First published 2022
Rosalind finds herself in danger at her uncle's court and must flee to survive. She disguises herself and escapes to the Forest of Arden, bringing along her loyal cousin Celia and Touchstone, the witty court jester. In the forest, they encounter a world far removed from courtly intrigue, where shepherds tend their flocks and exiled nobles live simply among the trees. Rosalind's disguise complicates her feelings when she meets Orlando, a young man she had encountered before her exile. As she navigates this new identity, she must decide whether to reveal her true self and risk the safety she has found. The forest becomes a place where social rules bend, where love can flourish in unexpected ways, and where Rosalind discovers her own strength. Shakespeare weaves together multiple love stories against this pastoral backdrop, creating a comedy where wit and heart intertwine in the woodland setting.
Genres: classic-literature, romance, fantasy, comedy
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Forest of Arden, Uncle's Court
Period: Pastoral
Paperback