Under a Dancing Star is a beautiful Much Ado About Nothing retelling set over a summer in Italy over the 1930’s. I don’t know why I put off reading this book until now because honestly, it was stunning and beautiful!
Under a Dancing Star, Laura Wood
Themes: Young adult, contemporary, historical fiction, retelling
Reading Format: Paperback
4 STARS // 7. 7 CAWPILE
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
I LOVED the Much Ado About Nothing film as a kid, based of course off of the Shakespeare play. This book takes on one of the character paths from this play and follows the story of Beatrice and Benedick, who have a love-hate relationship throughout the book. Bea is a 17-year-old girl sent to Italy by her parents to be watched over by her Uncle, who has started to tread slightly down the bohemian path. Her Uncle’s house has become home to many artists, which is how Bea meets Ben and so the journey begins.
The beauty in the words of this book creates a captivating and atmospheric reading experience. The setting of a summer in Italy painted the perfect picture for a mesmerising setting in which Bea can really discover herself and her passions. She is a fantastic leading lady, wanting to break out of the norm that has been set for her by society and her parents. I felt I wanted to fight fiercely for her and her rights as a human to be able to do what she wants in life!
I really liked the theme following the artists in and out of Bea’s Uncle’s house. It added another layer to the story and also helped to contribute to Bea’s passions being truly unearthed. This book is very much about finding yourself, having a fleeting adventure and learning a new approach to life.
Wood’s use of a classic Shakespearean play to retell in this book means it already came with its own atmosphere and feeling, but yet she has still managed to make it hers. Wood has introduced characters that feel real and wonderful and has put them in a setting to match. This book is s a beautiful reading experience that I would highly recommend to anyone.
Buy Under a Dancing Star | Amazon | Waterstones
This sounds so compelling! I’m always looking for new retellings and this is definitely one to add to the list. B x
I looooove this play! I’ll pop in the DVD a couple times a year and bask in the glory of Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson; thus I just added this book to my Goodreads list!
Great review! I’ve only seen this book in passing but I feel like picking it up now! 🙂
This was one of my favourite reads last year!