Teach the Torches to Burn

July 1, 2023
No matter which direction Romeo runs, the dreaded shadow of his family's expectations follows him, and the walls of Verona block his path to freedom. "Ancient animosities" between the Montagues and Capulets divide Verona. Seventeen-year-old Romeo, heir to the Montague fortune, frets more over his destiny--a loveless marriage and a forced choice between apprenticing with his silk merchant father or joining the army--than the increasing provocations of Tybalt Capulet. Secret romantic feelings push him ever further from his two best friends, cousin Benvolio and unrequited crush Mercutio, who don't understand why he refuses to pursue the women they introduce him to. But one night, at a masquerade at the Capulets' house, an unexpected encounter with a mysterious boy ignites Romeo's hope for a bright future. Vivid, poetic prose and snappy banter bring to life this reimagining of Romeo and Juliet as a drama of burgeoning adulthood, queer romance, and found family. Set in 14th-century Italy, the book presents both Romeo, who is awakening to his attraction for boys, and Juliet, who firmly has no interest in romance at all, with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Written in the first person from Romeo's perspective, the plot follows the original closely enough to build tension and an expectation of tragedy before veering toward its own satisfying resolution. The characters are predominantly white. A lush and romantic escape. (author's note) (Historical romance. 13-18)

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August 1, 2023
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* You know the pair--it's Romeo and Juliet. But not this time: it's Romeo and Valentine in this engaging reimagining of the Bard's immortal play. Here's the story: 17-year-old Romeo Montague's roguish cousin Benvolio persuades Romeo to crash a masked ball held by the Capulet family, sworn enemies of the Montagues. There, in a secluded courtyard, Romeo meets a young man named Valentine and is instantly smitten. Unfortunately, hot-headed, vicious Tybalt Capulet recognizes Romeo and gives chase. But Romeo and Valentine's romance is launched. Their bliss, however, is brief, for soon Tybalt launches two riots, the second turning deadly when Valentine steps between Tybalt and Romeo and is grievously wounded. In a blind rage, Romeo kills Tybalt and is forced into hiding, while the prince decrees that if Valentine lives, Romeo will be charged with the murder of Tybalt; if Valentine dies, Romeo's life will be spared but he will be sent into exile. Neither option seems to lend itself to a happy ending, but which will it be? Roehrig has done a splendid job of imaginatively revising Shakespeare's perhaps most frequently retold text, creating an often-suspenseful story populated by vividly realized characters. Best of all, however, is his beautiful dramatization of Romeo and Valentine's love for each other.

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December 8, 2023

Gr 8 Up-This Romeo and Juliet "remix" breathes new life into the long-standing feud between the Montagues and Capulets. Sixteen-year-old Romeo Montague feels like the only man immune to the "epidemic of girl-madness." Juliet Capulet wants to marry no one. Sparks fly when Romeo shares a secret, tender moment with another boy at the Capulet's masquerade party. But Romeo's unexpected appearance sends the wrong message to the party's hosts, cuing brawls and a death that ultimately sends Romeo into exile-and his new love interest to the hospital. Is there any hope for a happily ever after? With swoonworthy moments and delightful banter, Roehrig's retelling retains just enough of the original play's spirit. Rather than simply gender swap Juliet, the casting freshly and uniquely explores agency and queerness in the 14th-century setting. VERDICT A spectacularly queer, heartwarmingly hopeful take on the star-crossed classic. An essential purchase for all teen collections.-Alec Chunn

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