M J Burgess

Tip of the hat to the author for her boldness in attempting to write a Shakespeare-like play, in this case, a "Shakespearean" comedy, i.e., happy ending. She was successful for the most part. She has used many Shakespearean elements : brother and sisters--some twins--illustrating their different relationships from brotherly love to sibling rivalry to lost sisters finding each other; also a woman charioteer disguised in man's clothing for much of the play. Interplay between gods and humans abounded. Set in ancient Rome, a charioteer, Milesares, on the Red [Russata] team under the aegis of Ares/Mars, races his chariot to victory.

Language used was modern, not Elizabethan. I didn't like the bawdy bits, e.g., the poem and a few other remarks. I thought the description of the chariot race in Act 4 by the servant Kyrio to his blind grandfather excellent; that was my favorite part. And I liked best the character of Valentinius/Amoris, the self-assured woman in man's clothing. All other characters did have distinct personalities though. I appreciated the author's extensive description in her notes of chariot racing.

Thanks to Goodreads for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.… (meer)