What do readers think of Juliet's Nurse by Lois Leveen? Write your own review.

I think it is a risk to tackle a book about characters so well known and loved as Romeo and Juliet. That said, the author does manage to successfully evoke the atmosphere and has created a thoughtful and provocative look at the story from Juliet's nurse's point of view. While I did not necessarily like her portrayal of all of the characters, I found myself praying that the story wouldn't end the way I knew it had to, just as I always do when I read Shakespeare's play.

This is a well-written and well-researched book. The main characters are familiar to anyone that has read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and the author does not change the ending to that tale. However, she takes a look at the birth and life of Juliet as told through her nurse's eyes. We also get to read of the nurse's life which shows what 14th century Verona was like. All in all an interesting read that held my attention throughout.

The author stated she wanted to give voice to the person who had the most dialogue in Shakespeare's original version of Romeo & Juliet, outside of the two main characters, Juliet's wet nurse. Seen though her eyes we learn about Juliet's infancy and early years, as well as the author's poetic-licensed interpretation of Juliet's birth. The depictions of 14th century urban Italian life are vivid, including the devastation of the plague. While a work of fiction with more than a few liberties taken, the author's attempt at bringing the reader a new vantage point into the best known play in English literature is compelling and satisfying.

Juliet's Nurse is a good commentary on life in Verona during trying times and the development of Angelica, Juliet's wet nurse. The book is well researched and historically accurate. I found myself revisiting the story of Romeo and Juliet to refresh my mind about the details of the lovers' lives. The development of Angelica and Juliet's relationship is believable and more compelling because we know what happens to her beloved Juliet. There could have been a few less bawdy details of her relationship with her husband and at times I got bogged down in her soliloquies about her feelings and thoughts but over all it was a good read. It inspired me to next read Lois Leveen's previous book The Secrets of Mary Bowser.

There seems to be a growing trend in novels to base a story on a minor character from a classic work. In Leveen's work Juliet's nurse becomes the narrator in what is essentially a prequel to Romeo and Juliet. This concept works well here, providing an interesting twist on a well known tale. My one criticism is the voice of the nurse. She seems often detached and unemotional about her own story. Her story feels remote and flat. She talks of her love/obsession with Juliet but for this reader her involvement in her own story didn't jump off the page. This made for a good story which could have been told in a more exciting, immediate voice.

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, or think we do. Juliet's Nurse tells the story of Juliet from the moment of her birth till her death based on the activities of her wet nurse, Angelica. Mid way through chapter one, you will be captivated by the nurse and enter into the story as though you were right by her side. Italian history seeps through the pages and you won;t be able to read fast enough as it wants to take every moment from you. From time to time, the story gets a little bawdy which only adds to the interest of the continuing story.What parents will and won't do for their spouses, children, the poor and relatives. Trying to impress others with wealth is a theme throughout the book. You know how it ends, but getting there is worth sleepless nights reading Lois Leveen's story. Several twists will keep you "bee"holding to the book1

An intriguing idea for a book. We all know Shakespeare' s "Romeo and Juliet"; now we know a bit more of the backstory.
Although what I enjoyed most about the book was the peek into the life of everyday Veronans. And how the plague significantly changed their lives and the view of life going forward. To loose all your children after you worked to hard to keep them safe!
I have to say, Pietro was my favorite character. What a great spirit. The focus on bees was also interesting; especially given our current crisis with our pollinators.
Loved the sprinklings of humor. But felt it got bogged down in trying to be too authentic to the times in language.

I was initially intrigued with the first person narrative as Angelica tells the story of nursing/raising Juliet. I also loved the way the story intertwined with bees and beekeeping. However, while Angelica and Tybalt were well-developed characters, I thought the others less so. By the second half of the book, I was no longer captivated and found it difficult to finish although I loved the last chapter. Historical fiction readers and Shakespeare lovers will probably enjoy this book more then I did.