Romeo's Ex: Rosaline's Story

Fiedler, Lisa. Romeo's ex: Rosaline's Story. Holt, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0-8050-7500-7

Plot
Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet. However, no one really knows what happened before Romeo went to that fateful party. Rosaline is Juliet's cousin, she was also the item of affection for Romeo before he met Juliet. Additionally, she was not into the idea of falling in love and had a few ideas of her own on what to do with her life. Enjoy reading about the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet through the eyes of Rosaline, a headstrong independent woman ahead of her time.

Critical Evaluation
This book is an interesting twist to the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet. Apparently, the author often felt that women got the short end of the stick in many of Shakespeare's plays and decided to explore the life of Rosaline, a character that is only mentioned in the beginning of the play. It is interesting to see the confidence of Rosaline and an outsider's perspective on the love story and how it evolved. Additionally, the text flows easily and is not a challenging read for hesitant readers.

Reader's Annotation
Rosaline was only mentioned briefly as the object of affection for Romeo in Shakespeare's classic story Romeo and Juliet. However, Rosaline is more than meets the eye and tells another version of the love between Romeo and Juliet.

About the Author
Fiedler was frustrated that the majority of Shakespearean women got ignored or not fully developed. As a result, she has written new versions of several of his plays that explore the lives of these overlooked women. She has also written several other books based on teenage celebrities.

Currently Fiedler lives in Connecticut with her husband, daughter and their golden retriever.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Historical Fiction
Love Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think Rosaline chose wisely on what to do with her life?
Do you think that the society at that time was accepting of Rosaline's ambitions?
How does the story of Romeo and Juliet appear to you now?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
Deals with issues of adult relationships

Challenge Answer
The issues are only implied and covered briefly.

Why Included in Selection
This book had an interesting premise.