Fortier, Anne. Juliet.

Fortier, Anne Juliet
Ballantine see Random 2010 447p 25.00
978-0-345-51610-7 hs/adult Family Secrets-fiction VG-BN


A dramatically written historical novel that tells the story of a young woman who tries to discover her identity and the legacy that links her back to literature’s greatest star crossed lovers(Romeo & Juliet). The story starts when Juliet’s Aunt Rose dies and leaves her estate to both she and her twin. The problem arises when she discovers that her twin will receive the home and money while she gets a key to a safe deposit box in Sienna, Italy.The story starts when Juliet’s Aunt Rose dies and leaves her estate to both she and her twin. The problem arises when she discovers that her twin will receive the home and money while she gets a key to a safe deposit box in Sienna, Italy.
As Juliet starts her journey back in time to discover the meanings of the clues she needs to solve the riddles that started in 1340 when her ancestor Giulietta Tolomei was smuggled into Sienna, Italy. In the course of tracing the clues, she is accosted and robbed as well as deceived by family members. The more she discovers the more she is confronted by superstitions and long held vendettas of people around her.
The story is fast paced and smoothly written including many interesting historical tidbits about the Tuscany region. The descriptive passages will give the readers an insight into the beautiful landscape and the wonders of the ancient buildings and how the have been preserved even today. Readers will also learn that memories sometimes last for centuries. Is it possible for Juliet to find her modern day Romeo to lift the curse laid down so many centuries ago?
The addition of the authors note at the end of the novel was a necessity for a historical novel. I would have liked to have a little more information included, perhaps a timeline.
Historical McNeil, Linda