Book Review: Juliet by Anne Fortier

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Twenty-five-year-old Julie Jacobs is heartbroken over the death of her beloved aunt Rose. But the shock goes even deeper when she learns that the woman who has been like a mother to her has left her entire estate to Julie’s twin sister. The only thing Julie receives is a key—one carried by her mother on the day she herself died—to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy.



This key sends Julie on a journey that will change her life forever—a journey into the troubled past of her ancestor Giulietta Tolomei. In 1340, still reeling from the slaughter of her parents, Giulietta was smuggled into Siena, where she met a young man named Romeo. Their ill-fated love turned medieval Siena upside-down and went on to inspire generations of poets and artists, the story reaching its pinnacle in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.

My Thoughts: I have to admit that I am not a Shakespeare fan nor have I ever read Romeo and Juliet. I was a liitle hesitant to read this book but I am SO glad I did! I absolutely loved it from the first chapter! I really enjoyed the flashbacks to 1340 AD and the historical history but I was kept entertained by the modern day romantic thriller part of the book. I have never been to Italy but after reading this book, I feel as if I have been to Siena before! The descriptions of the different piazza's were detailed and fun. The characters were, for the most part, entertaining and a little bit mysterious. I especially enjoyed Maestro Lippi and his craziness! Juliet (or Julie) got a little annoying in her ways a couple times (mostly involving her sister) but that is really the only complaint I had. I did not find it at all confusing, predictable or boring. In fact, I think I wll end up buying this book to reread at some point and I'm considering buying it as a Christmas gift for family members! It was just that good!