Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub

Melinda Taub’s homage to Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, takes place in Verona after the events of the play. Romeo, Juliet, Paris, Tybalt, Mercutio and Lady Montague are all dead and Houses Montague and Capulet have pledged peace but in practice, peace proves elusive. Prince Escalus, desperate to protect his city, devises a new plan. Benvolio, nephew and heir of Lord Montague will wed Lady Rosaline, cousin of Juliet. Yet, they have no interest in each other and resolve to find a way to end the violence without marrying. But, an unseen force might have a different plan. Still Star-Crossed is a faithful tribute using the same language and tone of Shakespeare. The characters, though minor in the play, are fully fleshed and real. Melinda Taub’s Verona is mysterious and full of intrigue which makes for enthralling reading. Hopefully the coming television show keep the spirit of this lovely novel.