Dive Into Adventure: Explore the Supernatural with Louise Kulup’s Latest Novel ‘Bard Boy’

“Bard Boy“ by Louise Kulup is a captivating middle-grade novel that brings together the world of ghosts, the history of Shakespeare, and the everyday challenges faced by a modern teenager. This engaging story takes readers on a journey filled with mystery, humor, and heartfelt moments, all set against the rich backdrop of England’s historic and contemporary landscapes.

Ben Jonson’s Adventure: A School Trip Like No Other

The story centers around 13-year-old Ben Jonson, an East London schoolboy who is eager to escape the monotony of his school life. Ben, known for his mischievous nature, looks forward to causing a bit of trouble during what he expects to be a dull school trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. However, this trip turns out to be far from boring when Ben encounters something—or rather someone—completely unexpected: the ghost of Hamnet, Shakespeare’s forgotten son.

Hamnet’s ghost is not just an ordinary specter; he is on a mission to find his father, the legendary playwright. Ben finds the lost folio beneath a flagstone at Shakespeare’s house. After this, Hamnet’s ghost attaches himself to Ben and goes back to Stratford London with him, he asks Ben to perform the ‘lost plays’ from the folio at a school Shakespeare competition, in the hope that it will make his father, William Shakespeare, return.

The collision of these two worlds—Ben’s ordinary school life and Hamnet’s supernatural quest—forms the core of “Bard Boy“ and leads to a series of events that will test Ben’s courage, intelligence, and loyalty.

Real-Life Struggles in a Supernatural Tale

While “Bard Boy“ is rich in supernatural elements, it is also deeply rooted in the everyday realities of a teenager’s life. Ben Jonson’s challenges are not limited to dealing with ghosts; he also grapples with complex family dynamics and the pressures of school life. Living with his Malaysian mother while his father has remarried and started a new family, Ben often feels like he doesn’t quite fit in anywhere. This sense of displacement is a recurring theme in the story, mirroring the struggles many young readers may face in their own lives.

Louise Kulup masterfully uses Ben’s character to explore these themes of identity and belonging. Ben’s background, being half Malaysian and half British, allows Kulup to address the multicultural experience in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The story does not shy away from the difficulties of growing up in a blended family, where Ben must navigate his relationship with his father and his new half-siblings, all while dealing with the typical challenges of adolescence.

Ben’s life is further complicated by his interest in Judith, a beautiful but mysterious girl from his class. Their budding friendship adds another layer to the narrative, providing Ben with someone who understands the struggles he faces, both in the real world and in his supernatural endeavors.

The Story Behind the Story: From Inspiration to Creation

“Bard Boy“ began its life in 2016, shortly after Louise Kulup became a mother. The idea for the book started with the title, which sparked the plot’s development. Initially, Kulup envisioned Shakespeare’s ghost as the central figure, but as she delved deeper into the historical details, she became fascinated by the life of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet. This shift in focus brought a unique and fresh perspective to the story.

The journey to publication was not without its challenges. Just as an agent took the book to auction in early 2020, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed the book’s momentum. To make matters more complicated, Maggie O’Farrell’s novel “Hamnet“ was published around the same time, drawing attention to the same historical figure. Despite these setbacks, Kulup remained committed to her story, believing in the unique angle she had created for young readers.

The coincidence of both novels focusing on Hamnet Shakespeare—a boy often overlooked by history—highlights the enduring fascination with Shakespeare’s life and the untold stories surrounding him. Kulup’s dedication to bringing this lesser-known character to life for a young audience is evident in the depth and detail she brings to “Bard Boy.”

A Must-Read for Young and Curious Minds

“Bard Boy“ is more than just a ghost story; it’s a rich, multifaceted narrative that blends history, the supernatural, and the everyday challenges of growing up. Louise Kulup’s ability to weave together these elements in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking makes this novel a standout in the middle-grade genre.

Through Ben Jonson’s journey, readers are invited to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of friendship and family. The story’s setting, which moves between the historical richness of Stratford-upon-Avon and the contemporary world of an East London school, adds layers of intrigue and realism that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

For those who love a good adventure filled with mystery, history, and a touch of the supernatural, “Bard Boy” is a must-read. It’s a story that reminds us all that sometimes, the past is closer than we think, and that the bonds we form—whether with the living or the dead—can shape our future in profound ways.