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Juno en Juliet
Een 18-jarige, bloedmooie tweeling gaat studeren. Via de bouwval met buitenplee van een verre nicht vinden ze een prachtig appartement en vandaar, en in dezelfde stijl, de rest. Het leven gaat niet over rozen: studiesores, liefdesproblemen, een enge viezerik die nare brieven schrijft. Aan de andere kant zijn daar de geweldige vrienden: Juno's vriendje Michael, Juliets grote liefde en docent David Hennessey, de eeuwig bezopen studententheatergroep en de misdadige, peuken rokende en drugs dealende, maar o zo ridderlijke Gleeson-tweeling, en het loopt allemaal goed af.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
18 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Julian Gough
42 books159 followersJulian Gough is an award winning author of funny stories about serious things. He won the BBC National Short Story Award in 2007 (when it was the biggest prize in the world for a single short story). His “The iHole” was shortlisted for the one-off BBC International Short Story Award in 2012. He has also been shortlisted, twice, for the Everyman Bollinger Wodehouse Prize for comic fiction.
He represented Ireland in Best European Fiction 2010; won a Pushcart Prize in the US in 2011; and represented Britain in Best British Short Stories 2012. London born and Irish raised, he now lives in Berlin.
He is the author of three novels, Juno & Juliet, Jude in Ireland, and Jude in London; two radio plays, The Great Hargeisa Goat Bubble, and The Great Squanderland Roof; and a poetry collection, Free Sex Chocolate.
In 2011, he wrote the ending to Time Magazine’s computer game of the year, Minecraft.
As a youth, he wrote and sang on four albums by Toasted Heretic, and had a top ten hit with the single "Galway and Los Angeles”.
He is probably best known for stealing Will Self’s pig.
He represented Ireland in Best European Fiction 2010; won a Pushcart Prize in the US in 2011; and represented Britain in Best British Short Stories 2012. London born and Irish raised, he now lives in Berlin.
He is the author of three novels, Juno & Juliet, Jude in Ireland, and Jude in London; two radio plays, The Great Hargeisa Goat Bubble, and The Great Squanderland Roof; and a poetry collection, Free Sex Chocolate.
In 2011, he wrote the ending to Time Magazine’s computer game of the year, Minecraft.
As a youth, he wrote and sang on four albums by Toasted Heretic, and had a top ten hit with the single "Galway and Los Angeles”.
He is probably best known for stealing Will Self’s pig.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 27, 2014
But a lot of the time there's no reason. We just flew it to the ground. Because we felt like it. And we're still dangerous. And it could happen again anytime.
Mr. Gough was discovered in a Dalkey anthology of Best European Fiction. Our public library had this and I read it in an evening. The characters remain undercooked and the plot unfolds predictably. That said, it offers laughs and charm. One could expect bigger projects in Mr. Gough's future.
Mr. Gough was discovered in a Dalkey anthology of Best European Fiction. Our public library had this and I read it in an evening. The characters remain undercooked and the plot unfolds predictably. That said, it offers laughs and charm. One could expect bigger projects in Mr. Gough's future.
May 27, 2021
Jag fyndar i Biblioteque Holmbeque i väntan på att Karleby stadsbibliotek ska öppna. Jag skulle knappast ha läst den här boken om inte biblioteket skulle ha varit stängt. Tur att jag läste den. Boken gjorde mig positivt överraskad och jag vet inte om det är relationsskildringen eller den irländska miljön, men något i boken påminner om Sally Rooneys böcker. 3.5 av 5 stjärnor ⭐️
November 13, 2014
(Review originally posted on Alexa Loves Books)
I picked this book up because it was about twins (and I do love twins!). And also because it's set in Ireland, which is a country that I want to visit someday.
And, in its own way, I guess it was sort of interesting. But it wasn't, unfortunately, enough to hold my attention, as I kept stopping in the middle of reading it to read a different book.
I love Juliet, who is our main character. The book allows us to get into Juliet's head a bit more than Juno's (her twin), so we see mostly her side or version of the events in the book. I like that she was smart and imaginative. Plus, I could totally relate to the fact that she lived in her sister's shadow for the most part (even if I'm not a twin and I'm technically the eldest daughter in my family).
I also enjoyed reading about David, for the simple reason that he seems to be such an inspiring person. He reminds me (in some ways - hello, not in terms of his relationship with Juliet) of some of my teachers from the years past, since he always makes an effort to be relatable, kind and real to his students. He's actually my favorite character in the book, even more than Juliet.
Julian Gough employs such great imagery in the book though, so I had to give it an extra star just for that. (For example, "My thoughts were a babble to myself. Word and number were blurred, chopped into fragments so small they failed to form units of meaning, so charged they repulsed other fragments or snapped tight to them with no regard for meaning or truth, or with no regard for regard or regard for with or or. Thoughts spiralled out and broke apart or spiralled in tighter and tighter and vanished.")
I picked this book up because it was about twins (and I do love twins!). And also because it's set in Ireland, which is a country that I want to visit someday.
And, in its own way, I guess it was sort of interesting. But it wasn't, unfortunately, enough to hold my attention, as I kept stopping in the middle of reading it to read a different book.
I love Juliet, who is our main character. The book allows us to get into Juliet's head a bit more than Juno's (her twin), so we see mostly her side or version of the events in the book. I like that she was smart and imaginative. Plus, I could totally relate to the fact that she lived in her sister's shadow for the most part (even if I'm not a twin and I'm technically the eldest daughter in my family).
I also enjoyed reading about David, for the simple reason that he seems to be such an inspiring person. He reminds me (in some ways - hello, not in terms of his relationship with Juliet) of some of my teachers from the years past, since he always makes an effort to be relatable, kind and real to his students. He's actually my favorite character in the book, even more than Juliet.
Julian Gough employs such great imagery in the book though, so I had to give it an extra star just for that. (For example, "My thoughts were a babble to myself. Word and number were blurred, chopped into fragments so small they failed to form units of meaning, so charged they repulsed other fragments or snapped tight to them with no regard for meaning or truth, or with no regard for regard or regard for with or or. Thoughts spiralled out and broke apart or spiralled in tighter and tighter and vanished.")
July 24, 2024
Do me a favor and don't waste your time on this book.
Cause it's crap.
It's supposed to be a comedy and an attempt of romance but you'll be bored to death. I couldn't help thinking as I read " dude, my life is way more interesting and hilarious than this".
I also was, at some points, greatly disgusted by the language the writer chose. To be sure, my friend was so right "I wouldn't read a romance written by a man".
That single star is because in the entire book I ONCE came across a quote which I liked and related to:
_______ I put on Kate Bush very loud, thought about how big the world was, thought about nothing and danced around the room ______
Cause it's crap.
It's supposed to be a comedy and an attempt of romance but you'll be bored to death. I couldn't help thinking as I read " dude, my life is way more interesting and hilarious than this".
I also was, at some points, greatly disgusted by the language the writer chose. To be sure, my friend was so right "I wouldn't read a romance written by a man".
That single star is because in the entire book I ONCE came across a quote which I liked and related to:
_______ I put on Kate Bush very loud, thought about how big the world was, thought about nothing and danced around the room ______
February 13, 2011
I found this book a little hard to get into and will admit I even put it down and read another book mid-way. Once I got back into it though I found it easier to read and felt more pulled into the story. I am not sure if it was me or if the book only really starts going in the middle half but once I was enjoying it I did find it hard to put down.
The Plot
This story is about two twins, Juno and Juliet and is narrated from the part of Juliet an 18-year-old college student at university, living away from home for the first time and finding her own identity. Juliet is living with her twin Juno, who she has always seen as more beautiful and clever than herself. Juno is soon is a relationship with another college student whilst also attracting the unwanted attentions of a stalker, Juliet on the other hand remains alone. The story follows Juliet, living in the shadow of her sister whilst uncovering the truth about Juno’s stalker. Helped by her English teacher, the journey leads Juliet to uncover her own personality and become her own person.
The Plot
This story is about two twins, Juno and Juliet and is narrated from the part of Juliet an 18-year-old college student at university, living away from home for the first time and finding her own identity. Juliet is living with her twin Juno, who she has always seen as more beautiful and clever than herself. Juno is soon is a relationship with another college student whilst also attracting the unwanted attentions of a stalker, Juliet on the other hand remains alone. The story follows Juliet, living in the shadow of her sister whilst uncovering the truth about Juno’s stalker. Helped by her English teacher, the journey leads Juliet to uncover her own personality and become her own person.
August 20, 2019
I chose to read this as my summer holiday book as I was visiting Ireland (where the book is set) and Italy (the Italian names)
the book was a long painful slog to read with no gripping storyline
it quotes "Julian Gough is like Roddy Doyle in an extremely good mood" if this is true I will not be reading Roddy Doyle anytime soon
their was no "humour" or "sparkling words" but instead a very dry, boring story about 2 twins, one is narrating it (Juliet) and she lists day to day, mundane things with no relevance.
There is the slight hint of Shakespear but I don't think it is cleverly done or could be described as a modern interpretation and as somebody who studied English Literature too like the character instead of finding humour and relating to the character, I just got bored!
Commited and finished it as I wanted to know how it could possibly end, which to be honest is deflating. Not impressed.
the book was a long painful slog to read with no gripping storyline
it quotes "Julian Gough is like Roddy Doyle in an extremely good mood" if this is true I will not be reading Roddy Doyle anytime soon
their was no "humour" or "sparkling words" but instead a very dry, boring story about 2 twins, one is narrating it (Juliet) and she lists day to day, mundane things with no relevance.
There is the slight hint of Shakespear but I don't think it is cleverly done or could be described as a modern interpretation and as somebody who studied English Literature too like the character instead of finding humour and relating to the character, I just got bored!
Commited and finished it as I wanted to know how it could possibly end, which to be honest is deflating. Not impressed.
March 14, 2015
I'm not sure what I love more about this book--the sweet, witty, compelling plot about the love lives of two totally dissimilar twin sisters; the fact that it's set on the campus of the National University of Ireland in Galway, where I studied for a semester, and it makes me so nostalgic for all the places Julian Gough describes; or the way the story follows Juliet's passionate love of literature and how her understanding deepens as she falls for her lit professor. I don't blame her. I'M in love with her lit professor. The idea of Book-Nerd-As-Romantic-Hero is one whose time has come. If you're a romantic literature dork you really should read this book. It's utterly charming, and the twin sisters, Juno and Juliet, are really believable, quirky, likeable characters.
January 4, 2009
I didn't like it, nor finish it.
March 30, 2021
This book was okay! I am not sure why it took me so long to read-- I think my agonizingly slow consumption of this book has more to do with the way my personal life is going than with the enjoyment I felt reading it (which was reasonable and quantifiable: three stars!).
I gave it three stars because Juliet is a heck of a character. Some of her despair-tinged, spiraling thought processes were identical to ones I have had myself, and it was an exhilarating thrill to feel that flash of recognition, of being seen. Juliet feels like a real person to me (one who I feel I have quite a lot in common with), and it was a joy to spend time with her.
The book was harder to get through any time basically any male character spoke. The boys were all godawful leches or straight up criminals. (The only exception is Dreamboy David, who I'd wager is the author's shameless self-insert.) Perhaps it's reflective of reality-- most males are indeed chauvinist pigs and the author portrayed them true to life-- but it really gets a girl down to have to wade through so much sexual harassment that doesn't feel pretend even though it is.
I also thought the ending was amusingly abrupt: bad guy is vanquished and all the characters immediately run off to smooch one another. But I kinda liked it! They SHOULD smooch! There should be more conflict resolution like this in real life. Some people simply aren't fit to exist in society, and we shouldn't feel bad about it when they stop existing.
The blurb on the back cover says that this story was meant to be a modern Jane Austen novel, one about "how astonishing ordinary life is"; I am unsure how much this book measures up to that first goal, but it does definitely tick the second box. It has been a good reminder of what I have to look forward to when the world opens up again.
I gave it three stars because Juliet is a heck of a character. Some of her despair-tinged, spiraling thought processes were identical to ones I have had myself, and it was an exhilarating thrill to feel that flash of recognition, of being seen. Juliet feels like a real person to me (one who I feel I have quite a lot in common with), and it was a joy to spend time with her.
The book was harder to get through any time basically any male character spoke. The boys were all godawful leches or straight up criminals. (The only exception is Dreamboy David, who I'd wager is the author's shameless self-insert.) Perhaps it's reflective of reality-- most males are indeed chauvinist pigs and the author portrayed them true to life-- but it really gets a girl down to have to wade through so much sexual harassment that doesn't feel pretend even though it is.
I also thought the ending was amusingly abrupt: bad guy is vanquished and all the characters immediately run off to smooch one another. But I kinda liked it! They SHOULD smooch! There should be more conflict resolution like this in real life. Some people simply aren't fit to exist in society, and we shouldn't feel bad about it when they stop existing.
The blurb on the back cover says that this story was meant to be a modern Jane Austen novel, one about "how astonishing ordinary life is"; I am unsure how much this book measures up to that first goal, but it does definitely tick the second box. It has been a good reminder of what I have to look forward to when the world opens up again.
July 28, 2021
I felt like this book was more about a period of time rather than a plot. Two twin sisters, Juno and Juliet, move to Galway to go to the university. They rent an apartment, meet people, attend classes, and learn about who they are. I say “they” but it’s really about Juliet’s becoming. Her sister seems to know who she is and for the most part what she wants, as a backdrop to this situation, increasingly disturbing anonymous letters come to Juno, Juliet becomes jealous of her sister’s attention, and the twin Gleason brothers (who are hysterical and I would love to hear their story) ply the twins with drugs and provide background stability and protection. There’s also a subplot about the theater and about a local acclaimed author. I did like the characters, though Juliet was frustrating, but I guess we all are when we’re finding out who we are.
Read
April 17, 2020Ah, now, here was a book. It had a plot, such as it was, but the most fun of the novel was reading the character's conversations and attempting to parse out what they were talking about in their wonderful, sardonic way. The plot is that it's about Juno and Juliet, identical twins, and their trials and tribulations during their first year of college at Galway (in Ireland). I tell ya, those Irish and the Brits, they know how to write a book.
March 27, 2021
You know a book is written by a man when he describes the breasts of a woman feeling like they are weighted down by rocks. Also, they still call dances 'disco' in Ireland. Or at least they did on the other side of Galway Bay!
Kept putting this one down to read other books. Just didn't really grab me, I guess.
Kept putting this one down to read other books. Just didn't really grab me, I guess.
February 20, 2019
This book drew me in but then left me wanting more. I find it a little frustrating at times - almost teasing. Could it have maintained consistency I would have given it a 4 star!
That said, I enjoyed it in the end.
That said, I enjoyed it in the end.
March 6, 2019
I ranked this 3 stars simply because it’s not a book I’d jump to recommending. But I read it. Enjoyed it. Discovered it was hard to put down after 100 or so pages.
The writing was ok.
It was a good book. Did enjoy the ending. In fact: loved the last 50 pages.
The writing was ok.
It was a good book. Did enjoy the ending. In fact: loved the last 50 pages.
March 31, 2021
I thought Julian Gough did a pretty good job of writing from the point-of-view of young women, although his maleness did peep through . I enjoyed the lovely lyrical writing and literary references, and always love "Irishness"
June 19, 2024
When I saw this book the cover intrigued me then I read the plot and it sounded good seeing it was described as a reworking of a classic fairy tale with nods to Shakespeare, Austen & Beckett .
Unfortunately I found it quite dull and that the characters were uninteresting sadly .
Unfortunately I found it quite dull and that the characters were uninteresting sadly .
July 17, 2025
i love a slice of life story but the narrative even felt lost at some points, but there were such strong tethers that kept juno and juliet's relationship so intriguing to me. i feel like juno got lost in the sauce a bit
August 23, 2025
Quanto mi è piaciuto leggere questo libro! Juno, Juliet e il loro mondo mi hanno assorbito completamente ed è stato bello accompagnarle nella loro quotidianità nella vita universitaria di Galway. È un romanzo che mi ha messo serenità, mi ci voleva tanto
July 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. A light but thoughtful narrator that made me appreciate being an English major.
Read
August 30, 2017Registered on Bookcrossing - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
I couldn't get into this story so I didn't finish it.
I couldn't get into this story so I didn't finish it.
June 16, 2018
Middle aged men writing teenage girls is often no good at all.
December 5, 2018
I did not like the story or how it was written.
October 18, 2019
Didn't hold my attention for the second half.
Enjoyed the characters, but there wasn't much going on.
Enjoyed the characters, but there wasn't much going on.
April 17, 2021
Otroligt intrikat och komplicerad. Mycket tankar och invävda budskap som man inte alltid fattar. Men de finns otroligt mycket att jänta ur denna bok!! Jag älskar den. Vill läsa igen och igen
August 22, 2023
It was a four star until the melodramatic ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2011
This week’s headline? lovely Galway girls
Why this book? so many reasons
Which book format? UK lips cover
Primary reading environment? library volunteer shift
Any preconceived notions? third time through
Identify most with? relationship with Jimmy
Three little words? “chivalrous, worshipful, chaste”
Goes well with? fried sea monster
Recommend this to? my little sister
Hiya, Goodreads!
This is the first book review I have written specifically for Goodreads. The first 70 books I placed on my shelves featured reviews written for my now-defunct tumblr.
My reviews are a little odd; some rely heavily on personal anecdote, but everything I write has been inspired by the book somehow. I feel like that is a more honest way for me to remember the things I read - to follow the trail of my thoughts as I experience the book.
I think Juno and Juliet is a great place to begin the revamp of my book reviews, because this is a book I truly love. In fact, I feel so personally connected to this book that I have to be careful with the personal anecdotes in this review, because I may essentially post my social security number, paypal information, and medical records. That's how closely I relate to the story.
I just got into something of a public facebook screaming fest with my sister, in which we aired our dirty laundry about this book. It wasn't too bad; I just referred to her as a sh*thead (asterisk included to pacify the churchgoers on my friend list) and said she was as a bad as our father about "effing" with my books. She admitted her sh*theadedness but protested that her crime was not nearly as bad as defacing the cover of a vintage paperback with a banal telephone number - which is what our father did nearly a decade ago, a discretion I have yet to forgive.
What she did was borrow my thoughtfully bestowed copy of JuJu (purchased in a bookshop fictionalized in the book itself), take it to her own adopted foreign country, and LEND IT TO SOME RANDOM PERSON WHO NEVER GAVE IT BACK.
Other cultural accompaniments: Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor
Grade: A+
I leave you with this: “But I was a simple, fucked-up, country girl. I endured great emotions the way Belgium has traditionally endured great European battles. I mean, they were painful, and I was often quite profoundly affected by them, but I didn't really think of them as having much to do with me. I was just where they happened to be taking place. Happy geographical accident. From Waterloo to Ypres. There go those guns again. I wonder what it's all about this time?"
Why this book? so many reasons
Which book format? UK lips cover
Primary reading environment? library volunteer shift
Any preconceived notions? third time through
Identify most with? relationship with Jimmy
Three little words? “chivalrous, worshipful, chaste”
Goes well with? fried sea monster
Recommend this to? my little sister
Hiya, Goodreads!
This is the first book review I have written specifically for Goodreads. The first 70 books I placed on my shelves featured reviews written for my now-defunct tumblr.
My reviews are a little odd; some rely heavily on personal anecdote, but everything I write has been inspired by the book somehow. I feel like that is a more honest way for me to remember the things I read - to follow the trail of my thoughts as I experience the book.
I think Juno and Juliet is a great place to begin the revamp of my book reviews, because this is a book I truly love. In fact, I feel so personally connected to this book that I have to be careful with the personal anecdotes in this review, because I may essentially post my social security number, paypal information, and medical records. That's how closely I relate to the story.
I just got into something of a public facebook screaming fest with my sister, in which we aired our dirty laundry about this book. It wasn't too bad; I just referred to her as a sh*thead (asterisk included to pacify the churchgoers on my friend list) and said she was as a bad as our father about "effing" with my books. She admitted her sh*theadedness but protested that her crime was not nearly as bad as defacing the cover of a vintage paperback with a banal telephone number - which is what our father did nearly a decade ago, a discretion I have yet to forgive.
What she did was borrow my thoughtfully bestowed copy of JuJu (purchased in a bookshop fictionalized in the book itself), take it to her own adopted foreign country, and LEND IT TO SOME RANDOM PERSON WHO NEVER GAVE IT BACK.
Other cultural accompaniments: Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor
Grade: A+
I leave you with this: “But I was a simple, fucked-up, country girl. I endured great emotions the way Belgium has traditionally endured great European battles. I mean, they were painful, and I was often quite profoundly affected by them, but I didn't really think of them as having much to do with me. I was just where they happened to be taking place. Happy geographical accident. From Waterloo to Ypres. There go those guns again. I wonder what it's all about this time?"
September 19, 2015
ג´ונו וג´ולייט הן תאומות המגיעות ללמוד באוניברסיטת גולוויי. למרות שהן תאומות ג´ולייט משוכנעת שג´ונו יפה ממנה ושהחיים של אחותה טובים ומלאים יותר. הספר מתאר את החיים הסטודנטיאלים ואת הרפתקואותיהן של השתים מנקודת הראות של ג´ולייט. למעשה הוא מחולק ל- 3 חלקים, כשלטעמי החלק הראשון הוא הטוב ביותר, החלק השני הגרוע ביותר והחלק השלישי בדילוגים המתבקשים סביר. המחבר מאבד את עלילתו לדעת, ואחרי שהוא מצליח לשעשע את הקוראים בתיאורים אירוניים של החיים הסטודנטיאלים, הוא פתאום משנה את קו העלילה ונופל למלכודת השיעמומון והעדר הקוהרנטיות. הוא מנסה להפוך את הספר ליותר ממה שהוא, ספר נעורים, תוך שהוא מתחיל להתעמק בחיים בפרברים, מהות יחסי תאומים וכד´. אציין, כי הניסיונות האלה עקרים ומעצבנים. חוסר הקשר שבין החלקים הראשון והשלישי לחלק השני, כל כך בולטים, שלא אחת תהיתי למה העורך פשוט לא חתך וכך היה מטיב עם העלילה ועם הספר בכלל. בחלק השלישי כבר למדתי את הלקח וכשהמחבר גלש למקומות לא ראויים, פשוט ריפרפתי. אחרי ריפרוף הוא אפילו מצליח לשעשע. מומלץ למי שאין לו מה לקרוא.
December 22, 2014
The voice of this book belongs to Juliet Taylor, an 18-year-old girl who begins to tell the story of her twin sister, Juno, which unavoidably becomes her own tale. The setting is Galway where the Irish girls are away for their first year of college. This is their story of coming into their own as individuals, and about family, love, betrayal, and hope. There is also a tiny bit of suspense in this book, although I hesitate to go that far. I was hooked right from the start; Julian Gough brought his characters to life through the narrative given by Juliet and through their many experiences. Although a light book in many respects, heavy topics were dealt with, including drugs, death, and love. The ending could have many interpretations and I was left unsatisfied with how it turned out, perhaps disturbed is a better word (referring to the ending of the “suspense,” not the final chapter). Overall however, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
April 12, 2010
I searched this book out after reading Julian Gough's comments on the current state of Irish fiction in The Guardian back in February (here)—a man of strong opinions. And so the plot device of having the protagonists in a university literature course was an extremely clever way of being able to present his likes and dislikes, his inspirations and abominations. Juno and Juilet could be called a post-modern bildungsroman, allowing him to be self-referential—writing about writing—within the framework of a traditional 'coming-of-age' story; it's something of a Twenty-first Century Jane Austen.
I liked it; Gough made it work. It's a slender story, a bit fussy here and there, but in general it was a pleasant read.
I liked it; Gough made it work. It's a slender story, a bit fussy here and there, but in general it was a pleasant read.
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