Romeo and Juliet Upended, Fair Rosaline: A Novel, by Natasha Solomons

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:  

I am rather fond of Shakespeare and his iconic heroes and heroines. Romeo and Juliet is one of his famous tragedies—or is it a love story? It’s debatable. It certainly contains one of the most renowned romances in literature whose love ends in a tragedy, so there you go.

And then there’s Rosaline, Juliet’s cousin, the dazzling beauty who does not have much of a part in the original story yet is instrumental in bringing the two lovers together by spurning Romeo’s affections
and breaking his heart. “That same pale, hard-hearted wench, that Rosaline, torments him so that he will sure run mad.” The first tragedy of the tale, from his perspective. But what of Rosaline? Why would she reject Romeo?

This is the premise of Fair Rosaline, a prequel and retelling of the original story. Written by Natasha Solomons, Fair Rosaline is surprising, immersive, and upending. Here is additional information on the new novel to pique your curiosity.  

Best, LA

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

The most exciting historical retelling of 2023: a subversive, powerful untelling of Romeo and Juliet by New York Times bestselling author Natasha Solomons

Was the greatest ever love story a lie?

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, thirteen-year-old Juliet. Gradually Rosaline realizes 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?

Shattering everything we thought we knew about Romeo and Juliet, Fair Rosaline is the spellbinding prequel to Shakespeare’s best known tale, which exposes Romeo as a predator with a long history of pursuing much younger girls. Bold, lyrical, and chillingly relevant, Fair Rosaline reveals the dark subtext of the timeless story of star-crossed lovers: it’s a feminist revision that will enthrall readers of bestselling literary retellings such as Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell and Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese.

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PRAISE FOR FAIR ROSALINE

• “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…entertaining and empowering.”— Publisher’s Weekly
• “I enjoyed this reimagining. Fair Rosaline gives a powerful voice to a voiceless woman, and includes messages about sexism, the patriarchy, autonomy, and more.”— Julie, One Book More
• “…enlightening and enjoyable. Readers will appreciate the nuance with which [Solomons] approaches the story and flips the idea of the tale of Romeo and Juliet from one of fated and star-crossed lovers to something more complex.”— Katie, Literary Quicksand
• “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

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AUTHOR BIO

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.

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BOOK INFORMATION

• Fair Rosaline: A Novel, by Natasha Solomons
• Sourcebooks Landmark (September 12, 2023)
• Hardcover, eBook, & audiobook (336)
• ISBN: 978-1728281230
• Genre: Historical Fiction, Renaissance Historical Fiction, Classic Retellings

 AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS

We received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Book description, author bio, and cover image courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark © 2023; text Laurel Ann Nattress © 2023, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate.

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