Fair Rosaline set in Verona – Natasha Solomons

Submitted: 24th July 2023

Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet but what about Rosaline?

BookTrail Travel to Fair Rosaline

Boarding Pass Information: Verona

Author guide: Natasha Solomons

Genre: historical fiction

Food and drink to accompany: Italian!

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BookTrail Travel to Fair Rosaline

Was the greatest love story a lie? Was Romeo and Juliet never happen? This is EXACTLY the kind of novel that gets me interested from the off. A chance to travel to Verona and see a new side to a story of all time?

Rosaline is actually a charater in the most famous play on earth, but she is a minimal side character. To have her in this novel is a very clever idea as it spins what you always thought you knew right on its Shakespearian head.

Rosaline is around 15 and is going to be sent to the convent as was the norm for young girls at the time if their families decided that was to happen. She is given almost two weeks to have some freedom before she goes inside and uses this to sneek to the Montague family ball where she meets and falls in love with Romeo.

Recently bereaved 15 year old Rosaline, a Capulet but of the very lowest order, is destined to be sent to the convent. She, a mere girl has no say in the matter; as Masseto, her father, frequently reminds her, she is nothing but his property to do what he likes with. Will she still have to go to the nunnery or will Romeo offer her a new way in life?

You can imagine the tension that follows as the two have to keep their relationship secret. But then a woman by the name of Juliet turns up….

This is a very interesting interpretation and exploration of the story of Romeo, Juliet and Rosaline. I found it enthralling and very well written, pacy and immersive.

Rosaline, Rosalinen wherefor art thou Fair Rosaline? In a bookstore near you on August 3rd.