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Letters to Juliet: Celebrating Shakespeare's Greatest Heroine, the Magical City of Verona, and the Power of Love
by
Lise Friedman (Goodreads Author),
Ceil Friedman
The enduring legend of Shakespeare’s pair of star-crossed lovers draws millions of visitors to Verona, Italy, each year. But that is just part of the story. Every day, letters, frequently addressed simply, “Juliet, Verona,” arrive in the city. They come by the truckload, in almost every language imaginable, written by romantics seeking Juliet’s counsel. Most of the missive
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Paperback, 176 pages
Published
May 1st 2010
by Stewart, Tabori and Chang
(first published January 1st 2006)
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Community Reviews
(showing 1-30)
Letters to Juliet is my first read by Lise Friedman. I recently watched the movie and loved it. It's a breathtaking story for love and loss.
The movie has a different twist than the book. The book explores more of the world of Juilet's letters and how they came to be. The ladies of Verona have assumed the role of Secretaries of Juliet' for eight decades and has voluntarily answered each of these letters personally.
Letters To Juliet is a wonderful and imaginative take on Shakespeare's love story ...more
The movie has a different twist than the book. The book explores more of the world of Juilet's letters and how they came to be. The ladies of Verona have assumed the role of Secretaries of Juliet' for eight decades and has voluntarily answered each of these letters personally.
Letters To Juliet is a wonderful and imaginative take on Shakespeare's love story ...more
Nov 19, 2010
K.D. Absolutely
rated it
it was ok
Recommends it for:
Romeo and Juliet fans
Recommended to K.D. by:
No one
Shelves:
travel
Fine. I have to admit that the cover picture of Mama Mia's daughter, the beautiful Amanda Seyfried was the one who caught my eyes while walking around the bookstore. All my friends - girls, gays -and their men, who saw that ABBA movie liked Amanda especially in the opening wharf scene with her singing "I have a dream/a song to sing/to help me cope with anything" in dark starry night with moon and starlights reflecting and bouncing on the small waves.
Reading the blurb, saying that this book has s ...more
Reading the blurb, saying that this book has s ...more
First of all, this book is nothing like the movie.
I knew that going in but maybe a lot of people won't so I am trying to save many a soul from the disappointing experience I went through when I read Under the Tuscan Sun.
This book started out very promising. I was quickly enveloped in the brief explanation of how the Romeo & Juliet myth came to life. It was directly related to a class I was taking at the moment in Verona so I was doubly interested. However, from the middle to the end, it beca ...more
I knew that going in but maybe a lot of people won't so I am trying to save many a soul from the disappointing experience I went through when I read Under the Tuscan Sun.
This book started out very promising. I was quickly enveloped in the brief explanation of how the Romeo & Juliet myth came to life. It was directly related to a class I was taking at the moment in Verona so I was doubly interested. However, from the middle to the end, it beca ...more
I requested this book from the local library after seeing the movie "Letters to Juliet" with my mom, and was not disappointed. Rather than being a novel similar to the movie, this book is more about the history that we know of the "real" Juliet and Romeo, and the history of the character's relationships to the city of Verona. Included in that is the history of the Secretaries of Juliet, the Club of Juliet, and the phenomenon of letters written to Juliet. I enjoyed reading a sampling of actual le
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I was drawn to this book by the movie. This is nonfiction but I was looking for a novel. This was a brief history of the "origins" of Romeo and Juliet, mostly Juliet, and the myth and reality behind the story and the couple. It also reads like a travel guide for the city of Verona. I don't mean to be critical because it was interesting; I like history and I love the story of Romeo and Juliet. The illustrations and photos also added greatly to the experience.
"She is, after all, a universal symbo ...more
"She is, after all, a universal symbo ...more
I REALLY LOVED THE BOOK,AND NO QUESTION IMPRESSED BY THE MOVIE<<<
DEAR SOPHIE,DEAR CLAIRE,AND OF COURSE DEAR JULIET,I DON'T KNOW HOW TO THANK YOU...
AGAIN ANS AGAIN,I KEEP REPEATING"WHENEVER YOU FELT TRUE LOVE,IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET IT...
TILL WE MEET AGAIN<<<:)))
DEAR SOPHIE,DEAR CLAIRE,AND OF COURSE DEAR JULIET,I DON'T KNOW HOW TO THANK YOU...
AGAIN ANS AGAIN,I KEEP REPEATING"WHENEVER YOU FELT TRUE LOVE,IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET IT...
TILL WE MEET AGAIN<<<:)))
This was a cute book, mostly for the curiously true theme: People writing letters to Juliet of Romeo and and other people answering them! The book had to be stretched out to some boring and repetitive extents to make a book, but I liked learning about Verona and the literary history of the Romeo and Juliet story (of which I was embarrassingly ignorant). Most of all, it was intriguing to read the smattering of letters from all over the world from men, women, boys and girls praising or seeking adv
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My feelings towards the book Leters to Juliet were influenced by having the front cover picture of the actress and having recently seen the movie. So I started reading it thinking it would be a light, fast and probably commercial kind of 'story'.
From the first pages I have been dragged instead into the words. Trying not to become part of the words through my well-known feeling when reading something very well written about Italy, I tried to stay objective. But around page 34 I admited I was lost ...more
From the first pages I have been dragged instead into the words. Trying not to become part of the words through my well-known feeling when reading something very well written about Italy, I tried to stay objective. But around page 34 I admited I was lost ...more
This book is not what I thought it would be. I clearly did not read the description right. I was excited when I purchased this because I loved the movie so much. But, alas it is not a novel, like I thought it was. Just skimming through the letters. I can't get through the history part, too boring for me.
Towards the middle, and end, the book did get a little more interesting as the authors started to talk about the creation of the Club di Guieletta; as well as the history of such.
Reading the let ...more
Towards the middle, and end, the book did get a little more interesting as the authors started to talk about the creation of the Club di Guieletta; as well as the history of such.
Reading the let ...more
From the reviews I've read it seems most people think this book was an offshoot of the movie, and are disappointed that it doesn't have the movie's story. My understanding is that the idea for the movie came from reading this book. Either way, there's really no basis for comparison. The book attempts to piece together the story of the "real" Juliet and the city of Verona, and then tells of the phenomenon of the many thousands of letters written to the spirit of Shakespeare's Juliet asking for ro
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when i heard the movie was coming out the first thing i wanted to do was watch it, but the first thing i did was read this book. I really liked it to a point. Its about a girl that goes to verona with her fiance and while there finds a lost letter to juliet. she writes back to the women and helps her on her journey to find her romeo. but in the process she falls in love with her grandson. i liked this book because it says that it is never to late for love, that even in your oldest age love is st
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I am giving it 3 stars because it is a beautiful story of history and the dedication of those that want to preserve it. This book is not what I thought it would be (the movie in book form) and at times I felt like I was reading a text book.
Great Historical fact about the "Juliet " secretaries in Verona. This is very different from the movie so if you want something exactly based on the movie you won't like it.
If you are into history, and you loved the tale of Romeo and Juliet, I would recommend giving this book a read.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Amanda : "so you come to find your Lorenzo?"
Vanessa : "yes i think i know where he is"
Amanda : "where?"
Vanessa : "at a farm, near sienna"
...........
Amanda : "may i come with you to find Lorenzo?"
Charlie : "come with us? what about the fiance of yours? you are on the city of love and you want to come with us?"
.......
Charlie : "forgive me where's my manners?"
Amanda : "you know i've been wondering about that since the first time i met you"
Charlie : "yes politely, i don't know why, you seem to bring ...more
Vanessa : "yes i think i know where he is"
Amanda : "where?"
Vanessa : "at a farm, near sienna"
...........
Amanda : "may i come with you to find Lorenzo?"
Charlie : "come with us? what about the fiance of yours? you are on the city of love and you want to come with us?"
.......
Charlie : "forgive me where's my manners?"
Amanda : "you know i've been wondering about that since the first time i met you"
Charlie : "yes politely, i don't know why, you seem to bring ...more
Just finished this exquisite read.
I have been back in Verona retracing my steps via this book. I closed my eyes and had wonderful memories appearing before me.
I have always loved the story of Romeo and Juliet - a powerful love that cannot be forget.
The letters , the history , the hope that appear on the pages of the book were wonderful to read and surprisingly didn't feel intrusive.
I love that this inspired the film Letters to Juliet and I know I'll be watching it tonight .
I have been back in Verona retracing my steps via this book. I closed my eyes and had wonderful memories appearing before me.
I have always loved the story of Romeo and Juliet - a powerful love that cannot be forget.
The letters , the history , the hope that appear on the pages of the book were wonderful to read and surprisingly didn't feel intrusive.
I love that this inspired the film Letters to Juliet and I know I'll be watching it tonight .
Una lettura davvero bella! Ho scoperto l'esistenza di questo libro per caso, cercando il li libro di Pitch Perfect (altro libro del quale non sapevo l'esistenza); Letters to Juliet è un film che mi piace molto (non è perfetto ma è bello) e questo libro ti spiega davvero tutto sulla "leggenda" di Romeo e Giulietta e del loro legame con Verona, l'origine del Club di Giulietta e di tutti i monumenti che attirano i turisti. È molto interessate e vorrei davvero poter andare a Verona e seguire i consi
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My freshman year of high school I read Romeo and Juliet for my English class. I don't remember much of it except that the pictures in the book were gorgeous, Juliet was young and beautiful, and the way Shakespeare spoke about love was enthralling.
After reading "Letters to Juliet" I am amazed that Shakespeare's play continues to be a timeless touchstone for all things regarding love. While I think it is a little strange that people young and old, male and female, around the globe, would write le ...more
After reading "Letters to Juliet" I am amazed that Shakespeare's play continues to be a timeless touchstone for all things regarding love. While I think it is a little strange that people young and old, male and female, around the globe, would write le ...more
Letters to Juliet is a beautifuly packaged book. You want to read it; it looks great; it sounds romantic. It is also non-fiction. In truth, it is a fascinating book.
The book begins with a literary journey through history. Even before Shakespeare's famous star-crossed lovers, there is much evidence of several versions and variations of this universal story. It is possible to speculate (with a certain degree of certainty) from which works Shakespeare may have borrowed. As a student of literature, ...more
The book begins with a literary journey through history. Even before Shakespeare's famous star-crossed lovers, there is much evidence of several versions and variations of this universal story. It is possible to speculate (with a certain degree of certainty) from which works Shakespeare may have borrowed. As a student of literature, ...more
Out this month is Letters to Juliet starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave. The movie itself is charming in a sweet-romantic way, but did you know it was based off of a book? And though the story itself isn't taken from any actual account, the theme is very much true...
In Verona, Italy there is a monument dedicated to Juliet Capulet, its most famous resident, where thousands have flocked for over a century to pray to, talk to, touch the gravestone of, and leave letters for the iconic lady ...more
In Verona, Italy there is a monument dedicated to Juliet Capulet, its most famous resident, where thousands have flocked for over a century to pray to, talk to, touch the gravestone of, and leave letters for the iconic lady ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I found the accounting's of the letter writers, the secretaries to Juliet, and the history of Verona fascinating. Verona has such a rich history through the eyes of so many writers. A history that has been revitalized and kept alive by the proud locals. I would like to see the city, visit the sites associated with the star crossed lovers and feel what has inspired so many to immortalize this place. The levels of love that Juliet receives in the letters from all over the world is also amazing. In
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If you're thinking about reading this book only because you liked the film version then I'm gonna stop you right there; YOU WILL NEVER SEE THE (film version's) STORY IN THE BOOK.
Think of it as the Queen Bees and Wannabes is to Mean Girls. If you liked that book and thought that it gave the film a different meaning, then you're definitely going to love this book, especially if you're a sucker for (tragic) love stories.
Personally, I liked the book. At first, I find it kinda boring, but things get ...more
Think of it as the Queen Bees and Wannabes is to Mean Girls. If you liked that book and thought that it gave the film a different meaning, then you're definitely going to love this book, especially if you're a sucker for (tragic) love stories.
Personally, I liked the book. At first, I find it kinda boring, but things get ...more
This book was an interesting and quick read, but not really what I thought or wanted it to be. It focused a great deal on the architecture of Juliet's "home" and chronicled the history of the cite through the years in Verona very well, but the letters often seemed like afterthoughts to the chapters. I would have liked to have a great discussion about why the people involved began writing the letters as Juliet, what they love about the job, and why they continue. I would have also loved to have a
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Letter's to Juliet is unlike the movie, and mostly revolves around the history of Juliet (or Giulietta, as she originated in Verona, Italy), of Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare was not the sole creator of Romeo and Juliet the story, as their origination goes back almost 3 hundred years before him. In Verona, outside of Juliet's home, tourists would visit her home and even her tomb, and leave her letters. The book also goes on detailing her "secretaries" whom took it personally to respond to many of
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The story of the letter-writing phenomenon that inspired the idea behind the motion picture "Letters to Juliet."
The enduring legend of Shakespeare's pair of star-crossed lovers draws millions of visitors to Verona, Italy each year. But that is just part of the story. Everyday, letters, frequently addressed simply, "Juliet, Verona," arrive in the city. They come by the truckload, in almost every language imaginable, written by romantics seeking Juliet's counsel. And, amazingly, not one goes unans ...more
The enduring legend of Shakespeare's pair of star-crossed lovers draws millions of visitors to Verona, Italy each year. But that is just part of the story. Everyday, letters, frequently addressed simply, "Juliet, Verona," arrive in the city. They come by the truckload, in almost every language imaginable, written by romantics seeking Juliet's counsel. And, amazingly, not one goes unans ...more
This is a non-fiction book about people who write letters to Juliet, from the Romeo and Juliet story. Legend has it that Shakespeare based this on a true story,and that Romeo and Juliet really lived. There are pictures of their homes and where they courted, etc, and the names that are similar to names Shakespeare used. The story takes place in Verona, Italy, and there is a tomb that is purported to be Juliet's. People began leaving letters written to her, asking her advice on their love lives. O
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The premise of this book is perfect for an interesting article. I thought the author was at least one of the women writing back to people asking Juliet of Verona for love advice. She is not. At first it was men writing back, and now its a collective of women volunteers that answers the same questions from around the world. You have to fill out the book somehow, so the author put in a history of the story of R+J, a really really cliffnotes type history. It talks alot of the tourism trade in Veron
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I really enjoyed this book, learning about the history of the legend of Romeo and Juliet. I was surprised that so many from all over the world write to Juliet for advice. That these letters are all answered by Juliet's secretaries by hand and for more than 70 years. The book includes photos and letter samples to help show the depth of love people have for this story.
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“Claire: Dear Claire, "What" and "If" are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: What if? What if? What if? I don't know how your story ended but if what you felt then was true love, then it's never too late. If it was true then, why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to follow your heart. I don't know what a love like Juliet's feels like - love to leave loved ones for, love to cross oceans for but I'd like to believe if I ever were to feel it, that I will have the courage to seize it. And, Claire, if you didn't, I hope one day that you will. All my love, Juliet”
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“Life is the messy bits.”
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