“The premise and plot of Koom Kankesan’s Killing Shakespeare are even more audaciously original than the title itself. Finishing the book is like waking from a magical dream. I didn’t know what to expect from a Young Adult novel. I’d heard–but didn’t really believe–that YA novels are as likely to captivate adults as they are young adults. I’m a believer now. Part sci-fi, part historical fiction, part fantasy, part magic realism, Killing Shakespeare is for anyone who likes wonderful books. The three major characters each tell part of the story in unique voices–a feat in itself.

Shakespeare’s England–though I’ve never been there–comes to vibrant and authentic life, the historical detail never seeming to be simply thrown on but working to excite all the senses. Battle scenes, a romantic triangle, the Bard himself as you’re unlikely to have thought of him before, meditations and reflections on time and the origin and nature of consciousness, and even some fanciful comedy–they’re all there … I could say more but the book, literally, speaks for itself. Listen to it–or butt in as it welcomes you to do.” –Wayne Johnston, author of The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, The Mystery of Right and Wrong, and Jennie’s Boy