Romeo's Ex: Rosalind's Story

by Lisa Fiedler

Book Overview

Shakespeare's classic retold from another perspective Rosaline won't let anyone or anything get in the way of her future as a healer. That is, until she meets Benvolio. Where Romeo's words had been... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805075003
• ISBN13: 9780805075007
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 12 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 7 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Very good

Normally I don't like fanfiction-esque stories, titles and novels based off of other literary works but I have to disagree with that mentality now that I've read this. The character of Rosalind is often untouched, overshadowed by her cousin Juliet. To me this brought to light what I'd thought for years of Romeo, he was shallow. I've always been interested in the characters like Rosalind so to see her get a story and bring some happiness to the tragic tale, its really great. I'd say anybody who likes Shakespeare but is a sucker for happy endings like myself, you ought to read this.

Delightful!

What a charming book! Although I am not a YA, I thorougly enjoyed this book. It it is a delightful take on Romeo and Juliett told from multiple viewpoints, but predominantly from the POV of Juliet's cousin Rosalind. Rosalind is a lovely protagonist. She is spunky and independent and wants to be a physician. Unlike Juliet she does not believe in love at first sight. ALthough the ttragdey of Romeo and Juliet hovers over the story, this is a book that emphasizes the difference between infatuation and "true love". (SPOILERS AHEAD) Unlike Romeo and Juliet, Rosalind and Benlevio's love develops and matures through the trials that they face. In addition Rosalind has the guts to choose her dedication to her studies over marriage, and Benlevio's love for her is strong enough to wait the 4 years it takes for her to finish. I think the author intends this a little morality tale for many young girls. This is charming book for Mom's and daughters to enjoy.

Rosaline's Story

This book was fantastic! I have always been interested in Shakespearian plays, and this book was a great new take on a classic. This story shows the other side of the age old romance between Romeo and Juliet, but it develop those background characters people fell in love with. Benvolio was always my favorite character, and this book helps to develop his story and Rosaline, a character who never had a role in the play. The author included an array of ideas, which put a new spin on the story. She put a lot of thought into developing her characters, their personalities, their feelings about love and the ongoing feud, but she never neglected the real story and the setting Shakespeare set. Overall, a fantastic read. I feel it is a book young adults will enjoy and something teenagers and adults can relate to. Great read, I recommend it. The ending is surprising, yet it is refreshing and full of great ideas!

Fun and Interesting

I enjoyed this book probably about as much as I enjoyed "Dating Hamlet". Once again Fiedler takes us off stage--behind the scenes as it were of one of Shakespeare's best known works. While in Hamlet there were happy endings all around for Fiedler's adaptation in this book she is a little more true to the actual outcome of the play. bodies are accumulating inspite of Rosaline and Benvolio's attempt to stop the carnage. It seems that Fiedler has a message in this story for her readers (something I didn't pick up on in the last book). She makes it clear that the love that Romeo and Juliet have is very superficial (while it does ultimately bring the houses of Capulet and Montague together). She helps to point this out with the relationship she builds between Rosaline and Benvolio. It is a very trusting relationship and one that ultimately withstands the test of time and distance. She draws a clear line between immature 'love' (lust) and a mature relationship, pointing out the problems of assuming love far too fast (both in the span of a lifetime and in a relationship). She does her best to emmulate Shakespearean dialogue, though there are a few modern throw backs here and there--however for what the book is it is vastly entertaining and anyone who is familiar with the bard's other works will find a bunch of other references.

Great retelling of the Shakspearean classic

Rosaline, Juliet's cousin, was always the prettier and more outgoing Capulet cousin. She was also planning to study medicine, and as a result had taken a vow of chastity. A vow that goes completely down the drain when three young men of the house of Montague-- Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio. Romeo, with his empty professions of love, impresses her not much at all. Mercutio initially makes her flutter, until she learns his true playboy nature. But it is sweet and gentle Benvolio who wins her heart, and her kiss. The two of them plot to end the ages-long feud between their two families, a feud so old no one remembers how it started. They hatch a plan they hope will end the conflict, and in turn pave the way for their romance. But there is another cross-house romance blooming, exploding, really, in one night. Too many secret schemes could overlap -- or they could hinder one another. This re-telling of the most famous romantic tragedy of all time is brilliantly written, much more accessible to the reader than the original, yet told in a formal enough style to believe that Shakespeare would approve. After reading this, you'll never be able to look at Romeo and Juliet the same way again.