All’s Well That Ends Well. From Dust to Resurrection: 40 Days With Shakespeare by Peter Graystone

Published by Canterbury Press, 2021

From the title, you might think this book is going to be dry, academic and of limited interest to all but the most dedicated Shakespearian scholars or religious types. You’d be wrong. Very wrong. It bubbles with wit and wisdom, whilst seamlessly moving from exposing the unlikeliness of many of Shakespeare’s plots through to Paul’s writings, offering advice suitable for coping with today’s unsettled and often selfish times and the need to make peace. It’s a rare author who has so much knowledge about his “specialist subject” and can present it in such a user friendly way.

Although it’s intended to provide reflections for Lent, it would be appropriate at any time of year for those who want a focus for their daily prayers or religious retreat. It would also suit readers who are looking for something thought provoking and a bit different, including those who aren’t necessarily deeply religious.

Referencing Henry IV Part 2, comparisons with the New Testament and Paddington 2 might give you an idea of the style. Or how about his suggested hashtags #BeMoreBeatrice and #BeMoreBenedick?

For most readers, there is more detail than can be absorbed in a single sitting so taking a chapter a day whether during Lent or at a time of the reader’s choosing is by far the best way to reflect on and enjoy this beautifully written and different book

Incidentally, if for no other reason, you might want to buy it for its answers to all those Pub quiz questions about household words (a phrase coined by Shakespeare).

#AReallyDifferentBook