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Hamlet's Dresser: A Memoir

bob smith

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The true story of a boy whose life was saved by literature, Hamlet's Dresser is a portrait of a person made whole by art. Bob Smith's childhood was a fragile and lonely one, spent largely caring for his handicapped sister, Carolyn. But at age ten, his local librarian gave him a copy of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, and it transformed him. In Bob's first look at Shakespeare's penetrating language -- "In sooth I know not why I am so sad" -- he had found a window through which to view the world. Years later, when the American Shakespeare Festival moved into Stratford and Smith was hired as Hamlet's dresser, his life's passion took shape.
Blending tragedy and comedy, Smith gracefully weaves together his childhood memories with his experiences backstage and teaching the plays. The result is a gorgeous, tender, infectious book about the restorative powers of literature and art.

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 17,2002

This edition

Format
288 pages, Paperback
Published
February 1, 2003 by Scribner
ISBN
9780684852706
ASIN
0684852705
Language
English

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About the author

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bob smith

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 95 votes)
5 stars
33(35%)
4 stars
27(28%)
3 stars
35(37%)
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95 reviews All reviews
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Kenji12
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I absolutely loved it. It was truly heartwarming to witness the story unfold, processing a life that was so well lived.

The details and the emotions portrayed in it were simply captivating. It made me reflect on my own life and the importance of making the most of every moment.

The way the story was told, it felt as if I was a part of it, experiencing all the joys and sorrows along with the characters.

It was a beautiful reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish the memories we create and the people we share our lives with.

This article has left a lasting impression on me, and I will surely recommend it to others.

It's one of those rare pieces that touch the heart and make you believe in the power of a well-lived life.

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LisaMarie12314
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This particular experience just wasn't as spectacular as I always envision Shakespearean works to be.

I had high expectations, as Shakespeare's plays are renowned for their profound themes, beautiful language, and captivating stories. However, this time around, something seemed to be lacking.

Maybe it was the performance, or perhaps it was my own state of mind. Nevertheless, it didn't quite live up to the lofty standards I had set.

I still have a deep appreciation for Shakespeare and his contributions to literature, but this particular encounter left me a bit disappointed.

I hope that in the future, I will have a more fulfilling and awe-inspiring experience with Shakespeare's works.
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sayuri-99
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This wore me out, as worthwhile memoirs often do.

Memoirs have a way of taking you on an emotional rollercoaster, making you feel every high and low that the author has experienced. They can be both captivating and exhausting, as you become fully immersed in the story.

Reading this particular memoir was no exception. It was filled with vivid descriptions and powerful emotions that left me drained. But at the same time, I couldn't put it down. I was eager to know what happened next, to see how the author overcame their challenges and grew as a person.

Despite the weariness it caused, I'm glad I read this memoir. It gave me a new perspective on life and reminded me of the importance of perseverance. It also made me appreciate the power of words and the ability of a good story to touch our hearts and souls.

In the end, I believe that worthwhile memoirs are worth the effort. They may wear us out, but they also enrich our lives and leave us with a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
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Curiouswanderer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I made a fascinating discovery during one of my countless obsessive searches related to Hamlet.

To my great surprise, I was deeply moved by the story within this book. The author has masterfully blended the narrative of his own life with that of the senior citizens he volunteers for and the timeless stories of Shakespeare.

This unique combination creates a rich and engaging tapestry that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

While it may not be the kind of book that appeals to everyone, for me, as a teacher and a passionate lover of Shakespeare, it was nothing short of perfect.

It offered a fresh perspective on familiar themes and characters, and it made me reflect on the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people across generations and cultures.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Shakespeare, or in the human experience more broadly.
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asei
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book might initially sound rather boring as it isn't a memoir centered around famous individuals.

Bob is merely an ordinary person who unfortunately had to deal with a dysfunctional family and a handicapped sister. His life seemed doomed to unhappiness, until he discovered Shakespeare. Driven by his passion for the Bard, he managed to secure a job as a dresser through a friend. And that's when his life took an astonishing turn.

The story is a complex mix of heart-breaking moments, beautiful revelations, and inspiring transformations. It's truly a rollercoaster of emotions. I'm not entirely sure how comedy fits into this book, considering that most of the events in Bob's life were tragic and dark. Nevertheless, Shakespeare was his savior. It's so touching that I almost shed tears on multiple occasions.

I would highly recommend this book to students who have just embarked on their working lives or to anyone who feels that their job is insignificant. Sometimes, being in a low-level position can actually open doors to things you never expected, especially if you approach your job with genuine care and dedication.

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Rudyr
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Hamlet's Dresser: A Memoir by Bob Smith (2003)

This memoir offers a unique and fascinating perspective on the world of theater.

Bob Smith, as Hamlet's dresser, shares his personal experiences and insights into the making of a memorable production.

We get a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations, the actors' quirks, and the challenges that come with bringing a classic play to life.

The memoir is not just about the technical aspects of dressing the actor but also about the emotional and psychological support that a dresser provides.

Smith's writing is engaging and vivid, allowing the reader to feel as if they are right there in the dressing room with him.

Overall, Hamlet's Dresser is a must-read for anyone interested in theater, acting, or the creative process.

It offers a rare glimpse into a world that is often hidden from the public eye and provides a deeper understanding of the hard work and dedication that goes into making a successful production.

Whether you are a theater enthusiast or simply looking for an interesting read, this memoir is sure to captivate and inspire you.

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MySonKillua
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Smith has a unique way of integrating his past and present life. He skillfully weaves in quotes from Shakespeare, transforming them into valuable life lessons for himself.

He vividly describes his lonely childhood, where his parents were neglectful, and he had to shoulder the emotional burden of taking care of his handicapped sister. It was during these difficult times that the words of Shakespeare captivated him and brought a sense of wholeness.

On an emotional level, I would unhesitatingly give this book 5 stars. However, I did find that there were certain parts that left me with lingering questions. For instance, I wondered why he didn't delve deeper into certain aspects or reveal a bit more of himself. Additionally, at times, the detailed descriptions of the theater seemed to go on for a bit too long, perhaps detracting slightly from the overall flow of the narrative.

Nevertheless, despite these minor flaws, the book still manages to touch the heart and offer profound insights into Smith's journey of self-discovery and growth through the power of Shakespeare's words.
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Enchanted_weeb
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A heart-breaking novel tells the story of a boy who grows up in an emotionally crippling home. He is desperate to belong and finds his way through his love of Shakespeare.

The author writes so vividly about the Stratford area where I grew up. Many times, I felt as if I was right there beside the boy, at the train station, by the river, or in the theatre.

However, my only issue with the novel is that it jumps around a bit in a fragmented way. Some of the characters, I would have liked to know a bit better. It would have been nice to have more depth and development for those characters.

Overall, though, it is a powerful and moving story that really makes you think about the importance of finding one's place in the world and the role that art and literature can play in that journey.
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