"Romeo and Juliet" by Richard Appignanesi, Illustrated by Sonia Leong

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Bibliographic Citation

Title: Romeo and Juliet

Author: Richard Appignanesi

Illustrator: Sonia Leong

Year of Publication: 2007

Publisher City: New York

Publisher: Amulet Books

ISBN: 9780810993259

Author Website: No Author Website

Illustrator Website: http://www.fyredrake.net/

Media Used for Artwork: Ink

Manga

"The Classics Revisited" Group Project-  Please visit our presentation here to learn more about how this graphic novel and others can be used in a high school curriculum.

Awards

·         Young Adult Library Services Association’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2008

·         Young Adult Library Services Association’s Best Books for Young Adults 2008

Annotation

In Tokyo, Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight.  The problem is their families are enemies, their love is forbidden.  The star crossed lovers attempt to find happiness despite their rival Yakuza families but all ends in tragedy.

Personal Reaction

                “Romeo and Juliet” is a classic story that everyone has been introduced to in one way or another, be it as required school reading of watching a movie adaptation.  This manga version is a wonderful introduction to a play well known throughout the world.  Readers can relate to the star crossed lovers in this modern interpretation. 

Modernizing Shakespeare’s works is a very popular trend.  Take for example the 1996 movie adaption of “Romeo + Juliet” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.  Instead of swords gun were carried.  In the manga version, the setting is modern day Tokyo with the families being part of the Yakuza.  Romeo is a rock idol, letters are sent through email and text, and Juliet rides a motorcycle.  Adding these exciting elements can keep readers interest who may be intimidated by the fact that the original text is used.

By making the adaption a manga the illustrations used set the characters in Japanese culture quite well.  The original story blends effortlessly with the Japanese culture.  The social dynamics of the women and men are quite apparent.  In addition the stylization helps to show the mood in different scenes.  For example, in humorous moments the characters become chibis and when Romeo and Juliet fall in love with each other they are sparkly and surrounded by bubbles and diamonds.

School Curriculum: Grade 9 English- This manga version of “Romeo and Juliet” is a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare’s works.  Many students find it difficult to read just the text, especially with the complicated language.  The illustrations help so an understanding of the plot and what is being said occurs.  Reading this manga in addition to the play will show students the timelessness of Shakespeare and his work.