I think Lisa Fiedler did an excellent job rewriting such a classical story!
Plot
Romeo’s Ex is a fun retelling of the classic story, Romeo and Juliet, from a female perspective. Rosaline wants nothing more than to be a healer. She has convinced herself that she will never marry, she will live her life to help others - until she meets Benvolio. While Romeo’s words had been hollow, Benvolio promises true love and Rosaline begins to fall. However, there is a problem. Their families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are stuck in a feud that has lasted generations. As the death toll rises they realize they must find a way to end this infernal feud. A simple mistake results in even more bloodshed and confusion. Romeo has now found Juliet and they quickly fall in love. Can Rosaline and Benvolio save those who are not yet lost? This story is written in a conversational sort of way that helps you relate to the issues in the story. Rosaline describes everything clearly and so vividly the story comes to life and you are now in Renaissance Verona, Italy.
Morality
The characters of this story are described well, and you feel as if you know them. Mercutio is a liar and an alcoholic womanizer. Taking advantage of people is his role in the story, but he is wise. Most of the young men are quite used to using others' weaknesses to their advantages. Rosaline does have to lie several times to save herself or others. This book shows you the sad life of the poor, and how many women turned to prostitution in their most desperate hours. The ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’ are very distinct, but most of the Montagues and Capulets aren’t bad or good, they are just angry. There are some moral issues with this book such as cheaters, lust, immodesty, lying, inappropriate behavior between Tybalt, the maid, most of the men and minor women characters.
Spiritual Content
The Roman Catholic Church is mentioned often because many people run to the monks to hide. The monks are a great help in planning the escape of Romeo and Juliet, and saving them. Christianity is not mentioned because about half of the known world’s population was Catholic at the time, however they did believe in God, the saints, and the Holy Spirit. There is a small part of the book when it mentions the spirit of certain characters watching others, and trying to help them. They do talk about either going to heaven or hell, and some not certain of where they would go, like Juliet. Overall God’s name is not misused, and He is not criticized, but His name is used when praying or parting.
Violence
A mob does break out between the Montagues and Capulets, but there aren’t really any violent descriptions. The death of certain main characters is bloody but not overly descriptive. Juliet’s death was pretty descriptive. A dead man was described and it was disgusting because of the many details used.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Wine is mentioned at feasts, and there is a lot of drunkenness. Mercutio in particular, gets very drunk and violent. He is trying to dull the pain of rejecting Rosaline. Benvolio drinks wine but does not become drunk. Rosaline and Juliet giggle over memories of the previous years feast where they accidentally drank too much wine. Rosaline and The Healer discuss potions and poisons, while Romeo also uses poison.
Sexual Content
Nothing actually ever happens between the characters except for Romeo and Juliet (but they were married), but it is frequently talked about. An example is of this is Mercutio asking Rosaline, “Or have you come to join me in my bedchamber,” and of course Rosaline is shocked. Benvolio, Romeo, Mercutio, and Tybalt are described as shameless womanizers, yet now they are looking for something more, they are looking for love. There is plenty of kissing. Benvolio and Rosaline, Romeo and Juliet, and Mercutio and Rosaline all take their time with it. Tybalt views Romeo and Juliet in bed. So there are some issues in the book, but Shakespeare would talk about this kind of thing often.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
Very little language is used in this book, however words like d**n and h*ll are used several times. Rude behavior such as insulting is done mostly by Mercutio. Mercutio is a rouge and cheating liar. He has buried his feelings so deep that he has decided to despise love and only loves looks and intimacy.
Conclusion
One of my favorite books, Romeo’s Ex is overflowing with romance, sadness, happiness, and best of all a happy ending! Rosaline and Benvolio find happiness in a different way than many would expect. The sad endings of many other characters made me cry! However it does have some moral issues, language, and sexual content; if the reader is old enough to read about them, though, this is, overall, a great read! This story twists and turns in different ways that you wouldn’t really expect and it’s full of lively descriptions.
