O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

O, Juliet
by Robin Maxwell

Published: 2010
Genre: Historical, Romance
Paperback: 352 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner, or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that knows not the bounds of her great family's stalwart keep.

The latter path is hers for the taking when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable, once he determines to capture the heart of the remarkable woman foretold in his stars. The breathless intrigue that ensues is the stuff of beloved legend. But those familiar with Shakespeare's muse know only half the story...

My two-bits:
In-a-word: figs

Ahhhh, love. To be in love. To have passion about that love. To express that love in verse. Ahhhh, that's one of the best ways to express love.

O, Juliet captures the love-tragedy theme that is Romeo and Juliet spot on. It's not the kissy kissy 1968 Frank Zefirelli movie version. And it's not the modernized shoot 'em up 1996 Baz Lurhmann version either. It's in between. btw: i must mention that i did enjoy both movies.

The Romeo and Juliet presented in the book are a slightly mature couple who fall in love with each other not so much by sight but by words. This is what really makes the book special - the words. Juliet's love of words and Dante bring poetry to the forefront in a lovely way.

I also enjoyed the history of both families fleshed out more. Historical details of the times and feelings of both Romeo and Juliet are described more through the novel.

Of course, I was dreading the ending of the book and hoping for a different outcome, but alas...


* Enter Princess V's Valentine's giveaway to win this book.
* Special thanks to RM for this review copy.