Book Review: Juliet by Anne Fortier

Juliet by Anne Fortier

Release Date: 26th July 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Paperback 
Pages: 512
Rating: 5.0/5.0

Summary from Amazon:

"When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told that it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a winding and perilous journey into the history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo rocked the foundations of medieval Siena. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families immortalized in Shakespeare’s unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems that the only one who can save Julie from her fate is Romeo—but where is he?"

Review:

I didn't really know what this book was about when I bought it a couple of months ago. I had heard that it was really popular, and it had something to do with Romeo and Juliet. But I never expected this. I can't believe that I left this on my TBR pile for sooo long - this book kept me up until 2am one morning, it was that good. And I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for future Anne Fortier releases.

I think the main reason that this book kept me enthralled was the fact that two (yes, two) good, solid storylines were cleverly written and woven together. Chapters alternated between the present and the past, so it was almost like reading two separate stories. But, of course, each story related to the other, so reading them together gave rise to a really great story overall. I'm amazed by the amount of research that must have gone into writing this book - just for that reason alone you have to give it props. 

This is a book that almost anyone can read because it has managed to combine a whole array of different genres - romance was mixed with historical fiction and a little bit of mystery was thrown into the mix, making it a really interesting read. If I start talking about the character's I'm afraid I'll give something plot wise away, so I'll restrain myself. I'll finish by saying that if you only read one more book this year, make it this one. But, if the summary from Amazon and this review hasn't convinced you, maybe the trailer below will: