Review By Charlsie Dewey
It is 1948, in Cambridge, Mass., on the idyllic campus of Harvard. Students Adam Standridge and Jean Hayman, men whose lives would seem antithetical to one another, are about to cross paths and start a journey both exhilarating and terrifying in its repercussions.
Adam has a theory that the Dark Lady in Shakespeare's sonnets is an African-American woman whom Shakespeare loved. Jean, intrigued by Adam's passion for the bard's poems, begins his own exploration and soon comes across an idea of his own after discovering Oscar Wilde's essay, 'Portrait of Mr. W. H.,' in which Wilde introduces the possibility of Willie Hughes and the romantic relationship he shared with Shakespeare, resulting in the passionate sonnets written about the young man.
How does one prove the theory? A painting is rumored to exist that Jean and Adam believe would prove the link between Hughes and Shakespeare. Jean knows that, in order to win Adam, he must find the painting of Hughes.
But, what if it doesn't exist? Can Adam Standridge and Jean Hayman venture outside of the world of Shakespeare's sonnets and live beyond the lines, facing the world and all its pain?
Adam's already touched reality, not just brushed up against it, but faced the very real chance of having all his dreams dashed by his desire. He lives in a world of possibility and has much more to lose than Jean. From the beginning, he told Jean he was not like him, that he could pass in the straight world, whereas Jean cannot hide his homosexuality.
When his professor and mentor promises him everything he's always wanted if he gives up his love for Jean, Adam must decide between the comfort of his family name and reputation or his happiness.
Shakespeare's Sonnets, the debut novel by Columbia College Chicago literature professor Samuel Park, explores the possibility of love pre-Stonewall, when having a person's homosexual identity exposed could mean losing every opportunity one had.
Park wanted to create a story exploring the influence of art on life and life on art, and the way that the reading of a particular piece of writing can influence or create parallels in a person's actual life. He had come across Wilde's essay, which Wilde had published anonymously, theorizing the romantic relationship between Shakespeare and Hughes, an actor. The essay served as inspiration and allowed Park to create a tender tale about two men whose lives change because of a piece of writing they discovered.
Park made a tremendous effort researching the culture of 1940s Harvard, from the architecture and curriculum to the comfort of the chairs located in the library. Yet, the story is not drowned in details. What results is an enjoyable read with just enough of a hint at the past and a taste of what still remains a literary mystery. Readers might find themselves seeking out Wilde's essay and taking up the search for Hughes themselves.
Samuel Park will be giving a reading at Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark, on March 29 at 7:30 p.m.
