Bob Smith's life story is truly heart-wrenching.

He grew up in a difficult environment, with troubled parents and a disabled sister whom he had to take care of.

His childhood was filled with misunderstandings and hardships.

However, it was the words of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets that provided him with a source of solace.

The beauty and depth of Shakespeare's language spoke to his loneliness and allowed him to feel a sense of empathy across the centuries.

After a career in drama, Bob found fulfillment in connecting seniors to the works of the Bard.

He realized that sharing the power of Shakespeare with others could bring them the same kind of comfort and inspiration that he had found.

Bob's story is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the ability of great works to touch our lives in profound ways.

It shows that even in the midst of pain and struggle, there is always hope and the possibility of finding meaning and purpose.

I was truly and deeply moved by this remarkable book. I completed reading it in bed one fateful night. However, I was so profoundly affected by its contents that I simply had to get up and walk around, attempting to divert my mind to something else. For I knew that if I didn't, I would lie there in the darkness, wide awake and unable to stop thinking about it throughout the entire night.

Bob Smith was "saved" by Shakespeare and Art. How could any lover of art and literature not be enamored with this captivating story? Because, on some level, we are all, in our own ways, saved by art, albeit perhaps not as literally as Bob Smith was.

I adored the snippets of Shakespeare that were interspersed throughout the book and corresponded so beautifully with Smith's experiences. I greatly appreciated his courage and willingness to bring up past pains in order to pen this story. And how writing the story ultimately gave him the courage to see his sister after a staggering 50-year absence. Truly, the miracle and the saving grace of writing.

I found it to be of such great significance how Bob offered "salvation" to the elderly through Shakespeare, just as he himself had found salvation through the Bard when he was young.

It took me a little while to become accustomed to Smith's unique pattern of storytelling. How he would deftly jump between the present and the past. But once I became attuned to it, I simply couldn't put the book down.

After reading this book, I had to add another bookshelf to my collection: Affecting.

I truly relished this autobiography.

It masterfully combines Shakespeare and life in the mid-1900s in such a seamless and complete manner that it seems as if one is utterly dependent on the other.

The book delves deep into exploring the confusion, pain, loss, and joy that life encompasses.

It manages to pull all these elements together, creating a vivid and engaging narrative.

It is astonishing to realize how much life one can experience within a relatively short span if one is truly alive and living with purpose.

Moreover, it showcases how much more life one can lead if one is curious and passionate about a particular thing or pursuit.

This autobiography not only provides an interesting account of the author's life but also offers valuable insights into the human condition and the power of living fully.

It serves as an inspiration for readers to embrace their own lives, explore their curiosities, and pursue their passions with vigor.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of work that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in a unique and thought-provoking read.

Ten-year-old Bob Smith's encounter with "The Merchant of Venice" in the small public library was a life-altering moment. It kindled a life-long passion for the words of Shakespeare. Indeed, words are incredibly powerful, and they matter a great deal. Amid the confusing and unsettled nature of his life, he unexpectedly discovered words that could express his deepest fears, doubts, and loneliness. For the first time, he felt truly understood. As he made his way through a life that was overshadowed by the sadness and despair of his parents due to the severe disability of his beautiful sister, Bob found solace and inspiration in the words of Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's works became a refuge for him, a place where he could explore his emotions and find meaning in the chaos. The beauty and depth of the language spoke to his soul, offering him a sense of hope and connection. With each new play he read, Bob's understanding of himself and the world around him grew. Shakespeare's words became a guiding light, helping him to navigate the difficult path of life and find his own voice.

Bob's love for Shakespeare's words would stay with him throughout his life, influencing his thoughts, actions, and relationships. It would inspire him to pursue a career in literature, where he could share the power of words with others. And it would always be a source of comfort and inspiration, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, words have the ability to heal and transform.

First and foremost, the writing style of this piece is very booky. It has a certain charm that makes it engaging to read. I found that I cared most about the Shakespeare classes with the elderly. There is something truly special about seeing the wisdom and enthusiasm of the older generation when it comes to the works of Shakespeare. It's like a beautiful exchange of knowledge and passion. Secondly, I was quite interested in his work at the theatre. The behind-the-scenes activities, the creativity, and the energy that goes into putting on a production are all fascinating. However, I must admit that I cared the least about his whiny childhood crap with the sister. It just didn't seem as relevant or interesting to me. Unfortunately, it seems that most of the focus in this article is on that aspect. I also think that this piece might be way more interesting if you have no experience working in a theatre yourself. It could provide a fresh perspective and open up a whole new world of possibilities for the reader.

Part of my Shakespeare Crush.

Bob Smith's memoir offers a poignant account of his family life, which was filled with heartbreak and challenges.

However, within the walls of the theater, he discovered the redemptive power of Shakespeare.

The plays and sonnets of the Bard became a source of solace and inspiration for him.

As he delved deeper into the works of Shakespeare, he found a way to cope with the difficulties of his personal life.

The characters and stories in Shakespeare's plays spoke to him on a profound level, allowing him to see the world in a new light.

Smith's memoir is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the ability of art to heal and transform.

It shows how even in the face of great adversity, one can find hope and meaning through the beauty and wisdom of Shakespeare.

Do you know what a Hamlet’s dresser does? It’s a job that I had never even imagined before coming across this deeply touching memoir.

After reading it, since I have a passion for theatre, whether it's as part of the audience or backstage, I promptly added this unique occupation to my dream job list. (First on the list, by the way, is librarian!)

I was truly captivated by the human elements within this book and the fact that it is completely immersed in Shakespeare’s world. In fact, this is the genuine story of a boy whose life was rescued by literature.

Bob Smith’s Hamlet's Dresser is a vivid portrayal of a person who was made whole by art. His childhood was fragile and lonely, mainly spent taking care of his handicapped sister, Carolyn, and yearning for more attention from his parents.

But at the age of ten, his local librarian presented him with a copy of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, and it completely transformed him. In Bob's very first encounter with Shakespeare's profound language - "In sooth I know not why I am so sad" - he discovered a window through which he could view the world.

Years later, when the American Shakespeare Festival relocated to Stratford, Connecticut, and Smith was hired as Hamlet's dresser, his life's passion finally took form.

Read an excerpt from the book and the rest of the review on my blog http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspo...

Hamlet's Dresser

Bob Smith, an actor, director, and Shakespearean consultant, has penned an outstanding memoir, or rather an autobiography.

With a calm yet vivid language, Smith shares his childhood that was never truly lived due to his adored sister Carolyn, who was mentally challenged, an exhausted mother, and a distant father. He describes the feeling of living a terrible life and the chance encounter with Shakespeare and his words, which were so important and soothing.

He tells of his experiences in the Shakespearean theater. (Bob Smith was born and lives in Stratford, Connecticut, which shares the name with the birthplace of the great English dramatist.) He speaks of his constant sense of diversity and solitude.

He also recounts the beginning of his relationship with the elderly to whom he reads and teaches Shakespeare. He is amazed and delighted not only by their eagerness to learn and discuss but also by the incredible feeling of being able to be himself in their presence.

The boy who loved Shakespeare is a sad yet tender story, a sweet yet melancholy account, a record of a life marked by difficulties but also the voice of a positive man.

This is an extremely unusual book that stands out from the rest.

It is not only lovely in its presentation but also offers a worthwhile and challenging read.

The content within its pages is sure to engage and stimulate the mind.

It is truly a book that is well worth the time invested in reading it.

Particularly, if you have a deep appreciation for the works of Shakespeare, this book will hold a special allure for you.

It may offer new perspectives and interpretations that will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare's masterpieces.

Whether you are a seasoned Shakespeare enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good read, this book is definitely one to consider.

It has the potential to become a cherished addition to your bookshelf and a source of inspiration and delight for years to come.

An American author I didn't know.

I bought the book because it has a portrait of Shakespeare on the cover and because it is described as "a masterpiece" by a literary critic.

In fact, I found it very beautiful.

It is an autobiographical narrative written by Bob Smith, who is now in his sixties. It retraces the experiences of his life from birth, strongly marked by the Irish origins of his mother and her family, but mainly by the presence of a younger sister with a severe disability and whom he loves very much.

From a very young age, Bob enters the world of the theater, working as a stagehand.

The theater is for him a kind of refuge that allows him to move away from his own home and from the pain caused by the presence of his sister and the attitudes of his mother.

The Shakespearean texts then find an expression and description of his inner turmoil, his sadness and his very deep questions about the meaning of life.

On page 297, we read: "Just as when I was a child, in the Church of San Carlo, I was kneeling in front of my crying mother, I saw my tears fall on the floor. While Bolingbroke was ridiculing Richard, having seen my sister ridiculed by people for years unleashed a broken cry in me........and every time that suffering hurt me and in part healed me."

As an adult, Bob wants to give to others what he has received from the works of Shakespeare, especially to the elderly, who adore him for this.

Recommended for those who love Shakespeare, for those who are sensitive to the theme of disability and to the struggle of growing up and finding one's own way for young people.

A remarkable memoir unfolds, delving deep into the experiences of growing up with a profoundly disabled sibling.

Often, the author found themselves in the role of a primary caregiver, shouldering responsibilities far beyond their years.

The family, a fragile unit, seemed to offer little support or nurturing to anyone but the disabled person. This created a complex and often challenging dynamic within the household.

However, in the midst of this turmoil, the author discovered refuge and solace in the power of Shakespeare's words.

The beauty and wisdom within those literary works became a lifelong vocation, providing a source of strength and inspiration.

This memoir not only chronicles the author's personal journey but also offers a poignant exploration of family, disability, and the redemptive power of art.

I thought this book was truly and absolutely fantastic.

The way the author managed to discover and extract joy from Shakespeare was simply remarkable.

I had a profound sense that it really spoke directly to me.

In terms of the fact that there is something within Shakespeare for every single person, it really hit home.

It served as a great inspiration to me.

It made me view something as arcane and seemingly as antique as Shakespeare in a whole new light.

I was able to find those personal aspects of it that never grow old.

These aspects are always applicable to our lives, no matter what era we are in.

This book is indeed one of my all-time favorite books.

It has left a lasting impression on me and has changed the way I perceive and appreciate Shakespeare.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in literature or in finding new perspectives on the works of Shakespeare.