The Young Pretender

The Young Pretender is a novel by Michael Arditti that tells the story of William Henry West Betty, a child actor who became one of the most famous people in Georgian Britain at the age of thirteen. The book explores Betty's rise to fame and fall from grace, and his attempted comeback at the age of twenty-one. It offers a rich and poignant portrait of Betty himself and an engrossing insight into the theatre and society of the age. Arditti is a master storyteller who takes risks with his material.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

The Young Pretender: A Captivating Tale of Fame and Fall

The Young Pretender, a novel by Michael Arditti, is an enthralling and captivating read that weaves a remarkable story filled with boundless energy, wit, and vibrant authenticity. It delves into the life of William Henry West Betty, a child actor who rose to fame in Georgian Britain during the 18th century. Mobbed by the masses, lionized by the aristocracy, courted by royalty, and lusted after by patrons of both sexes, Betty was one of the most famous people of his time. At the tender age of thirteen, he graced the stages of theaters nationwide, taking on prominent roles such as Romeo, Macbeth, and Richard III. His debut as Hamlet at Covent Garden even prompted Prime Minister William Pitt to adjourn the House of Commons so that its members could witness his remarkable performance. However, as his star continued to rise, rivals turned against him, and scandal engulfed him. In a tragic turn of events, he suffered a fall as merciless as his rise had been meteoric.

The novel takes place during Betty's attempted comeback at the age of twenty-one. As he seeks to relaunch his career, he is compelled to confront the painful truths behind his boyhood triumphs. Arditti's revelatory new novel brings this long-forgotten figure back into the limelight, offering a rich and poignant portrait of Betty himself. In addition to its insightful portrayal of the theatre and society of the age, The Young Pretender sheds light on the nature of celebrity, the power of publicity, and the cult of youth. The story, which remains more pertinent today than ever, unfolds against the backdrop of a society grappling with the complexities of fame and its consequences.

Michael Arditti is a writer who fearlessly takes risks with his material. His novels are always compelling and provocative, employing sophisticated and oblique techniques to engage readers. Arditti's mastery as a storyteller is evident in his ability to create vivid characters and intricate plotlines that keep readers hooked until the very end.

The Young Pretender is a testament to Arditti's talent as a writer and his ability to transport readers to a bygone era while exploring themes that are still relevant in contemporary society. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted novel that blends historical detail with compelling storytelling.

Weight: 152g
Dimension: 127 x 197 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529422573