Arden by G D Harper

The untold story behind Shakespeare’s first play

Arden re-examines the 16th-century murder of Thomas Arden, for which his wife Alice was executed, and its connection to Shakespeare's anonymous play about the crime. It delves into historical documents and new research to question Alice's guilt and propose a new theory about Shakespeare's early life, revealing a story of corruption and conspiracy linking the two.

A gripping new story about Shakespeare’s early years and the murder that inspired his first play.

Told through two voices, this is a story based on true events of the 1500s. One voice is Alice Arden, burnt at the stake for killing her husband. The other is Will Shakespere*, a glover with dreams of working in London’s playhouses.

The growing claustrophobia and violence in Alice’s world is fuel for Shakespere’s rag to riches story in the theatrical world. Hearing the story from both sides makes for a layered narrative that reads like a detective story.

Harper uses new evidence to create Shakesperes’s early years and the story behind his first play. His extensive research is shown in how the plot unfolds; from the motives, humanising the key players and the events building up to Alice’s grisly end.

This novel is packed with historical details, making for an authentic and immersive portrayal of Edward VI’s England. We’re taken to London, Stratford and Faversham, experiencing their cuisine, culture and politics.

Harper delves into the Tudor world of playhouses, actors and customs, introducing giants of the theatrical world like Ben Johnson, The Burbage Brothers and Kit Marlowe.

The book also references sources that inspired the novel. These include images of the home of Thomas and Alice Arden, and the title page of Arden of Faversham from 1592. The author explains how he was inspired by this poignant story and his writing journey, revealing more about the fascinating history that shaped this novel.

I loved the originality and concept of this novel. Harper creates a Tudor world with a rich layer of new historical interpretation woven in. The experience is both educational and compelling for anyone who wants to know more about one of the greatest playwrights in English history.

Thank you to G D Harper and Random Tours for the review copy and the opportunity.

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*No, I’ve not made a blaring spelling error here. The author has used this spelling of Shakespeare as it is the most common spelling, and is how he would have pronounced and spelled his name.