Louise Kulup’s “Bard Boy“ is a captivating middle-grade novel that brings together the supernatural, historical intrigue, and the real-life challenges of growing up. This story, set in both East London and the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, follows 13-year-old Ben Jonson on a journey that intertwines the past with the present in unexpected ways.
The Unexpected School Trip: Ben Jonson’s Encounter with Hamnet
At the heart of “Bard Boy“ is Ben Jonson, a mischievous teenager from East London, ready to make his mark on what he anticipates to be a “boring” school trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. However, Ben’s plans for troublemaking are quickly upended when he encounters the ghost of Hamnet, the forgotten son of William Shakespeare. This meeting marks the beginning of a thrilling adventure that not only changes Ben’s life but also the fate of his school.
Hamnet’s ghost is not just an ordinary specter; he is on a mission to find his father, the legendary playwright. Ben finds the lost folio beneath a flagstone at Shakespeare’s house. After this, Hamnet’s ghost attaches himself to Ben and goes back to Stratford London with him, he asks Ben to perform the ‘lost plays’ from the folio at a school Shakespeare competition, in the hope that it will make his father, William Shakespeare, return.
Through this adventure, “Bard Boy“ explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the importance of stepping up when it matters most.
Beyond the Supernatural: A Realistic Portrayal of School Life and Family Dynamics
While “Bard Boy“ is rich with supernatural elements, it is also deeply rooted in the real world. The story offers a realistic and relatable portrayal of life in a comprehensive school in England. Ben is not just a typical schoolboy; he is part of a blended family, living with his Malaysian mother while his father has moved on with a new family. This complex family dynamic is a significant source of tension for Ben, who often feels caught between two worlds.
Louise Kulup draws on her personal experiences growing up in a multicultural school in North London to create a narrative that feels authentic and relatable. The character of Ben Jonson was loosely inspired by Kulup’s own father, who, like Ben, is half Malaysian and was known for his mischievous behavior during his school years. This personal connection adds an extra layer of depth to the story, allowing Kulup to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of adolescence.
Ben’s life at school is further complicated by his feelings for Judith, a beautiful yet mysterious girl in his class. As he grapples with the complexities of family, friendship, and his growing interest in Judith, Ben learns valuable lessons about himself and his place in the world. “Bard Boy“ skillfully balances the thrills of a ghost story with the everyday struggles of growing up, making it a book that resonates with readers on multiple levels.
The Journey of “Bard Boy“: From Concept to Completion
“Bard Boy“ began its journey in 2016, shortly after Louise Kulup became a mother for the first time. The title came to her first, and from there, she reverse-engineered the plot, initially imagining Shakespeare’s ghost as the central character. However, after learning more about Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, Kulup realized that this forgotten figure offered a fresh and compelling narrative.
The road to publication was challenging. In early 2020, just as an agent took the book to auction, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, halting the momentum of “Bard Boy“. To make matters more difficult, Maggie O’Farrell’s “Hamnet“ was published around the same time, bringing unexpected competition. Despite these setbacks, Kulup remained dedicated to her story, driven by her belief in its uniqueness.
Interestingly, the overlap with O’Farrell’s “Hamnet“ was purely coincidental. Kulup admits she was disappointed when the other book came out first, but she found it fascinating that Hamnet Shakespeare, a boy largely forgotten by history, inspired two writers around the same time. This shared inspiration underscores the timelessness of Hamnet’s story and the universal appeal of the themes explored in “Bard Boy“.
Why “Bard Boy“ Is a Must-Read for Young Readers
“Bard Boy“ is more than just a ghost story; it’s a tale of connection—between the past and present, different cultures, and individuals trying to find their place in the world. Louise Kulup has crafted a narrative that blends humor, heart, and history in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers. The book offers a fresh take on historical fiction, presenting Shakespeare’s legacy through the eyes of a modern-day teenager with whom readers can easily identify.
For those who enjoy stories that combine adventure, friendship, and a bit of historical mystery, “Bard Boy“ is a must-read. It invites readers to step into a world where the past is never truly gone and where the bonds we form can transcend time itself. This novel will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, reminding us all of the importance of friendship, family, and finding our own path in life.
Louise Kulup’s passion for writing and her ability to weave personal experiences into her storytelling make “Bard Boy” a standout in the middle-grade genre. Kulup lives in Essex with her husband and two children, continuing to write stories that inspire and entertain young readers.