Fair Rosaline: A Novel

by Natasha Solomons

Overview

"The first time Romeo Montague sees young Rosaline Capulet he falls instantly in love. Rosaline, headstrong and independent, is unsure of Romeo's attentions but with her father determined that she join a convent, this handsome and charming stranger offers her the chance of a different life. Soon though, Rosaline begins to doubt all that Romeo has told her. She breaks off the match, only for Romeo's gaze to turn towards her cousin, 13-year-old Juliet. Gradually Rosaline realises that it is not only Juliet's reputation at stake, but her life. With only hours remaining before she will be banished behind the nunnery walls, will Rosaline save Juliet from her Romeo? Or can this story only ever end one way?"--Provided by publisher.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798885797603
Publisher:	Gale, A Cengage Group
Publication date:	02/20/2024
Edition description:	Large Print
Pages:	587
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Natasha Solomons is the author of five internationally bestselling novels, including Mr Rosenblum's List, The Novel in the Viola, which was chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club, and The Gallery of Vanished Husbands. Natasha lives in Dorset with her son, daughter and her husband, the children's author, David Solomons with whom she also writes screenplays. Her novels have been translated into 17 languages. When not writing in the studio, Natasha can usually be found in her garden.

Editorial Reviews

08/07/2023

Solomons (I, Mona Lisa) gives voice to Rosaline Capulet, Juliet’s cousin and Romeo’s forgotten lover, in this feminist spin on Shakespeare’s tragedy. Rosaline, only 15 when she loses her mother to pestilence, faces a future in a nunnery to escape the “ruinous expense of a dowry.” As a final act of defiance, Rosaline decides to attend the Montagues’ masque disguised as her brother Valentio, where she meets Romeo, who sees through her disguise and swears he is “disarmed” by her. Romeo’s flattery is appealing to Rosaline, who feels like an outcast among the Capulets and has been told her “dark beauty” is not fashionable, and she’s quickly swept into an intense but short-lived love affair, ending when Romeo meets Juliet. Rosaline’s eyes are opened to Romeo’s true nature, and she vows to save her cousin from a dark fate. Solomons challenges classic interpretations of Romeo and Juliet, painting Romeo as a predator who lures unwitting young girls and discards them, with the help of a friar, though the modern language and themes clumsily alternate with more Elizabethan language, and Rosaline’s master plan seems to fall into place too conveniently. Still, this is entertaining and empowering. Agent: Susan Armstrong, C&W. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

"Irresistible. An excellent spin on a timeless classic." — Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne

"A brilliant, feminist re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet, Fair Rosaline is a gorgeously written version of Verona from Juliet’s cousin, Rosaline’s, point of view. What does Romeo truly look like through the eyes of a woman on the periphery of the original story? Natasha Solomons skillfully shows us another version of the star-crossed lovers – and the Romeo —we all think we know. I absolutely devoured this thought-provoking, female-centric take on Shakespeare." — Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools

"I have not been able to stop thinking about this book . . . Fair Rosaline is a gripping, spellbinding and wonderfully immersive book - and one that truly makes you think. I would be very surprised if everyone is not talking about it." — Elodie Harper, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wolf Den

"Exquisitely written, wonderfully lyrical and richly immersive - this a story we all know made fresh and chillingly relevant, refracted through a feminist lens." — Ellery Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of The Club 

"Mischief and forbidden love ensue as Rosaline and Romeo embark on an affair that is the prelude to the more famous story. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Julia Quinn who love a historical setting and classic characters mixed with drama and romance." — Booklist

"Intelligent, imaginative, irreverent. Solomons has created a gripping Romeo and Juliet for the 21st century." — Annabel Abbs, author of Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen

"Challenges classic interpretations of Romeo and Juliet...entertaining and empowering." — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

There are many things to love about this retelling of Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET, and Sheila Atim's narration is one of them. This feminist prequel to the well-known romance shares the story of Rosaline Capulet and her encounter with Romeo as he tries his best to woo her. Atim's tonal variations and vocal range allow listeners to relax and examine this new perspective. When Romeo begins to court Rosaline's 13-year-old cousin, Rosaline starts to see his true nature as that of a predator. Sheila Atim is a gifted and experienced actor, and her narration highlights her skills and the suspense of the story beautifully. C.F. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

NOVEMBER 2023 - AudioFile