and scientist of the day, Francis Bacon and his contemporaries. . There is much palace intrigue surrounding the many facets of Elizabeth I's court, those vying for her favor, those trying to hang on to favor, and those desperate to win it back.. While this could have been an over the top with smarmy name-dropping twaddle- it was a very realistic portrayal of England of the day- warts and all. This was London of the day and these were it's denizens. This book also had a lot to say about women's healthcare at the time, using many herbal remedies to deal with the many ills and needs of women.
This book was an interesting and realistic look into England in Shakespeare's time. Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC opportunity.
This book was an interesting and realistic look into England in Shakespeare's time. Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC opportunity.
January 13, 2025
Rounded up from 4.5 stars
Sander and Joan, the protagonists of "Boy," won my heart from the get-go. Each is intelligent, witty, inquisitive, and enjoyable to spend time with individually, and when they're together, they are an absolutely delightful duo. Whether they will indeed come together romantically—they've been friends since childhood—is the question that propels the novel, and I was rooting for them all the way.
Nicole Galland's prose strikes an ideal balance between of-the-period (late-Elizabethan England) and contemporary. The descriptions of Thames River crossings and watching a play at the Globe Theatre were just as vivid as those showing Sander and Joan experiencing first love. The only reason I didn't rate this a fill five stars is that a few of the discussions regarding Francis Bacon's scientific methods, while important to the story, were a bit dry for me. Otherwise, I adored Sander, Joan, and "Boy."
Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sander and Joan, the protagonists of "Boy," won my heart from the get-go. Each is intelligent, witty, inquisitive, and enjoyable to spend time with individually, and when they're together, they are an absolutely delightful duo. Whether they will indeed come together romantically—they've been friends since childhood—is the question that propels the novel, and I was rooting for them all the way.
Nicole Galland's prose strikes an ideal balance between of-the-period (late-Elizabethan England) and contemporary. The descriptions of Thames River crossings and watching a play at the Globe Theatre were just as vivid as those showing Sander and Joan experiencing first love. The only reason I didn't rate this a fill five stars is that a few of the discussions regarding Francis Bacon's scientific methods, while important to the story, were a bit dry for me. Otherwise, I adored Sander, Joan, and "Boy."
Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2025
Compelling historical fiction!
Boy is an engaging historical fiction novel that captivated me from the very first act. Nicole Galland masterfully blends historical figures with original characters, offering a richly detailed and well-researched portrayal of Shakespearean England. Through her vivid storytelling, we get a fascinating glimpse into the lives of actors on the stage and many of the other players of the time.
Joan, one of the novel’s two delightful main characters provides us with insight into the challenges and limited opportunities available to women in that era. But, despite the contraints of the times we are introduced to enterprising women who we can only hope truly existed. Her meticulous attention to historical detail makes each scene feel authentic, immersing me in the sights, sounds, and struggles of the period. The compelling characters and lively narrative kept me hooked until the very last scene. Highly recommend!
Boy is an engaging historical fiction novel that captivated me from the very first act. Nicole Galland masterfully blends historical figures with original characters, offering a richly detailed and well-researched portrayal of Shakespearean England. Through her vivid storytelling, we get a fascinating glimpse into the lives of actors on the stage and many of the other players of the time.
Joan, one of the novel’s two delightful main characters provides us with insight into the challenges and limited opportunities available to women in that era. But, despite the contraints of the times we are introduced to enterprising women who we can only hope truly existed. Her meticulous attention to historical detail makes each scene feel authentic, immersing me in the sights, sounds, and struggles of the period. The compelling characters and lively narrative kept me hooked until the very last scene. Highly recommend!
December 18, 2024
This historical fiction novel weaves together historical facts with a fictional plot. The main protagonist, Alexander Cooke, known as Sander, was accurately depicted as a part of the Chamberlain Men, William Shakespeare’s company. Sander in his youth played female characters as was the custom of that time. He was adored by both men and women for his beauty and acting skills..
His best friend, Joan Buckler is also a cross-dresser. In order to pursue her love of knowledge she must dress as a boy to acquire the knowledge of philosophy she so desires.
Along with Shakespeare, John Heminges, and Richard Burbage, all Chamberlain men, the story also revolves around the Earl of Essex and his fall from grace with Queen Elizabeth.
Thank you to William Morrow for an ARC of this book
His best friend, Joan Buckler is also a cross-dresser. In order to pursue her love of knowledge she must dress as a boy to acquire the knowledge of philosophy she so desires.
Along with Shakespeare, John Heminges, and Richard Burbage, all Chamberlain men, the story also revolves around the Earl of Essex and his fall from grace with Queen Elizabeth.
Thank you to William Morrow for an ARC of this book
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