A Universal Tale with Universal Appeal

Letters to Juliet by Lise Friedman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book of the 2011 Book Challenge.  As you have probably already ascertained, I rarely read non-fiction, but I loved the movie and my father-in-law lent me the book.  I HAD to know the story behind the story!

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, I found this section quite interesting.  The story of the star-crossed lovers explores a universal theme that has moved and touched readers throughout the generations.

Even more enthralling, though, is the story behind the legend that has grown up around the various "historical" sites in Verona. Juliet's tomb, her house and Romeo's house are all signposted. People flock to the Juliet sites, leaving notes and letters. One of the first modern caretakers of Juliet's tomb, Ettore Solimani, created a "ritial of love". This ritual gave couples an opportunity to make a wish at the crypt. Soon, the letters began to arrive. Solimani, acting as "the Secretary of Juliet" responded to each letter. Over the years, thousands of letters have arrived for Juliet from all across the globe. Each one has been answered by one of the many secretaries of Juliet.

The book, itself, is peppered with reprints of a sampling of the letters. In the late 1940s, pastry chef Enzo Perlini created the Baci di Giulietta (Juliet's kisses), followed later by the Cuori di Giulietta e Romeo (the hearts of Juliet and Romeo) and the Sorrisi di Romeo (Romeo's smiles). Verona now celebrates Juliet's birthday with a festival and there is an award, the Cara Giulietta prize, for the best letter.

Oh, the power of a good story!

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