ROMEO AND JULIET A Novel

Consummate actor Richard Armitage narrates this dynamic reimagining of ROMEO AND JULIET. It's an ideal construct for those reluctant to pursue Shakespeare. In addition to using contemporary slang, the author gives the followers of the Montague and Capulet families street cred: They wear red or blue feathers in their hats. Armitage makes even secondary characters unique, with Romeo's and Juliet's fathers sounding like the bitter old men they are. The standout is Juliet's nurse, who provides comic relief. Chapter transitions are faultless, and descriptions of people and places are stellar. Juliet's social conscience, specifically her desire to teach the peasants to read, adds further depth. Hewson boldly alters the story's conclusion. In an author's note, Hewson explains that Shakespeare was inspired by an Italian play similar to ROMEO AND JULIET. Hewson adds that to him the story is about the contrast between older and younger generations as they react to change. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2016]