I gave this four stars and then a minute later I upgraded it to five. There are moments which are overwritten, and moments where the protagonist is perhaps a little too loved by her writer, but, taken as a whole, those small flecks of imperfection do not detract from what is a beautiful, heartbreaking novel, heavy with the weight of power, love and wealth lost. I have never read a better reimagining of Shakespeare. 

This is the kind of book that reminds you what books can do when the author has the confidence and courage to do it. 

Stunning.