Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that -- like the classic play -- this version of Romeo and Juliet includes fighting (and killing) between Montagues and Capulets, as well as a tragic fate for Romeo and Juliet. There's some drinking and drunkenness among the teen characters. But Rosaline, the true protagonist in this retelling, is a smart, strong character who ultimately imparts an important lesson about the true meaning of love.
Families can talk about why Shakespeare's plays -- particularly Romeo and Juliet -- have remained so popular. What is it about star-crossed lovers that we find so fascinating? Can you think of other stories and movies that include the same theme? Parents may even want to introduce the original text to their tweens and teens and compare and contrast the two. Do your kids prefer the Bard's version or Fielder's update?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pavao
Even though the author tells this story from many different perspectives, there's no doubt that it's Rosaline's story. And it's the feisty, smart Rosaline -- Juliet's cousin, who's training to be a healer -- whom readers will instantly relate to and root for.
Readers will appreciate that ROMEO'S EX sticks to Shakespeare's story fairly well, even using lines from the original play. But the author fleshes out many of the characters -- and gives her retelling a modern spin.
Some of the book's clever touches may be lost on younger readers, such as the references to other Shakespeare plays and some of the smart updates: When Benvolio goes to the Capulet party, for example, he and his father have a modern conversation about curfew. His father tells him, "Enjoy thyself, but take good care. And shouldst thou expect to be retuning home at an exceeding late hour --"
"Aye father," [Benvolio assures] him. "I will send a messenger 'round to let thee know."
In the end, though, it's Rosaline's impassioned speech about the true meaning of love -- and her own loving actions -- that will warm readers' hearts.
From The Book
"Love?" I roar, fists clenched. "Bloody hell, that word should leave a blister on thy tongue. Your recklessness, yours and Juliet's, was an affront to true devotion, your irreverence dishonored love. You met and admired one another and impiously called it love. 'Twas quick and bright and dangerous and magical. But you did not think. You settled for desire, but did not allow time for love."
Plot Summary:
This book retells the classic Romeo and Juliet from the perspective of Rosaline, Juliet's strong-willed cousin for whom Romeo first carried a torch. Other familiar characters take turns narrating, including Tybalt and even Romeo himself.
The author sticks to the basic story but does take some liberties -- one of the star-crossed lovers doesn't die, for example -- and makes the protagonists seem more selfish than tragic.
Related Books:
Bard-Inspired Books for Tweens and Teens
The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
Shakespeare's Spy by Gary Blackwood
Dating Hamlet by Lisa Fielder
Loving Will Shakespeare by Carolyn Meyer
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentLove (particularly the star-crossed kind) is at the core of the story, but it's all pretty chaste. |
 |
 |
|
|
ViolenceLots of fighting between Montagues and Capulets, including stabbings. And then there are the suicide attempts... |
|
|
|
|
Language |
|
|
|
|
Message |
|
|
|
|
Social BehaviorIn the end, smart, strong heroine Rosaline imparts a powerful message about the true meaning of love. |
 |
 |
 |
|
Commercialism |
|
|
|
|
Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSome drinking and drunkenness. |
|
|
|
|
