by Henry Irving
First published 2018
This edition reproduces Shakespeare's late romance following Princess Imogen, who secretly marries Posthumus against her father King Cymbeline's wishes. When Cymbeline banishes Posthumus to Rome, the young man falls prey to Iachimo's cruel wager about Imogen's fidelity. Iachimo deceives Posthumus into believing Imogen has betrayed him, leading to a chain of mistaken identities, disguises, and seeming deaths. Imogen flees court dressed as a boy, encountering her long-lost brothers in the Welsh mountains while navigating the treacherous plots of her stepmother the Queen. Ancient Britain becomes the backdrop for personal betrayals intertwining with political conflicts between Cymbeline's court and Roman forces. The play weaves together themes of jealousy, forgiveness, and reconciliation as families torn apart by deception must find their way back to each other through trials that test both love and loyalty.
Genres: drama, romance, historical-fiction, shakespeare
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, mistaken-identity
Setting: Ancient Britain, Rome, Wales
Period: Ancient
86 pages · Paperback · Palala Press