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Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite
Many know of Benvolio from Shakespeare's most famous play, Romeo and Juliet. However, while he is known as a peacemaker in the story, no one truly knows of how his actions left their mark on the tragic tale of the star-crossed lovers...until now. Emily Whitaker explores one of the lesser known characters of the tragedy.
One of the best things about Benvolio is its readability. While many a high school student knows the terror of reading Shakespeare, Emily has chosen a more palatable tone and voice, one that allows you to get a feel for these characters and not get lost in the muddle of old English words. I liked Benvolio and Romeo's friendship. You really get the familial bond there, and it's extremely heartrending when Ben realizes that he may have been the cause of his cousin's pain and suffering.
I think that it took a lot of skill on Emily Whitaker's part to get the right blend of contemporary speech with age-old notes of the actual Shakespearean play. This book hits levels that Shakespeare missed while also emphasizing some of the themes of the original work. One thing is for sure, you really don't know Romeo and Juliet until you get multiple perspectives. After all...Romeo thinks he is joining Juliet as he takes the poison. Benvolio gives us another layer, another dimension to the tale. I believe this story is one that both classicists and modern-retellers can get behind as it is both entertaining and resonant.
