‘No Boys Play Here’ is a childhood memoir of the author which she lays out in relation to Shakesperean texts. This gives the book a half reality, half fantasy vibe. This was a really refreshing approach and kept the book interesting and made the reader feel as if the author was still a child during the time of writing.

It tackles issues such as lack of male role models and the struggles of growing up in a poor working class family. The issues within this resonated with me closely which is why I enjoyed the book even more.

Sally Bayley drew me right in her style of writing never fails to charm ne, This is a book full of life family quirky in its special way. Enjoyed till last page,#netgalley#4thestate

In ‘No Boys Play Here’ Bayley writes a childhood memoir seen through the lens of the Shakespeare plays she read growing up. Events and characters blur with the bard’s and her working class family are assigned roles from queen of the fairies to Falstaff. I appreciated how well the author captured the half real, half fantasy world we live in as children.

I was drawn in by the concepts of this book. I grew up in a working class family and used books as a way of escaping the mundane.

Unfortunately the author’s writing style is just not for me. I got halfway through the book and realised I was having to force my way through. I found the pacing very slow and just wasn’t invested enough in the characters to continue.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bayley's writing style is absolutely my cup of tea; "No Boys Play Here" is moving and heartfelt, quirky and enjoyable.