The Other Shakespeare

Judith is talented, creative, and driven to accomplish great things. But, alas, she has one "shortcoming" that stands in her way-she's a woman.

Set in sixteenth-century England, "The Other Shakespeare" tells the tale of Judith Shakespeare, older sister to the famous William, as she struggles to develop her talent and gain acceptance in a world that won't recognize her because of her gender. Consistently denied her independence, she's forced to engage in extreme measures to get what she wants out of life-and to make difficult decisions that will shock and surprise you.

Written in the vein of character transplant novels like "Grendel," "Ahab's Wife," and "What Happened to Anna K," Lea Rachel's novel brings new life to a character that first appeared in another publication. Judith Shakespeare was originally introduced in acclaimed author Virginia Woolf's masterpiece "A Room of One's Own"-and now Judith's full story is told in this speculative piece, which answers the ultimate question, "What if Shakespeare had been born a woman?"

A must-read for Woolf and Shakespeare fans alike, "The Other Shakespeare" combines history, social issues, and drama in a compelling story that will thoroughly entertain and enlighten.