Review: Twelve Nights with Viola & Olivia, by Lady Vanessa S.-G., edited by Hannah Miyamoto, 2023

Twelve Nights with Viola & Olivia by Lady Vanessa S.-G., 2023
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Twelve Nights With Viola & Olivia," was an unexpected journey for me. I'm not typically the target audience for books heavy on Shakespearean flair or explicit sapphic themes, but there were parts of this book that really stood out to me.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is not the story itself but the reader's guide in the foreword. This guide delves into the complexities of social rank and grammar during Shakespeare's era, shedding light on the intricate use of personal pronouns and their meanings based on one's social standing. The guide includes a detailed table outlining each rank and its corresponding territorial right, enhancing the reader's understanding of the societal framework within which the story unfolds. This exploration of language, particularly the nuanced use of pronouns like "Thou," "Thee," "Ye," "Thy," "Thine," and "Sirrah," reveals much about the characters' relationships and their relative social ranks. It's a fascinating study, though it can be somewhat perplexing, especially when considering the dual implications of certain pronouns, which can denote intimacy or animosity.

The structure of the novel is like each chapter playing out a scene from a play. I found it helpful to take a moment after each chapter to reflect on what had happened, which really helped me connect with the characters and their arcs, particulary that the plot plays heavily with mistaken identities.

Speaking of characters, while the novel includes gay men in its cast, they seem more peripheral to the main storyline. Their presence feels ancillary, and I suspect they might not receive much more depth in the upcoming installment, given the novel's focus on the titular characters, Viola and Olivia. The heterosexual characters, though not explicitly labeled as such, are implied to be part of the general populace, particularly among the lower social ranks. 

One scene that really stands out is with Maria, the chambermaid. The author's attention to detail here is something else – it's quite a vivid and immersive description and will most likely titillate some groups of readers moreso than than others.

"Twelve Nights With Viola & Olivia" is a novel that might cater more to a niche audience, particularly those with an affinity for Shakespearean language and sapphic themes. However, its exploration of historical linguistics and social hierarchy provides an interesting lens through which to view the narrative, offering something of value even to those outside its target demographic.

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