I Am Juliet

Shakespeare

by Jackie French

The world's most famous love story told by one of Australia's most respected authors.

This is the well-known story of Juliet Capulet and her love for Romeo. It's also the story about the increasing helplessness Juliet feels as she realises that unlike young men her age, her life will effectively be determined and controlled by others, who see her having an arranged marriage of alliance and becoming a breeder of sons.

I Am Juliet closely follows the well-known and loved plot of the play, but we also see the point of view of Rob, the thirteen-year-old boy who is the first to play the role of Juliet on the Elizabethan stage. Like many young people today, he too is overwhelmed by 'all those words' that Shakespeare wrote. But Rob realises that the story of love and tragedy is a somewhat simple one and the words are there for their extraordinary beauty and meaning. He will be Juliet and let the power of the words sing—as they still do today.

For ages: 10+.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Retellings, Historical, Feminism

207 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[Rosanne Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I am Juliet’ by Jackie French
I couldn't stop reading this. This is one of my favourite Shakespearean stories and I fell in love with it in Year 8 when our English teacher very wisely decided the way for us to connect with it was by having us act out parts of the story. For that’s what plays are for: acting, not reading. Jackie French, however, has brought the story to life in a new and exciting way with Juliet on centre stage. I found myself reading it as it were a new story. It is written the way beautiful historical fiction should be with skillfully drawn characters, tight prose, historical detail but no waffle. The story has a frame (beginning and end) in the POV of an actor from the time period playing Juliet which serves a necessary purpose considering the end of the story. During Juliet’s story she relates a tale from Marie de France also a necessary device as it shows Juliet’s background and is referred to later. It’s wonderful to see this was left in the story. I also have a book of Marie de France’s lays. After the story there is interesting background information, probably gleaned from Jackie French’s years of teaching Shakespeare, about his times, social and political; even why Shakespeare was careful not to state which denomination the Friar was. There’s a section on ‘What might have been’ which is quite satisfying for the reader. This will be a great help to students of Shakespeare, and happily there are more coming in the series: ‘Ophelia’, ‘Queen of Denmark’ (2015) and ‘Third Witch’ (2016).

[Eugenia (Genie In A Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This review also appears on the blog Chasm of Books*

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

As far as historical fiction goes, you know from the moment that you pick up a novel by Jackie French - be it set in the Australian outback or otherwise, that it's going to be something special. With I am Juliet she has definitely once again delivered an outstanding story with a interesting twist on one of Shakespeare's most acclaimed plays. With a unique insight into what Juliet Capulet may have actually been like, the author has taken me on a journey and told the tale of 'Romeo and Juliet' which we all know well, while still adding that little extra something which makes it stand out on its own merit.

I am a nice girl, or at least I pretend to be. But sometimes my thoughts and dreams are not nice at all.

What I loved the most about I Am Juliet was getting to look deeper into just who Juliet really was, aside from what Shakespeare portrayed her to be. What we get to see in this novel is her innermost thoughts and emotions, which aren't exactly what you might expect from a conservative girl living at that time in Verona. Juliet proves to herself and the people around her that she can be rebellious and have an inner strength and determination which drives her to be with Romeo above all else. This is still a tragic and fateful love story, but one which is told with Jackie French's distinctive flair which I have come to know and admire with every book she writes.

I would play my parents' game no longer. I was not the daughter they had tried to make, like the sugar cups my mother had made for the feast. The sugar cups had dissolved. I had dissolved too. The good daughter had vanished, leaving only me.

A unique addition which made this book stand out from other adaptations of the play was the inclusion of the perspective from Rob who played Juliet for the first time. It sounds strange to have a boy playing a female role to us, but back in Stuart times women had no place acting in theatres, and so the men took on all the roles (which could have been very awkward at times, as I'm sure you could imagine). Even though on the whole he only has a small part to play in the scheme of the novel as a whole, it was nice to see that realistic touch to bring everything together and paint a picture of Shakespeare's time in more detail. Of course, the historical notes at the back which are included in every one of the author's historical fiction novels were also really interesting and helpful. While they're not part of the actual story, it is still fascinating to see the kind of research which went in to a book like this.

CONLCUSION

As always, Jackie French has once again succeeded in producing a spectacular piece of historical fiction based on a much loved classic. Like anything she writes, she always leaves me wanting more and I certainly can't wait to see what she has in store next!

[Tilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again, Jackie French has written another outstanding novel. Based on the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet, the story is set roughly in the Middle Ages, and is told from the perspective of a young, thirteen year old girl called Juliet.

Juliet is a strong and likeable main character, and her thoughts certainly reflect her actions, which are almost unheard of in a wealthy, Middle Age society. Juliet is raised as a Capulet, a side which hates and has constant feuds against the Montague's, enemies to them in the kingdom. Juliet has no brothers nor sisters, and is therefore sworn to marry her cousin, Tybalt, of whom Juliet likes, but cannot bear the thought of living a lifetime with. She feels, though, that she ought to oblige and do her family well by marrying a Capulet. A nicely written segment describes Juliet suddenly seeing Romeo, however, a man of whom she'd dreamt of at night, and man who she instantly knew was the one. There are, of course, complications, as Juliet discovers that Romeo is a hated Montague, and she would be disgraced if she ever married outside of her family's preferences. Juliet's thoughts are positive, as she lingers at the idea of her and Romeo being together - it might solve the feud between the Montague's and the Capulet's. However, what was once a simple and love filled affair soon turns into frightening and devastating story for Juliet and Romeo.

This book gives such a personal (as it is told from the perspective of Juliet) and thorough account of times that were clearly challenging for almost everyone. There are daggers, scandals, deaths, and plenty more to occupy, and as usual, Jackie French writes extremely well. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Jackie French's writing, the tale of Romeo and Juliet, or anyone who's in need of a good book.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book aloud to my middle son (16yo) as we prepare to watch several productions (both older and modern) of this wonderful play. Jackie French's adaptation brings new understanding to the play and well illustrates why Shakespeare's plays were NEVER meant to be read and were ALWAYS meant to be seen performed on stage or screen.

(2015 review) AMAZING book! I might have to read Romeo and Juliet again... I have a MUCH greater understanding and appreciation of the ply after reading this book. Jackie French continues to astound me!!

[ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a quick and easy read, and I recommend this to anyone who is intending on/has read Romeo and Juliet.

Although Juliet really annoyed me, I loved reading about the Capulet household, getting more background on what occurred in this famous love story and getting insight into Juliet's thoughts.

[Parul · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
The novel almost perfectly recounted my own ideas on the occurances within the play and the words flowed together SO well. From when I started, I could not put this book down!

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly spent all day reading this book. I have always been intrigued by Romeo + Juliets story and yet haven’t seen the book or movie. I am Juliet was written in such a sense that it made you feel as though you were Juliet. The emotions and the descriptions helped create her world in the readers view.

Juliet and Romeo’s story is so heartfelt. Two lovers from two rival families. I loved how, even when Juliet was to be wed to the Earl of Paris, they stuck together. At the end when Juliet fakes her death then finds dead Romeo by her side and stabs herself, I found it a hard and sad part to read.

I rated 5/5 for I am Juliet because I kind of related to Juliet. I mean, not in the whole love story thing but her as a person. Her thoughts. I recommend this book to 11+ year olds because I guess it sort of just fits that age group.

Overall, I loved it and I thank Jackie French for writing such an amazing book on Romeo and Juliets love story.

[Holly Ford · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I honestly felt like the main let down of this book was its blurb which insinuated that the book would primarily be about the first boy to play Juliet. This intrigued me a lot. But alas, the book only had 2 chapters from the boy's POV (the first and last) and the rest of it was a retelling of R&J from Juliet's perspective.

There was nothing necessarily wrong with the retelling, but it did feel like it was made to be a kids' first taste of R&J. So basically, I have completely aged out of the audience for this book to the extent that I really struggled to enjoy it, which is surprising since I usually love Jackie French's kids books despite being way older than their target audience.

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the story of Romeo and Juliet and enjoyed French's interpretation of Juliet's character. I love Jackie French's heroines, and Juliet was no exception. We are told this famous tale from Juliet's point of view. The story is also introduced by a young actor who has been given the role of Juliet in Shakespeare's time. He is trying to understand the point of all the words that Shakespeare chooses to use and how he will be able to portray Juliet on stage.

I saw this book in a lovely bookstore the other day in the 'children's books' section and after visiting HarperCollins' website, this story is given a 10+ age rating. But I don't see it as appropriate for younger readers. I would recommend for adults or YA readers. Only two pages in to the book, for example, we are faced with the phrase "show us your merkin", which while funny, is not the kind of thing I would like young children looking up in the dictionary! Not to mention that the story of Romeo and Juliet is a steamy love story. I really liked that the book stuck to this theme, rather than removing all the fun stuff (although it was softened in sections when French used Shakespeare's phrasing)!

I would have liked for this book to have been a bit longer, although I do understand that much of the original story exists outside Juliet's 'world', so she wouldn't have been part of these events. I look forward to the next books in this series!

[Rebel Scum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Shakespeare, so I may be biased, but this was a beautiful rendition of the tragedy. Unfortunately, I am biased against Romeo and Juliet because it’s a tragedy and I don’t tend to enjoy the tragic part of a tragedy. So I guess we’ll get to find out whether these influences balance each other out or not.

When re-telling a classic, especially a play or movie, it’s always important to fill in the gaps. I think Ms. French has done an excellent job of this. She has filled in the thoughts, emotions and in-between actions of Juliet to fit with the story and therefore preventing a dis-jointed, plot-hole riddled experience.
Another good this about this book is that it has an interesting perspective. For a story that is usually told in third person (or from Romeo’s POV), limiting it to the first person character of Juliet creates an interesting POV. We don’t often get this perspective which creates allure to read the book.

The other problem with re-telling a classic, is that everybody already knows the entire plot, and in some cases, the elaborate details of it. It makes the plot stale and predictable. That’s why many authors find it easier to just re-do a classic on it’s premise rather than go to all the risk of a re-telling being boring. For example, Sarah J Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, or Hunter’s Moon by Sophie Masson which are re-do’s of the FairyTales of Snow White and Beauty and the Beast. (BTW, I recommend Hunter’s Moon, but I suggest you read a few reviews of multiple perspectives before you dive into ACOTAR)

Here’s where my bias comes in. I am a total fan of Shakespeare and romance, but I only like Romeo and Juliet up until he gets banished. I get cold feet because I know what’s going to happen and I really don’t like to watch train wrecks. You may be like me, or you may like tragedies, but if you’re like me, knowing the plot becomes fatal for the book. I still really enjoyed it, and there was good writing, but I felt like covering my eyes when it started to lead up to you-know-what. Then I was wonderfully surprised-but I’ll get to that later.

In a short story, you don’t get much time to world-build or create character development. I like how Juliet seems to develop throughout the story. How she becomes braver (or becomes slightly stupid-but as Shakespeare himself said, “Love makes fools of us all…”), and stands up for what she believes in which is nice too. Her determination is pretty admirable as well. One other thing I didn’t like was that Juliet was only 13, but that’s how it was in the original play so I don’t complain about that, but she doesn’t act 13, which kind of annoys me.
I think it is appropriate that Ms. French re-told this story since she has a lot of authorial experience in writing historical fiction, so she has researched all the little things that create an old Veronian (Verona is where the story is set) atmosphere. She adds the manners, the dress, the politics and the world of the story that really makes it real.

One part I especially liked was chapter one and twenty-three with Rob in 1592. It really ads contrast and intrigue to the story. I would’ve really liked to see more of him throughout the tale. But we only got the first and last chapters, which was appropriate, but sad.
The author’s notes at the end are also very interesting and enlightening to the time period and other really intriguing memorabilia. Definitely useful for those who would read SparkNotes to escape reading the actual text.
The other part I liked was the ending, but I don’t want to spoil, even though you probably already know. I am aware that this sounds like a contradiction to my earlier ‘I hate tragedies’ statement, but I wrote most of this review before I finished-yeah, I know, it’s probably not a mistake I plan to make again.

That brings me to another reason to like the book is that it’s a short, easily understandable version of Romeo and Juliet. Instead of going to SparkNotes or some other website as one often does in situations of school work where reading the book seems impossible, reading this would give a simple understanding of the Shakespearian classic without turning your brain to mush. Some people enjoy the poetic language of the original, and others like their brain nicely unscrambled thank you very much. (I like the originals, but I know some of you don’t). This is a short, easy, way to learn the basics of Romeo and Juliet without having to sort through thousands of pages of internetised (on the internet), digitised, information.

When I started, the writing, the setting and the characters were beautiful and bright, and the words seemed to float into my head like music, but as I went on, I think I closed myself off from it because I hate watching train wrecks and the instant love was a bit annoying. Sometimes I get really caught up in a story, even if there’s instant love, but this time I couldn’t.
But then, as I persisted to the end, I was surprised. And then the magic of the first few chapters was back and instead of the mind-numbing train wreck I was expecting and braced for, I got a beautiful, definitely sad, but beautiful, magical, tragical (and yes, that is a word, go look it up!) ending. It possibly only got stale in the middle because today was the first day of term and me and school don’t exactly have the best relationship.

All in all, I’d probably give this book a 3/5. I really enjoyed it, but because I already knew the plot, it was a little bit annoying, but all in all, really good! There is kissing, drugs, distanced death (Juliet doesn’t see it and doesn’t experience it very strongly so by extension, we don’t), and lightly mentioned sex (you’d only recognise it if you knew what they were talking about-Juliet doesn’t know), but nothing much you wouldn’t see in the play, or read in it if you chose to read the original. There’s no swearing. (Unless you count Shakespeare insults-e.g. wench etc!)
I think the age recommendation would be the same age as you would let a child read the original play. So I’d guess about 12 or 13+
I know a lot of people enjoy Jackie French a lot more than I do, so I would recommend it to you, anyone who needs a quick Shakespeare re-cap and anyone else who is interested in a good, short read.
I hope you enjoy this book too,
StoryGirl​

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting framing of the Romeo & Juliet story. There is nothing new here, but French's attempt to delve deeply into the mind of 13 yr old Juliet is fascinating and well written. It would be a great companion piece to an in-depth study of the play.

I am curious as to why publishers have put 10+ as the guide for the audience. There is much quoting straight from Shakespeare's text, not easy language for anyone.

In typical French style, there is a substantial glossary and detail explanations, which helps to place this book into its historical and cultural context.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Juliet is dead, Romeo is dead and I think a little part of me died reading this book. I didn't know much about the story of Romeo and Juliet and was interested in learning a bit more of a story, the fact that it was from Juliet's POV really took my interest but sadly I didn't take to Juliet as many others and as I'd hoped. I found her to be a stupid, ignorant and naïve little girl thinking that she could be more than what she was and could magically fix the family war with a marriage in secret. And what did she think would happen, marring and consummating the marriage with Romeo while her father is organizing her marriage to that Earl and panicking when she realized that is was going to happen? When she escaped out the window to the street she had no idea how anything worked and suspected that she would be beaten or jumped but when she showed her coin purse to the chair carriers I knew it was not going to end well. A shut-away 13 year old girl who had never dressed herself, never handled money, she really thought she could have made it to Mantua in one piece?

[Loren Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a sweet story which I did enjoy. But at times my attention wavered somewhat and I found it difficult to get into the action of the story. Jackie French is one of the most renowned and well loved Australian authors of our day and I love her writing style. This was a nice, easy read to get through, with lots of reference to Shakespearean literature. Maybe one of her weaker novels but still a gallant effort. It was nice to see the tragedy from the eyes of a girl who would have been too young to truly know right from wrong the way an adult would have. I recommend reading the entire authors note at the end because it explains a lot of things and as a history lover, also sheds a fair amount of light on the life and times of the Elizabethan Era which I genuinely loved. Overall, not a bad story. A bit lacking at times but nevertheless, a worthwhile read.

[destinypotato14 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, so firstly I’ve never watched or read the original Romeo and Juliet, so I have no clue if this was a different version or basically the same thing. It was alright, but I think I’ve read too many romance books in one hit and I’m kinda sick of them rn tbh so that didn’t help. The ending was sad but like we all k we what was coming bc that’s just how it goes. So anyways it was alright but not the best book in the whole world.

[Chloe (Keefe + Jaren Vallentis's Version!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I read Ophelia: Queen of Denmark for school, so I decided to read I am Juliet as I enjoyed the other book from the series. This was quite a quick read, and I loved the appendix I think it's called that at the end. If I was studying this for English at school, I would enjoy it. Anway, definitely a good read for lovers of historical fiction, and romance as well as Shakespeare.

[Rachel Tulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great wee book. It tells the story of Juliet and her Romeo. The author writes so well, I hardly noticed it wasn’t written by Shakespeare.

It was a personal account, from the perspective of Juliet herself, as to the events that lead up to the tragic ending.

If I’d had to read this instead of the actual play in school, I think it would have made much more sense!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel revealed a lot of things that I did not know about Romeo and Juliet. It was a very nice introduction to the 16th century and the social dynamics of that era. It was a very well written novel. Lovely

[Danya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a decent enough introduction to Romeo and Juliet for readers who are hesitant to dive right into the Shakespearean original; however, for Shakespeare fans, this won't offer anything new for you to sink your teeth into.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. I didn't think it added a huge amount to the Romeo and Juliet story, but there were some interesting historical details.

Ten years old might be a bit young for this book which has frequent sexual references.

[Debs Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting idea - write from Juliet's perspective. I actually was hoping for more from the voice of Rob, and was disappointed that narrative was not extended. Good use of the original dialogue while making Juliet a rounded character. The author's notes were great too.

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the way Jackie wrote the classic Shakespeare from Juliet’s view. Just brilliant.

[Starling · Rating 3 out of 5]

well written

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read for Young Adults that strips the classic back to the bare basics of characters and of course focuses on the female part, French explaining she mostly used Juliet's lines from the play.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing so inspiring

[Brit McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.

I have loved Jackie French’s writing since primary school, and Shakespeare since my first time reading Romeo & Juliet in high school. I was that one kid that really got Shakespeare. I thought he was funny and witty, I could see it all as I read it. I went on from Romeo and Juliet to read a lot of Shakespeare plays (my favourite being Much Ado About Nothing), but its funny that the one play that got me into Shakespeare I had some issues with. Romeo was arrogant and rash, Juliet melodramatic. I saw it as a waste of young life. Jackie French’s I am Juliet made me rethink the story I thought I knew,

I am Juliet is the same old story, but retold from Juliet’s point of view. We see her in a different light – a girl ignored by her parents until it is time to marry, sheltered and protected from the world, who wants to choose her own life. She’s not melodramatic – she is smart although she is vulnerable and she is desperate to break free of the life she feels has been chosen for her. She wants to feel love, true love, a connection that goes beyond words. In walks Romeo. And from that moment, Juliet is calling the shots.

I really enjoyed this retelling – it completely changed my view. I like that the primary focus was on Juliet – the dramas of Romeo, Mercutio and Tybalt were only talked about but we saw their effect on Juliet and those around her. Juliet is strong and brave, a girl on the cusp of womanhood about to take her life into her own hands. I had never seen or imagined her this way before and over the course of the book I developed a new respect for her and her relationship with Romeo. It is a tragedy, without a doubt, but I feel I have a better understanding of how and why things happen. Of course, we don’t know if that’s what Shakespeare intended Juliet to feel, but Romeo & Juliet is a play. It is up for interpretation and has been for the last four hundred years. Juliet is no wimpy girl who can’t live without the man she loves. She is a woman who makes a choice when she can see no better option for her life.

Everyone knows the story of Romeo & Juliet, and from the beginning you know there will be no happy ending. It definitely impacts that impending sense of dread you feel as it gets closer to the end. But don’t let the knowledge of an unhappy ending deter you from this book. Whether you have read the play or not, loved it or hated it, this book will give you another way to look at the classic tragedy of ‘Juliet and her Romeo’. Also, the notes at the end help to put things in context if you are not familiar with the customs of Elizabethan times and the history of Shakespeare.

4.5 stars. I loved it.

[Rosina Dimech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Sagarika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: I am Juliet by Jackie French
Published by Harper Collins
Subjects: Shakespeare, William –Characters – fiction, Romeo and Juliet Fiction, Family relations fiction, Love stories, Verona fiction and Award Winning Author.
I am Juliet is Romance story written by Jackie French. It is Shakespeare’s finest tragedy; this love story between two star- crossed lovers from warring families is as timeless as the angst and beauty of the young love.
This story is unique and takes on Romeo and Juliet has been cleverly carolled and tenderly told through the eyes of young Juliet Capulet, our 13 years old protagonist. The writer of the story Jackie French does so well, I am Juliet. She quickly drives the readers into a past time. French provides fascinating author notes at the end of the book, including extra information and thoughts on Shakespeare's work and Elizabethan England.
This book story talks about Shakespeare’s world. Reader meet young rob, a teen lad who is the first to play the role of Juliet on an Elizabethan stage. At the end of the book, there is shift to Juliet and save the last chapter the entire saga is told through the fresh, young eyes of the confused yet determined girl.
This book can attract both the readers young and older. The message that the reader gets from the story is the strength and self- reliance is a golden today as it was 500 years ago. It was a era when women had little power except between the sheets. A woman was only remembered of she was a queen or saint.
The language of the book can be difficult to understand by young reader but can be understand by the adolescence. The writer has used language from the power of Shakespeare’s writing. For high school students really but I bet Intermediate school girls will seek after it to. Boys I hope but I doubt it.

[Matilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely recommend this book for young teenagers!

[The Basic Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The full review is available on The Basic Bookworm

I am Juliet by Jackie French is a re-telling of the classic Romeo and Juliet, according to Juliet Capulet. This book combines history and romance to create a historical fiction suitable for individuals from the age of ten and up. Personally, I was excited to learn about Juliet’s thoughts on falling for Romeo and his exile; however, I felt that the plot was slightly dull. Jackie French is a renowned author in Australia, and I studied two of her other texts in high school: Hitler’s Daughter and Macbeth and Son — which I really liked.

As I expected, I am Juliet was well-written. Everything was explained in great detail, and a fair amount of literary techniques.

As there were only two characters, I would have to say that Juliet was the most relatable — headstrong, yet obedient, compassionate and considerate. I also liked Joanette, the youngest of Juliet’s maids (also known as the Joans).

Juliet’s parents were aloof and cruel. The Nurse was irritating. Friar Lawrence was a coward. Paris was a douche. So, it was difficult to really like a particular character.

[Linsey Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have read Romeo and Juliet and also watched various movies that have been made, so I know how the story goes. Jackie French brings a fresh approach and down to earth look at one of Shakespeare's most well known plays.
'I Am Juliet' is written in first person from Juliet's perspective so it's a very limited story. We only see what Juliet sees and hear the conversations she takes part in. It's quite refreshing to get to know her much better. 'I Am Juliet' brings a deeper understanding to why Juliet makes the decisions she makes and reveals a heroine who takes matters into her own hands and who proposes marriage and tries to heal the rift between her family and Romeo's.
Jackie French has tried to bring to life the story of Romeo and Juliet for everyone but most for those struggling with reading the play in their highschool years. I think she has done a remarkable job.