Michael J. Ortiz

Grades 6-8. Swan Town is written as the diary of Susanna Shakespeare the daughter of William Shakespeare. You learn from Susanna what life was like during Shakespeare time. She has aspirations to be an actor and writer like her father but since she is a woman she is forbidden. The story‘s main plot deals with the Shakespeare family’s religions secrets that put the family in jeopardy. The diary tells of her life and how her father must come and go due to his job as a playwright. Susanna writes a play and attempts to appear on stage even though it is forbidden. She also falls in love with a man her parents disapprove because of his religion. Family values and sacrifice rule the story and Susanna life. Will Susanna become a writer like her father? Will she marry the man she loves?… (meer)