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    Romeo and Juliet
    Romeo and Juliet
    Romeo and Juliet
    Audiobook15 minutes

    Romeo and Juliet

    Written by William Shakespeare and Edith Nesbit

    Narrated by Josh Verbae

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. The play is about two young lovers who come from rival families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The couple's love is forbidden by their parents and so they must keep their relationship a secret. However, their love is eventually discovered and leads to a tragic series of events. Romeo and Juliet is a classic story of young love that ends in tragedy. This recording features Edit Nesbit's adaptation of the Shakespeare's drama. Read in English, unabridged.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherInteractive Media
    Release dateFeb 14, 2018
    ISBN9781787244184
    Author

    William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright the world has seen. He produced an astonishing amount of work; 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 5 poems. He died on 23rd April 1616, aged 52, and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.

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    Reviews for Romeo and Juliet

    4/5

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    • 4/5
      Romeo and Juliet- Manga Classics – by William Shakespeare, by Stacy King, Crystal S. Chan (Adaptation), Julien Choy (Art), Akanovas (Lettering), Jeannie Lee (Lettering)There is no need to go into the synopsis or plot of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays. We all know the basics of this story by now. Many have read the play in school or have seen a stage or movie adaptation at one point. So, I think it is safe to skip the analysis. For me, Manga is something I flat out ignored for years because I presumed without ever giving it a fair chance that it would not be something I’d enjoy. Then I discovered it was often geared towards teens or young adults, which was yet another strike against it. But, by sheer accident, I discovered Manga covered a lot of areas, and was much more complex than I’d given it credit for. Having gotten to an age where I’ve dipped my toes in many different genres, and sub-genres, I find that the ‘I’ve outgrown this’ or ‘aged out of’ attitude closes off many unexplored avenues and because I like to think I’m open minded, I’ve begun to reconsider areas I’ve previously closed off. As a result, I’m having a lot of fun learning about Manga, Graphic Novels, and Comics. Much to my surprise, I’ve found a nice selection of classic stories, in Manga/Graphic Novel format. After recently reading a memoir by Olivia Hussey, the actress who portrayed Juliet in the famous Zeffirelli 1968 film, this play was on my mind quite a lot. So, when I noticed this Manga version on Netgalley, it grabbed my attention immediately. For anyone who may be thinking the dialogue is 'updated' with more modern dialect, you’d be wrong. This is the same script you’d find in the original play- except there are no stage directions. Instead, those are replaced by images, which works out much better than I’d have imagined. The artwork is spectacular, as is the adaptation. Obviously, a great deal of thought went into how to present this classic in Manga form, and I’d say it came off beautifully. Granted, I’m still a novice at this, but I was pleased with the presentation. I did have a few technical issues, since this one is not in Kindle/ MOBI format. I had to use Adobe Edition, which is a pain, and the scrolling was terrible, especially since, of course it’s back to front. Several times my screen jumped to the end of the book and caused a great deal of frustration.Shakespeare is still difficult to read and adjusting to this format made it an even bigger challenge. It took me a good long while to get through it. (If anyone has a suggestion on how to make this less daunting- please feel free to offer me some suggestions.) However, despite the heaviness of the drama, and the extra effort it required to read the book, I was impressed, and enjoyed reading this classic with the well-drawn illustrations and art work which certainly enriched and enhanced my experience.Despite the disdain of melodrama- I liked all the angst between Romeo and Juliet- but not that sad ending! It still makes a great cautionary tale- even after all these years. 4 stars
    • 4/5
      Note: this is only four stars compared to other Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet is not the best play he ever wrote, but it is far and away better than almost anything else in the English language.
    • 5/5
      I guess my love for this play was cemented back in the day before I could grow old enough to balk at the love in it based on nothing but physical appearance, when I was Juliet's age actually. I just listened to the dramatized audiobook tonight, and it still pulls at my heartstrings. One thing hasn't changed; I still love tragedy and the over-dramatic. No surprise that I went on to become a doom metal lover. This is the kind of stuff that musical genre is made out of...well it's actually a wide genre, so it's at least true of a lot of the bands I listen to, like My Dying Bride :) Actually, listening to the song, "For My Fallen Angel" (lyrics below) while reading the last part of this play would be awesome. I need to pair up music and reading more often.

      As I draw up my breath,
      And silver fills my eyes.
      I kiss her still,
      For she will never rise.

      On my weak body,
      Lays her dying hand.
      Through those meadows of Heaven,
      Where we ran.

      Like a thief in the night,
      The wind blows so light.
      It wars with my tears,
      That won't dry for many years.

      "Loves golden arrow
      At her should have fled,
      And not Death's ebon dart
      To strike her dead."
    • 5/5
      The definitive edition of this play for 21st century academics. Weis is an intelligent editor who shows an objective viewpoint when looking at textual cruxes, and really provides a decent overview of the scholarship on the text. Perhaps the introduction doesn't cover the text in a literary analysis sense, but I suppose there are more highschool-oriented texts out there for that. Very good, and - while not perhaps in my Top 5 of the current Arden series - an example of what the Arden editions aspire to be.
    • 4/5
      4.25 StarsA fanciful retelling of Romeo and Juliet in Manga format. Emotive artwork and much of the dialogue is in true Shakespeare form. A nice addition to the Manga Classics series. Keep up the good work! For classics and adaptation fans.Net Galley Feedback
    • 3/5
      Publiekslieveling, maar ik vond het niet altijd overtuigend, soms zelfs stroef. Bevat uiteraard weergaloze passages. Vertaling van Komrij.1595, bekend verhaal, midden XV?, maar wel afstand van moralistische behandeling,exuberante po?zie, evolutie van romantische komedie naar tragedie, maar heel vlot alsof het door Shakespeare zelf niet serieus werd bevonden. Twee stijlen: hoogdraven-mani?ristisch en rijper en sober. Thema is de roekeloze hartstocht; daarom een noodlottragedie: ondergang buiten hun wil om (bij de andere tragedies komt de ondergang door een tekort aan krachten of een gebrek).Huis van Montague tegen het huis van Capulet in Verona. Julia is 14 jaar.Boodschap van de prins tegen geweld I,1 (?Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace?, p 1012); omschrijving liefde I,1 (?Love is a smoke rais?d with the fume of sighs:/Beining purg?d, a fire sparkling in lovers? eyes;/Being vex?d, a sea nourish?d with lovers? tears:/What is it else? A madness most discreet,/A choking gall and a preserving sweet.?, 1013)Hoogtepunt: de dialoog Romeo-Julia II,2 en III,5Vlottere taal dan de vorige, maar toch ook stroeve delen; opvallend korte, komische entractes.
    • 3/5
      There's only so much you can take reading old English before your mind starts to wander.
    • 5/5
      The First Folio edition has it all! It is so interesting to see what has been cut through the years. Still my favorite Shakespeare!
    • 3/5
      A classic book that has been rehashed and regurgitated ad nauseum for almost 500 years, it's little surprise why screenwriters and book authors keep on basing stories from this tragic love story of two innocents from warring families that outright detest each other.

      Now, I know, every high school in English majority nations have plastered this author's books as the best pieces of literature of all time. For better or worse, I was not raised in a country where English is the official language and never really grew up with his work. When I finally did get a chance to read this story (translated to Spanish), maybe it was the translation that lost some of the poetic lyricism, but I found the book very hard to follow.

      I probably also felt disconnected with it because the book was written such a long time ago that the phrases used seem out of style or hard to understand. It really bogged the immersion and fun factor and made it a bit of a chore to read.

      Still, the plot is great, but I would have probably enjoyed it more if there was a more modernized and less poetic version of the prose to aid in my commoner ears.
    • 5/5
      This is a fine edition of _Romeo and Juliet_ that includes the Folger's notes on the left page and an insightful essay by Gail Kern Paster. There is a lot of subtext to this play involving the distinction between Petrarchan romantic individuality and the tribal law of the feud. It's easy to criticize Romeo for being controlled by his emotions - Shakespeare portrays him as being fickle and effeminate, but the "boys in the street" are seen as prone to arbitrary violence. Juliet and Friar Laurence are the only two purely sympathetic characters, as they are motivated by love and compassion. Ultimately, both the individual lovers and the feud are brought to an end, suggesting that Shakespeare agreed with Friar Laurence's philosophy of moderation.

      Finally, it's interesting to note how differently boys and girls were treated by society - Romeo is allowed to wander around Verona to his heart's content, not speaking to his parents, getting in fights and crashing parties. Juliet, on the other hand, is trapped in her bedroom, only allowed to leave to (a) be "shown" to Paris at the ball and (b) go to confession (which she lies about). Her father gets extremely P.O.ed when she has the nerve to refuse his order to marry Paris. Poor girl.
    • 3/5
      An accessible version of Romeo and Juliet with gorgeous artwork by Jane Ray. This version includes lines of the play, definitions of various words and explanatory intros for each scene. A good supplementary version to introduce the play or to add to your understanding of the original.
    • 5/5
      Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s memorable plays has been translated in many languages, re-enacted in movies, revised for present day. The themes of the story continue to transcend the passing of time and place. It is usually summarized as a story about unrequited love but that really just touches the surface of this dramatic tragedy.

      I am re-reading decades after my first encounter and must admit that I felt the impact of the story more than in my youth. Unlike Romeo and Juliet, I had time to grow and mature to appreciate the complexities of life and love. The plays addresses the many themes regarding relationships between family and society, friends and foes, and life and death. The play portrays the passionate and unpredictable nature of young love with careless disregard to family and society ultimately leading to a dramatic conclusion.

      What truly makes this a classic work of literature is Shakespeare's use of language and use of literary devices. The play delivers the story with thoughtful use of metaphors, allusions, foreshadowing and comic relief. Soliloquys and asides are used to reveal insights to the reader about the individual characters thoughts and feelings.

      “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.” (Act 2, Scene 2)

      Romeo professes his love for Juliet during the balcony scene where he hopes Juliet will hear his lofty praise and come speak to him. He compares her beauty to the sun who shines bright and makes the moon jealous.

      The sonnet in the prologue which opens Act 2, it serves to build suspense by explaining the problem interfering with Romeo and Juliet being together and alludes to their determination to overcome all obstacles.

      "And she as much in love, her means much less
      To meet her new beloved anywhere.
      But passion lends them power, time means, to meet,
      Tempering extremities with extreme sweet."

      The love between Romeo and Juliet will ignore the animosity between their families which prevent them from being together. However, the prospect of their love gives both of them the strength and determination to resolve the obstacles put in their way.

      “Now old desire doth in his death-bed lie, And young affection gapes to be his heir; That fair for which love groan’d for and would die, With tender Juliet match’d, is now not fair.”

      The characters of Mercutio and Nurse often interject some needed comic relief amidst the gravity of the Romeo and Juliet. In Act 2, Scene 5, Nurse returns to the Capulet mansion where Juliet is desperate for information regarding Romeo. Instead of obliging Juliet, Nurse complains about her health ignoring Juliet for her own pleasure to delay relaying the message regarding instructions for their secret marriage.

      “I am aweary, give me leave awhile;-- Fie, how my bones ache! what a jaunt have I had!”

      This literary masterpiece was definitely worth a second read with an advanced understanding of language and literature.
    • 1/5
      The only shallow, boring, and vacuous work of Shakespeare I’ve ever read. Frankly it sends a bad message that heartbreak is the end of the world. Unlikeable, boring, self-absorbed characters.
    • 4/5
      “These violent delights have violent endsAnd in their triump die, like fire and powderWhich, as they kiss, consume”This is probably Shakespeare's best-known plays but like probably the majority I hadn't previously read it. I actually find this a hard book to review simply because I knew what was going to happen beforehand so there were no real surprises.For that reason alone, maybe I'm being a bit harsh with my rating. But I have to say that it failed to really grab me. You simply have to stand back and admire the writing, many of the quotes are familiar to us and have passed the test of time but having now read this, I personally feel that 'King Lear' is still Shakespeare's greatest tragedy.“Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow,That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”
    • 2/5
      My least favorite so far by Shakespeare, only one worse is a Mid Summer-night's Dream, ugh. I like the concept of this story, but can't understand why she didn't just run away when he was exiled? I mean it's not like that was too far of a stretch? She had given/done everything else in her power for him.
    • 1/5
      Romeo and Juliet are quite possibly my least favorite romantic couple of all time. I can appreciate this as a classic, but cannot quite summon any genuine affection for it. I occupied my time reading this book by attempting to ship Juliet and Friar Laurence, although there is very limited textual support.
    • 3/5
      It's all been said.
    • 4/5
      I think this play is still quite relevant today. Very satirical. Romeo and Juliet obviously didn't have an absolute comprehension of love, which turns modern audiences away.
    • 5/5
      I think this play is strongly moving and powerfully evocative.Shakespeare's trademark lyrical prose and impressive poetry are bedewed throughout the piece.This play needs to be updated from 1611 English to 1982 English.
    • 5/5
      An English classic masterpiece still being studied in high school and university the world over to this day. This play showcases Shakespeare's amazing wordplay and use of the English language (Elizabethan English!) as well as exploring themes of familial duty, virtue, fate, violence, love, and societal expectation. This is a tragedy though many consider it one of the greatest love stories of all time.

      Traditionally, R&J is taught as is, read out loud act by act in class by students [or acted out depending on your teacher] who're embarrassed, can't understand it, find it cringy, and ask the age-old question of "why do we have to learn this?" How boring!

      Listen up, I'm about to learn you a thing or two about R&J and why even though it's old as shit, it's still really good shit. Buckle in, this is going to be a long one.

      First of all, it's a three-day rampage through a city by two powerful MAFIA families. The Montagues and the Capulets are in an age-old feud that neither family can remember the significant reason for. Throughout the play, the soldatos (soldiers) of each family go back and forth in the city of Verona, tearing shit up. There's a lot of Elizabethan comedy throughout the play - it's hella dirty and if you know, you know. Shakespeare would use double entendre, puns, homonyms, and sexually explicit phrases throughout to show rebellion and demonstrate how language is the great equalizer amongst people.

      Second, the Capulets are trying to secure territory, clout, and other concessions by parading their 13-year old daughter Juliet in front of a noble Count [Paris] during their annual masquerade ball. The ball is infiltrated by 19-year old Romeo, son of the capo di capi of the Montague family along with his cousin Benvolio and their smart-ass friend Mercutio who also happens to be related to Prince Escalus who administers the city. In other plays, Shakespeare has explored how children are bound to honor their parents but in this play, he turns the tables and through characters like Lady Capulet, shows how parents also need to respect, be open, and kind to their children.

      Third, when Tybalt - the Capulet capo bostone or second in command - sees the Montagues infiltrate, he sees red but the capo di capi of the Capulets urges him not to spill blood in front of Paris and other important guests. This is where shit hits the fan because the Montagues are there to have a good time, thinking no one will know it's them and Romeo is hoping to see this chick he's been talking to. Instead, he sees Juliet and that's it for him. Shakespeare shows that even though no one remembers why the families are fighting, they're all more than willing to shed blood in the name of duty and honor.

      Fourth, the insta-love trope. Both Romeo and Juliet fall for each other instantly. [insert eye roll] Shakespeare uses this to show off how love is both chaotic and peaceful. He constantly reminds the audience that love and violence are connected through characters' words and actions. There is also the theme of fate and in this play, all the characters widely accept that their lives have some sort of predestined path. Romeo and Juliet know their love is doomed from the start but they hope against hope that they can beat fate.

      Fifth, no good deed goes unpunished. A good friar tries to slow things down but realizes he has the chance of a lifetime here and urges caution but agrees to Romeo and Juliets hair-brained plan to marry thinking it will bring peace to Verona. We all know the steps: make the plan, follow the plan, watch it go off the rails, burn the plan. This play couldn't have this concept more if it tried! Every possible thing happens! Fate again!

      Sixth, death dying suicide pain pain pain. Everyone loses someone and in the end, the capos realize they fucked up and call off their feud and dedicate statues to their children to remind them of all they lost. Themes of love, duty, and fate. Shakespeare shows that the most vulnerable in society (children & teens) are often ignored and dismissed by the older generations for their folly or childish thinking.

      Doesn't that sound more exciting? You're welcome.

      I've taught R&J for years like this and I even show the Baz Lurhman version before to help get my students thinking in more unconventional terms. It makes the story so much better especially for those students who think it's just a stupid love story. While the Bartkowiak movie 'Romeo Must Die' starring the late & great Aalyiah and Jet Li bears the name, it is only very loosely based on the play and obviously can't be shown in a school setting.

      **All thoughts and opinions are my own. This hot take on how to teach Romeo and Juliet may not be 100% original to me but I have yet to find any curriculum similar to it.**
    • 5/5
      Worth reading for the balcony scene alone.
    • 2/5
      I always want to smack everyone for being so stupid.
    • 4/5
      Having to do an essay about it made me appreciate it more. It’s a very humorous tragedy.
    • 4/5
      Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare. Folger Shakespeare Library. 1992. As I said above, this was a book club selection. Cannot remember when I last read this play, but I loved reading it this time. How can I forget how much I love Shakespeare?!! After I read the play, I found a BBC Radio production with Kenneth Branagh playing Romeo and Judie Dench playing Nurse! I really enjoyed reading along as I listened and got more out of the play the second reading. I sort of wanted to listen to it again, but instead decided to watch Zeffierlli’s movie and am so glad I did. A great way to enjoy Shakespeare!
    • 5/5
      O teach me how I should forget to think

      I was prepared to be underwhelmed by a jaded near fifty return to this plethora of love-anchored verse. It was quite the opposite, as I found myself steeled with philosophy "adversity's sweet milk" and my appreciation proved ever enhanced by the Bard's appraisal of the human condition. How adroit to have situated such between two warring tribes, under a merciful deity, an all-too-human church and the wayward agency of hormonal teens. Many complain of this being a classic Greek drama adapted to a contemporary milieu. There is also a disproportionate focus on the frantic pacing in the five acts. I can appreciate both concerns but I think such is beyond the point. The chorus frames matters in terms of destiny, a rumination on Aristotelian tragedy yet the drama unfolds with caprice being the coin of the realm. Well, as much agency as smitten couples can manage. Pacing is a recent phenomenon, 50 episodes for McNulty to walk away from the force, a few less for Little Nell to die.

      Shakespeare offers insights on loyalty and human frailty as well as the Edenic cursing of naming in some relative ontology. Would Heidegger smell as sweet? My mind's eye blurs the poise of Juliet with that of Ophelia; though no misdeeds await the Capulet, unless being disinherited by Plath's Daddy is the road's toll to a watery sleep. The black shoe and the attendant violent delights.
    • 5/5
      This play is censored in the US by ignorance; we’re it not, it would not be taught, since I.i. refers to erection, the Elizabethan word, “stand,” here pinned upon. Complete review to follow: only this note on the BEN Italian prose edition. The pun on “stand” is not rendered.
    • 3/5
      Like most, I imagine, I was forced to read this in high school (freshman year, specifically). I was no fan of Shakespeare at the time, though I've since come around somewhat. While I've not read it since, I've no real desire to. They're just a couple of horny teenagers thinking they're experiencing true love and all that. For that reason, this work does not entertain me as one might want. However, I do appreciate what it's lent to our culture, and specifically to derivative works. Without this book, we would not have West Side Story, which I do happen to be fond of.
    • 3/5
      I would've given a star for the crazy plot. But then again, that's what makes this unforgettable. The story's crazy. Also, Shakespeare's as smooth as usual, especially in the language of love. I can see why this has become a classic.
    • 4/5
      It was pretty good but some parts were confusing.
    • 5/5
      "Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things.Some shall be pardoned, and some punishèd.For never was a story of more woeThan this of Juliet and her Romeo."So ends the play Romeo and Juliet which is probably the most popular play by William Shakespeare. You will have a hard time finding someone who has never heard of its plot. It is a timeless tragedy of two star-crossed lovers finding eternal love in death. While it is one thing to read the script on paper, it is a truly amazing experience to see it performed on stage. The play explores themes that will never be out of date: friendship, love, family rivalry, desperation, and mourning, to name but a few. It is well worth having a closer look at Romeo's relation to love and whether he is really in love with Rosaline or Juliet or just in love with the feeling of being in love. Then there is Romeo's unlikely friendship to Mercutio, two very different characters. Generally, there are many aspects to explore and with every new reading I discover yet another one. You might want to watch the 2014 Broadway performance with Orlando Bloom as Romeo. At least I enjoyed it very much. 5 stars. A true masterpiece.