Prince of shadows by Rachel Caine
Michael Joseph, 2014. ISBN: 9781921901881.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Such is the skill of Rachel Caine in
recreating the life and times of Verona that the reader can't help
but believe this is a true account of the back-story to Romeo
and Juliet.
In this adventure, the hero is Benvolio, the Prince of Shadows (the
greatest thief in Verona) who gives his own account of the events
that surround the well-loved Shakespearean Tragedy. Caine stays true
to the details of the play but cleverly interweaves other stories
and introduces other characters while also providing insights into
minds and hearts of the ones we know so well.
Women, in this novel, show spirit, power and intelligence, as
Benvolio states, 'In their own way the girls of noble families were
soldiers - merely armed with different weapons'. p95. Benvolio's
grandmother rules her household with an iron fist, in fact she is
referred to as 'the iron lady'. Veronica, his sister, is definitely
no blushing damsel, and is not afraid to wield her power, though not
always for good. But it is Rosaline, with her calm and sensible
approach, who gains the respect of the reader and as it transpires
that of Benvolio also.
As in the play, violence abounds in this story as the Capulets and
Montagues continue to battle out their feud on the streets of
Verona. Tybalt is still a violent and dislikeable character who even
takes out his temper on his sister, Rosaline - something neither the
reader nor Benvolio can forgive. Mercutio, at least at the
beginning, is the lovable rogue but his sexual preferences are a
portent for tragedy. Balthasar continues as the loyal and trusted
servant, who always has his master's back, whether that be in the
form of the noble Montague or the Prince of Shadows.
Caine provides an interesting twist to Mercutio's dying words, 'a
curse on both your houses' providing both an unexpected twist for
the reader and a last challenge for Benvolio.
Prince of Shadows incorporates enough Shakespearean
expression, even with some reference to other plays, to add
authenticity to this satisfying tale.
Barb Rye