When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety deposit box in Siena, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a precarious journey into the history of her ancestor Guiletta whose love for a young man named Romeo inspired Shakespeare's unforgettable story.I was really excited to receive this book from Harper as I love Shakespeare and have always been fascinated with the story of Romeo and Juliet. Anne Fortier has created such an intriguing story as she explores the way in which fact and fiction often cross paths throughout history.
As Julie crosses paths with the families who turned medieval Siena upside down, she begins to realise that the notorious curse- 'a plague on both your houses'- is still at work.
This book reminded me a little of Kate Mosses's books such as Labyrinth or Sepulchre but I think that Juliet had a much faster pace which I enjoyed. It is quite a long book but you are right in the thick of it from the very beginning, I couldn't stop turning the pages.
The book jumps between the present day and Siena back in 1340, the chapters in the past explain a part of the puzzle that Juliet is trying to solve in the present. I found myself looking forward to these chapters as I knew that I would be getting some more answers to the mystery that Julie finds herself in. There are quotes from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet throughout the book, each chapter also begins with one and they help to tie the story together.Anne Fortier offers many surprises plus the odd red herring. There is a lot to take in with this book as it spans across so much time but it is definitely worth it. If you are a fan of Shakespeare then you would greatly enjoy this book. If you are not a fan of the Bard, you would still be reading a great book full of mystery, history and romance.
Many thanks to Harper for sending me a copy to review, Juliet is published today.
11 comments:
Oh, sounds intriguing! I really like books that are connected to famous literary characters. Thanks for sharing! I would definitely like to read this one.
Irena- I really enjoyed it! Hope that you like it too!
I really like the sound of this one, Dot. I will be keeping an eye out for it. Thank you for a great review.
This sounds great - I love this kind of the book, where there is a present/past storyline - although it's hard to do well. Will definitely be seeking this out!
PS My word verification is vaguleti, which sounds appropriately Italian!
Kim- I think you would really enjoy this one Kim! I wore the necklace you made me yesterday and lots of people said how lovely it was!
Miss Moppet- That does sound Italian! Hope you enjoy the book!
Oh Dot! So glad you enjoyed wearing the necklace!
I really do think I would like this book. Of course, that is if I ever get any time to read for an undisturbed moment in the near future, now that we have a crazy kitten living with us at chez Wang Tong!! (I will tell you more next time I write)
Oh, I love Shakespeare -- and all the mythology behind his works and his life! Definitely sounds like a book I would enjoy.
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this sounds intresting!!!!
Can't wait to buy it and read it!!!
Shazia- Hope that you enjoy, it's a very good book!
We chose Juliet for our December books club party and had a great time discussing this book and its characters, especially Alejandro!
Annie- It's a lovely book isn't it, there's so much going on!
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