Midsummer’s Bottom by Darren Dash

In a glade near Limerick, Ireland, a troupe of actors gather for their 20^th anniversary production of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” unaware of a plot by real Feyland fairies to sabotage the performance and end the production for good. Del and Finn, planted among the actors, work to turn the cast against each other with the help of magic dust.

Jealousy, lust and ambition add to the chaos as the Midsummer Players spend two weeks rehearsing and lurch toward a fateful performance of the play. Midsummer’s Bottom by Darren Dash delights with Shakespearian couplets and a cacophony of human foibles that smash up to a satisfying ending.

The novel is a literary romp that folds the plot of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” into the shenanigans afoot among the actors readying themselves to bring the play to life. Dash has created a stellar cast of full, engaging characters. From the director, Terrence, to the beautiful lead actress, Kate, each piques the reader’s interest, ire, and sympathy.

The author dances with the Bard measure for measure as he twists and turns his characters through their tumultuous stay in Limerick. Tightly-written and imaginative, Midsummer’s Bottom glides the reader through a wonderful story towards a rewarding, and unexpected, end.

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