This book presents thoughts about Shakespeare, and playing Shakespeare, by a top tier Shakespearean actor. Harriet Walter may not be a household name in the U.S., but in classical acting circles she is deservedly famous -- a major Shakespearean actor, a Dame of the British Empire, and recently the star in three major male Shakespearean roles. I was fortunate enough to see her as Brutus in Julius Caesar and as Henry IV, so as soon as I became aware of this book, I rushed to read it. It is very interesting, and makes a strong contrast to most Shakespeare criticism, which tends to view the plays more as literature than as actual plays that are put on in theaters by hardworking actors. Ms. Walter's key focus is in getting into the skin of her character by figuring out what motivates the character. It's interesting to read about how this works in practice, particularly when other actors and directors are also developing their own interpretations. And Ms. Walter is very strong on the relationships between characters, interpreting (for example) the Merchant as a love triangle between two men and a woman. Reading the book makes me anxious to see Ms. Walter in action again! ( )