Benvolio

by Emily Whitaker

The hundred year war between the Montagues and the Capulets mean Benvolio will never be allowed to marry his love and she will inevitably have to marry a man she does not love. That is why Rosaline chooses to become a nun. Only Benvolio can't live without her so when he finds out that his cousin Romeo loves Rosaline's cousin Juliet he truly believes that their love could end the fight in their parents hearts and allow the war to end. He sets out to secretly help his cousin marry Juliet but his benevolent actions cause mishaps in a well meaning plan and is the reason Romeo and Juliet take their lives. "Benvolio" will introduce you to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and give new breath to a classic tragedy.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2014

About the author

Emily Whitaker studied Shakespeare at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and at Circle in the Square Theatre School under Edward Berkeley. She wrote Benvolio to introduce Shakespeare to young adult readers. Playing Benvolio, gave her pause to wonder what part Benvolio truly played in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. It was then that her mind began to plot this extraordinary back-story of her first book, Benvolio. Emily Whitaker sticks to the original plot as seen through Benvolio’s eyes while showing the horrors of their parents’ sins and the unfounded belief that love will conquer all.

Reviews

[Roger Bundridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short yet interesting book to read. I mean apart from finishing it the same day I started it (just a little slow on the update) I enjoyed it. Wasn't very fond of the ending though even if it made complete sense.

[Sydney Berentschot]

Benvolio was an eye opening look at the clasic play Romeo and Juliet. In this telling we see just why Benvolio is so peaceful and encouraging in Romeo's pursuit of Juliet and their happiness.
The book opens just as the play and follows the play along, noting all important events with our main character Benny being a fly on the wall to all important conversations and events. His motives are interesting and add entertainment to th book.
The author uses Benvolio to fill in plot holes that Shakespeare left in, like why the letter never made it to Romeo, and so forth. The book ended in an amazing, terrible, cruel way, fulfilling the Shakespearian Drama legacy. I fully recommend that people who thought that Romeo and Juliet was not good read this version.

[Danielle Mckinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new twist on a old tale