This piece of work can be described as rather sentimental and self-important.

It does manage to have some interesting moments here and there. However, it lacks subtlety throughout.

The author seems to be overly indulging in their own emotions and ideas, perhaps without realizing that a more delicate touch could have made the work more engaging and thought-provoking.

While the interesting parts do draw the reader in, the overall lack of subtlety makes it feel a bit one-dimensional.

It would have been better if the author had found a way to convey their message in a more nuanced manner, allowing the reader to discover and interpret the meaning for themselves.

As it stands, the work is an example of how too much sentimentality and a lack of subtlety can prevent a piece from reaching its full potential.

It is truly a very very sad but profoundly beautiful story. I am extremely privileged to have the acquaintance of the author. The emotions conveyed through this piece are so intense that they touch the deepest recesses of one's heart. The sadness lingers like a gentle mist, yet there is an underlying beauty that shines through, almost like a ray of hope in the darkness. Knowing the author gives me a unique perspective on this work. I can sense the passion and the pain that went into creating it. It is as if the author has poured out their soul onto the pages, sharing their most intimate and profound experiences. This connection makes the story even more meaningful to me, and I find myself constantly reflecting on its beauty and sadness.

Bob Smith's life was a sad one. His childhood was marked by a disabled younger sister and parents who couldn't take care of either of them.

His life was constantly burdened by this responsibility, as well as the affection for his sister who trusted her older brother so much.

It was also marked by the presence of Shakespeare and his poems, and a sensitive artist's soul.

It was a particular life, marked indeed, but I'm not sure if all of this deserved the pages written in a book.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mean that what the author wrote isn't worthy of being published. Quite the opposite, I just think that the part he wrote isn't enough. There's something missing that could create a connection between all the stories, and it can't be, as it was, Shakespeare, no matter how interesting this aspect is.

The facts described represent only one aspect of the author's life, too small to be considered a biography and too insufficient to fully understand what was going on in Bob Smith's mind.

This doesn't mean that his sense of insecurity or discomfort due to a responsibility that was too great and came too often, or that unfounded sense of guilt wasn't expressed, but everything seemed chopped off, shortened in a way.

Certainly, the continuous time jumps didn't help.

In fact, Bob Smith's story is interrupted by the accounts of the adult man who reads Shakespeare to a group of elderly people who feel the Bard's words describe their own lives.

This, I admit, is a beautiful idea, but only an idea that a great Shakespeare connoisseur could have used.

Still, something was lacking for me.

This is truly a very charming read that has captured my heart.

I was particularly enamored with the Shakespeare passages that were skillfully interspersed throughout the story. It's truly remarkable how Shakespeare remains relatable to everyone, even in this modern day.

I have a deep affection for Bob's connection to the Bard. It's so heartwarming to see how he found such profound comfort in the beautiful poetry of Shakespeare's words.

Shakespeare is indeed timeless magic. Each of us has our own unique relationship with his words, his stories, and the emotions they evoke.

And yet, despite our individual interpretations, it is this very connection to Shakespeare that unites us all in such a wonderful and profound way.

It was an absolute delight to hear Bob's story. In a life that is often filled with pain and struggles, Shakespeare emerged as a guiding light, pulling the strings from centuries in the past to heal his broken heart.

This is precisely why we need art and why we are compelled to create it. Art has the power to transcend time and space, touching our souls and bringing us hope and solace in the darkest of times.

I firmly believe that the more muddled and perplexed one feels on the inside, the greater the need to place trust in something external to oneself.

In times of confusion, our inner turmoil can make it difficult to see clearly and make rational decisions. It is during these moments that having an external anchor can provide stability and guidance.

This external thing could be a person, such as a trusted friend, mentor, or family member. Their wisdom and experience can offer a different perspective and help us untangle the mess in our minds.

It could also be a belief system, a set of values, or a hobby that brings us a sense of purpose and calm. By focusing on something outside of ourselves, we can temporarily step away from our inner chaos and find some clarity.

In conclusion, when faced with confusion, don't be afraid to reach out and trust in something outside of yourself. It just might be the key to finding your way through the fog. RTC

I have tried it, really.

I started this book and abandoned it after 100 pages. I really couldn't continue.

I picked it up again, I almost forced myself to do it, but it was of no use except to finish it.

The themes are excellent, as it is written, but not the structure.

With this continuous back and forth in time, I spend more time understanding how old the protagonist is than being involved in the story.

It's a pity because the ideas are there, but the execution makes it a bit of a struggle to follow.

Maybe if the author had focused more on creating a linear narrative, it would have been a more engaging read.

As it stands, it feels a bit disjointed and difficult to fully immerse oneself in.

However, I still appreciate the effort that went into the book and the interesting concepts it presents.

Perhaps with some revisions, it could become a truly great piece of literature.

An enchanting book awaits you. It is a heartwarming literary gem that embarks its readers on a journey through all the diverse aspects of life.

What makes this book truly special is how it artfully shows that there is a Shakespeare quote that perfectly corresponds to each and every one of life's numerous obstacles.

The way the author weaves in these Shakespearean quotes is not only clever but also deeply touching. It gives the reader a new perspective on life's challenges and offers a sense of comfort and wisdom.

Simply lovely, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves literature and wants to find inspiration and meaning in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.

It will leave you with a warm heart and a newfound appreciation for the power of words and the universality of human experience.

Bob Smith's childhood was far from happy. His younger sister Carolyn was severely handicapped, which made his mother sad and unhappy, and his father distant. To make matters worse, the grownups around him constantly said incomprehensible words that created a world of confusion and guilt for him.

For example, since he was born as a large and healthy child, was he the cause of his younger sister's disability? If they said that he destroyed his mother "down there" when he was born, did they mean that it was his fault that his sister was injured at birth? Where exactly was "down there"? Was everything wrong because of him? If he maybe did more, helped more, and was a better son, would everyone like him?

His days were divided between school and taking care of his sister. He didn't invite other kids home for fear that his sister might have a fit, and he couldn't play with them outside as he was needed at home to help with Carolyn. But it didn't matter. Things simply were as they were. She was his baby sister and he loved her a lot. Until one day he discovered Shakespeare, whose beautiful words became the one stable and reliable element in his life and a central part of his future.

It's a heartbreaking story, but despite everything, it radiates warmth as much as sadness. I can't even begin to imagine what Bob's life must have been like, but I can certainly understand finding comfort in books. So I enjoyed the memoir of Hamlet's dresser and must admit that Shakespeare's words have never carried so much meaning until Bob showed me how they can save someone's life.

First, I had a longing for more Shakespeare. Given the title Hamlet's Dresser, I anticipated that this book would revolve around some aspect of performing Shakespeare. And indeed, that does form a part of the book.

However, the greater part of this memoir is about the challenging journey of the author's coming of age. His sister Carolyn, who suffers from extreme retardation and becomes his responsibility from a young age, is his biggest obstacle to happiness. His parents don't fare well in this account either, as neither was capable of caring for a special needs child.

Bob Smith battles his own inner demons throughout. Depression and other mental health issues shadow his growing years. Nevertheless, there are moments of redemption. As an older man, he devotes himself to reading Shakespeare with groups of senior citizens, and his compassion for them is truly inspiring. I was curious to know what occurred in the years leading up to this endeavor. Even more prominent is his special relationship with his sister. The chapters skip around, some set in his youth, others in his days as an older teen or young adult involved in the theatre, mostly in the costume department. Then there are the chapters in the present with the senior citizens. Virtually nothing is said about the 30 - 40 years in between, and I would have liked at least a hint of what happened during that time. The implication is that it involved a lot of theatre, with a heavy emphasis on Shakespeare.

Despite the often depressing content of the book, I still found it well worth my time. As a Shakespeare enthusiast myself, I was highly impressed by the author's extensive knowledge and familiarity with the entire Shakespearean catalogue. At one point, his mother scolds him, asking if he ever thinks about anything other than Shakespeare. The answer is mostly no. And that is the author's good fortune, as Shakespeare truly was his lifeline. If Shakespeare is special to you, then I'm certain you will discover moments of enjoyment in this memoir.

I truly love this book!

It is an absolute gem that offers so much. The author's compassion towards the elderly and disabled is palpable throughout the pages. It's heartwarming to see how he treats them with kindness and respect.

Moreover, the book provides fascinating insider gossip on Katherine Hepburn, Bert Lahr, and other famous actors he worked with during his time as Hamlet's dresser. It gives us a unique glimpse into the lives and personalities of these iconic figures.

We get to know the behind-the-scenes stories and the little-known details that make their lives even more interesting.

This book is not only a great read but also a source of inspiration and knowledge. It makes us appreciate the importance of compassion and the value of learning about the lives of others.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story and wants to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Was it supposed to be a fictionalized biography? I didn't understand. It wasn't written too badly, but really confusing in the alternation of the past/present chapters. Very slow and at times quite soporific. I love Shakespeare and hoped that the references to him would raise the quality... a completely unfulfilled hope.

Perhaps the author was trying to create a unique narrative structure by alternating between different time periods, but it ended up being more of a hindrance than a help. The story seemed to drag on, and I found myself losing interest several times. The references to Shakespeare, which I was initially excited about, didn't add much to the overall quality of the book. They felt more like random insertions rather than integral parts of the story.

In conclusion, while the book had some redeeming qualities, such as not being poorly written, it ultimately failed to meet my expectations. I would not recommend it to others, especially those who are looking for a fast-paced and engaging read.

First of all, I delved into the theater world to discover what a "dresser" truly is.

Moreover, I emerged with a profound sense of empathy for those individuals, particularly during the era when I was growing up, who had siblings that were "different" due to mental illness or heredity.

Being an ardent lover of Shakespeare and the associated realm of summer stock, among other things, is the defining trait of Robert's life.

He imparts knowledge by teaching classes at old folks' homes and interacts with people who have an in-depth understanding of Shakespeare. This, in turn, implies that he himself has a remarkable command of the subject!

He stumbles upon a fulfilling world within those walls that compensates for what is lacking in his personal life. It is a place where his passion for Shakespeare can thrive and where he can connect with like-minded individuals, finding a sense of purpose and belonging that might otherwise be elusive.

This exploration has not only broadened my understanding of the theater and its various aspects but has also given me a newfound appreciation for the power of empathy and the significance of following one's passion.