Letters to Juliet: Book Review

The minute after the movie, 'Letters to Juliet,' was over, I checked if there was a book. I wanted to find out the background of this amazing tale, and fortunately for me there was a book! I was lucky enough to get it for Christmas. Letters to Juliet by Lise Friedman & Ceil Friedman was incredible and took me on a journey that I least expected.

Synopsis according to Barnes & Noble:

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 missives talk of love, of course —love found and love lost, love sought and love remembered. And, amazingly, not one letter goes unanswered.

Letters to Juliet tells the story of these letters and the volunteers who have been writing responses for more than seven decades —volunteers who first acted privately, and who are now sanctioned by the city of Verona as part of the Juliet Club . Featuring more than seventy-five heartfelt letters, this poetic book retraces the history behind Shakespeare’s tale and tours the monuments that have fueled the world's enchantment with Juliet and her Romeo.

My Review:

It was truly inspiring to read about how many individuals tried to save the tomb of Juliet in Verona, Italy. Solimani, the custodian of the tomb and soon to be secretary of Juliet, began the letter writing, when he received letters to those who wrote to Juliet, in 1943. At the age of 67, he had to retire at the state mandated age. Beltramini was the next in line, in 1967, and accepted the role with the belief that the legend "opens the heart to hope." A short while later, in 1972, Guilo Tamassia gathered several friends and founded an informal club bearing Juliet's name. No women could be in attendance when they met every two weeks. During their meetings, the men would cook dinner and have lengthy debates and performances. They would write letters to the city officials expressing their opinions about problems. They were asked by the cultural commissioner, Alfredo Meocci to help with Juliet's letters. They received help from a Mexican student who was learning Italian and French, as well as others around the neighborhood. 

The best letter in 1993 received the Cara Guiletta prize, which at the time was an all inclusive weekend in Verona, Italy. The award ceremony was held on Valentine's Day at Juliet's house. 

When the city took the letters back into possession, they realized how difficult it had become to write back to every person; therefore, Tamassia was given back the letters. Now there are women secretaries answering the letters, which have been found to all have similar themes - unrequited love, falling for a person who is already married or otherwise involved, problems stemming from loneliness, and differences of religion and culture. 

I fell in love with the story behind the movie. This book was incredible because the authors not only included the history, but also the actual letters to Juliet, from all around the world! It was an extremely easy, but informative, read. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for more information about the movie, a history nerd, or anyone that likes a good love story - because isn't that what Romeo and Juliet is?!

"Most people who write to her are looking for a way to unburden themselves, to share their problems with someone who will listen, unconditionally, as if she were a friend or a confidante" (page 112).

My Rating: 5 Stars