Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010

Book Review… O,Juliet by Robin Maxwell

Author: Robin Maxwell

Publisher: NAL Trade

ISBN #:   978-0451229151

Type:  Fiction:Historical

Pages: 352 Trade Paperback

Published:  February 2, 2010

Website: http://www.robinmaxwell.com/

Purchase:  $10.20 (HERE) 

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My Review

One of the greatest love stories of all time is retold in this sweeping novel by Maxell.  Romeo and Juliet are the star cross lovers who meet their demise in the name of true love.  These two lovers derive from opposing families.  While Juliet is promised to her father’s business partner, Jacopo Strozzi, Romeo is free find love with no boundaries.  By chance, the couple meet during a masked dance at a ball and later discover the beginnings of love on the outdoor balcony.  As their love grew, they made the truest of all commitments to to one another.  Thereafter, the biggest obstacle they faced was the blessing of their families.  Romeo put into action a plan that he hoped would allow the families achieve peace and respect.  Surely then they would accept their love and allow their union.

Peace is attained in a gentleman’s meeting between the families until Jacopo Strozzi stirs an evil plot which shall divide the families forever.  No matter how sinister Jacopo is, true love will always prevail.  As the end of this story unfolds, the reader is touched by the intricate and intimate details despite expecting the familiar, tragic resolution.  Even though I knew this ending, when I reached it, I still felt saddened… and moved.

Robin Maxwell

What I appreciated most about Maxwell’s version were all the little details which explain the depth of their love and the choices they make.  In addition, reading this story from the viewpoints of both Romeo and Juliet give the reader insight to their thoughts as they faced the world to live in their love.  Do not expect this to be a book that accurately follows Shakespeare’s classic.  Rather, anticipate a love story so understandable, so easy to relate to, that your heart may just burst.

 

If you are a true romantic…

If you are ready to be swept away…

If you believe in soul-mates…

If you are searching for passion…

then, this book is for you!

The Rating

I loved loved loved this novel.   I would highly recommend it for historical fiction lovers and romantics alike.  I found myself re-reading parts that moved my heart.  For another review of this book, visit The Burton Review.

FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided to me from the publisher.  Clicking on the either the photo of the book cover or the link next to the purchase price stated above will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page.  No purchases are necessary. 

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7 Comments

| Posted in Books Books Books

7 Responses

  1. Mary

    March 16th, 2010 at 5:49 am

    Wow! Fantastic review, Sheri, I think you’ve given me the push I needed to buy the book : )
    .-= Mary´s last blog ..It’s All Greek To Me by Charlotte Higgins =-.

  2. bermudaonion (Kathy)

    March 16th, 2010 at 6:33 am

    Wow! I just won a copy of this and now I can’t wait to read it!

  3. Amy

    March 16th, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Great review. I loved this book too! I think this was a great take on the classic story and Maxwell pulled it off wonderfully!

  4. Marie Burton

    March 16th, 2010 at 5:12 pm

    Yep it was awesome!! And an awesome review too.. thank you for linking me as well!
    .-= Marie Burton´s last blog ..Book Review: Fireworks over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff =-.

  5. Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)

    March 18th, 2010 at 9:56 am

    Sounds like a good book…great review.
    .-= Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)´s last blog ..Call for Bloggers to Celebrate National Poetry Month in April =-.

  6. Jennifer

    March 28th, 2010 at 11:50 pm

    I just want to start off by saying, I’m a huge Shakespeare fan, but Romeo and Juliet is definitely not one of my favorite plays. While I see it as much more complex now than I did when I read it in high school, I can’t help but see it as not much of a love story now. But this novel seems to work with that and tease out the elements of love and romance that Shakespeare left out for pretty obvious reasons (at least, in my mind). I think I’d really enjoy this one.

  7. Book Review: O Juliet « ReviewsbyLola's Blog

    April 1st, 2010 at 4:19 am

    [...] A Novel Menagerie [...]


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