Review of Sorry, Shakespeare
by Pierre Ghaly
Introduction:
We all dream of that one moment that could change everything—
To stand face-to-face with the one who Inspired us, moved something deep inside us, without even knowing we existed.
But what if that moment actually happened?
What if you were given the chance—not only to meet your Idol—but to go back in time and witness the legend before he became one?
That’s exactly what happens to Tim, a young, confused writer with nothing but his passion for the written word and blind admiration for the literary icon: William Shakespeare.
But time travel Isn't the romantic notion we think It is—it's a brutal mirror.
When Tim finally meets his Idol, he doesn't find a saint or a genius, but a frightened boy, trembling before his fate.
And what was supposed to be salvation turns Into a burden—for when you know the future, you may lose all reason to live it.
Sorry, Shakespeare! Is not just a journey through time—
It’s a journey inward.
It asks: Is it enough to love our heroes’ work?
Or must we understand their pain too?
And does going back In time offer answers… or simply open new, haunting questions?
Genre and Plot Overview:
The novel blends literary fiction, psychological drama, dark comedy, and time travel.
The story begins In New York, at "Café 80’s", where Tim struggles with creative block while trying to complete a university writing assignment. He is anxious, neurotic, and painfully relatable.
With his friends—Isabella, Eric, and Marcus—Tim often escapes into humor, cultural debates, and sarcasm-filled banter at a quirky dive bar called “Taberna.”
One night, the group enters the abandoned “Ticker House,” where Tim finds a mysterious device: a small hexagonal time machine labeled 1582. Upon interacting with it, he Is transported—instantly—to Elizabethan England.
There, he earns Queen Elizabeth’s trust through his historical knowledge and is invited to the home of John Shakespeare, where he meets a young, still-unknown William Shakespeare.
Tim tries to mentor and Inspire him, but when Shakespeare glimpses his future—his tragedies, lost son, and literary fame—he becomes overwhelmed and ultimately takes his own life.
Tim escapes back to the present, only to find himself In a parallel version of 2024, where no one remembers Shakespeare. Literature Itself seems to have been erased.
Language and Style:
The novel is written in a modern, accessIble English but enriched with:
Colloquial dialogue – especially among Tim and his peers.
Deep internal narration – filled with Introspective and existential reflections.
Classical references – including direct quotes and reimaginings of Shakespearean themes.
The author’s style is sharp, witty, and satirical.
. " For a smart writer, he was a wee bit dumb"
This line highlights Tim’s self-awareness and social awkwardness In a comically disarming way.
Tim often breaks the fourth wall, addressing the reader with raw honesty:
“The thing about me Is that I don’t recognize people’s intentIons, or to be
more accurate, I misinterpret them.”
Strengths of the Novel:
An original and thought-provoking concept: Blending time travel with literary legacy gives the novel a unique intellectual and emotional dimension.
Relatable characters: Tim is flawed, insecure, and earnest—making him instantly human and compelling.
Cultural commentary: The novel discusses art, authorship, and Identity in both subtle and overt ways.
Balanced tone: It weaves together humor, sadness, and philosophy with surprising grace.
Room for Development:
The ending Is bold but divisive: Shakespeare’s suicide and the ambiguous final scene may alienate readers who prefer closure.
Excessive satire: Some readers may feel that the humor dilutes emotional moments.
Dense with references: Readers unfamiliar with literary or pop culture allusions might miss deeper meanings.
Target Audience:
Young adult and adult readers (18+)
Writers and creatives struggling with identity, purpose, and legacy.
Fans of postmodern fiction, speculative literature, and Shakespearean themes.
Anyone intrigued by the collision between past and present, myth and reality.
Notable Quotes
“I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew I had to do something.”
“I don’t write to be understood, I write to understand.”
“To know the future is to kill the present.”
