The Pursuit of Dreams in a Tumultuous Era
‘A Rose by Any Other Name’ by Mary McMyne introduces readers to Rose Rushe, a young woman with an undying passion to become a court musician. This aspiration seems almost attainable with Queen Elizabeth I’s ascent to the throne. However, the universe has other plans. After the death of her father, Rose, along with her mother and close friend Cecely, is accused of witchcraft, forcing them to flee to the bustling city of London.
The Search for Safety and Security
Upon arriving in London, Rose finds refuge in the home of Richard Underhill, the son of one of her late father’s acquaintances. It almost seems like security for her family is within reach, contingent upon Rose conforming to societal expectations and securing a place within the Underhill household as his wife. This prospect, however, clashes deeply with Rose’s inherent yearning for independence and her musical dreams.
An Unconventional Path to Freedom
As Rose grapples with her mother’s well-intentioned meddling, a pathway filled with brothels, astrology, and the intriguing presence of a young writer, William Shakespeare, unfurls before her. Rose’s courage is tested as she contemplates stepping into a life lined with risks and opportunities that promise escape from societal confines.
Mary McMyne’s Richly Crafted World
McMyne masterfully tackles the age-old mystery of the “dark lady” mentioned in Shakespeare’s sonnets, bringing to life the character of Rose—a woman endowed with autonomy, desire, and complexity. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a richly described Elizabethan England, imbued with dark magic and societal dangers, particularly for queer women seeking autonomy. Through McMyne’s descriptive prowess, the streets of Elizabethan England are brought to life, teeming with both possibility and peril.
‘A Rose by Any Other Name’ stands as a captivating blend of historical analysis and speculative fiction, posing the enduring question: what if?
