The Playmaker

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

A strong foundation in Elizabethan politics and religious conflicts will benefit those wading through the murky waters of this cloak-and-dagger mystery set in London in 1597. Young Richard Malory, who has recently lost his mother, seeks his fortune and hopes to find information about his father's disappearance years ago. After suffering some mishaps on the dangerous city streets, Richard secures a position with an acting troupe and works alongside such notable figures as Richard Burbage, Ben Jonson and William Shakespeare. The protagonist gains a sense of purpose and family as an actor's apprentice, but his contentment is undercut by concerns about his father, who may have been a traitor, and by mysterious strangers, who seem to be watching Richard's every move. Containing as many incidences of mistaken identities, treachery and bloodshed as the plays of the period, this first novel approximates the mood of the Elizabethan era, but its atmosphere feels thin when compared to Susan Cooper's recent King of Shadows, set against a similar backdrop. The convoluted plot and tangled relationships among characters may leave readers more befuddled than intrigued. Ages 10-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Children's Literature

His mother dead a week and his father long since disappeared, fourteen-year-old Richard Malory arrives in 1597 London's jostling streets and finds work with wine merchants, Motheby and Southern. But Richard's co-workers are as brutal as the work, and a girl named Starling, who has been watching him on the docks, suggests he audition for the Lord Chamberlain's players, the very same troupe Shakespeare writes for. Through Richard's eyes and ears we follow the action-packed story of his search for his father, his struggle to become an actor, the violence of Papist plots against the Queen, and Richard's burgeoning relationship with Starling. The vital life of Elizabethan times is fully present, from the gang-infested streets to the court, to churches, offices, and theater itself--not the Globe, which wasn't built for several years¾a helpful endnote informs us. With such an excellent book at hand, it is a pity that the stingy margins and heavy type belie the book's generosity of theme and character. But never mind. This notable first novel will be enjoyed for years by children and adults. It would be surprising if The Playmaker was not nominated for several literary awards. 2000, Knopf,

VOYA

After his mother dies, fourteen-year-old Richard heads for London in hopes of finding a new life and possibly his father, who disappeared years ago. He lands smack in the middle of traitorous plans to overthrow Queen Elizabeth and restore Catholics to power. Misunderstandings and death threats lead Richard to a position with Lord Chamberlain's Men—a popular acting troupe performing Will Shakespeare's contemporary work. Richard surprises himself with a real knack for acting—previously considered "of the devil," thanks to mother's puritanical leanings—but he wrestles with whether to continue on stage. In the end, Richard earns a solid position with the company, finds his father, and witnesses the beheading of the traitors with whom he was accidentally involved. Of the three plot lines—the search for father, political unrest, and Shakespearean theater—the theater is by far the most engaging. The competition and camaraderie between the actors is delightful, and the behind-the-scenes details of theater production add to the interest. Richard's inner conflict between theater and real life is also a strength. Unfortunately, the other plots are convoluted, with too many characters and confusing action sequences. Older teens acquainted with England's political history still might be lost in the unnecessary characters and street fights that play awkwardly between performances. Nonetheless, readers interested in Elizabethan-era Britain and fans of the film Shakespeare in Love will enjoy the story. Classroom use might pair this novel with others such as Susan Cooper's King of Shadows (McElderry/S & S, 1999/VOYA December 1999) or books in Gary Blackwood's Shakespeare Stealerseries (Dutton, 1998+). VOYA CODES: 2Q 2P M J (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2000, Knopf, 307p, . Ages 12 to 15. Reviewer: Elaine McGuire SOURCE: VOYA, April 2001 (Vol. 24, No.1)

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Richard Malory is on his own with no home or income in late Elizabethan England. On her deathbed, the teen's mother told him to head for London in search of the attorney who, years earlier, sent the family money following the mysterious disappearance of Mr. Malory. On reaching the capital, Richard is caught in the intrigues of two different worlds. His melodious speaking voice and fine handwriting, plus the influence of a new friend, get him a job with the Lord Chamberlain's Men. This proves to be a competitive, sometimes hostile world for a neophyte and certainly an uncomfortable situation for a person with Richard's Puritan background. More dangerous, however, are the strangers who seem set on drawing Richard into political/religious plots rife throughout the city, and who may know secrets concerning his missing father. Twists and turns will keep readers in suspense throughout the tale while the exciting climax will bring some answers and unexpected connections. Informed by solid historical and literary scholarship, this well-written adventure novel is a winner. Be sure to share it with readers of Susan Cooper's King of Shadows (S & S, 1999) and Gary Blackwood's The Shakespeare Stealer (Dutton, 1998).-Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.