By: Peggy Sue Wood | @pswediting

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet stands out as a timeless favorite among his romances, enchanting readers with its tragic yet undeniably passionate tale of love. For those of you that are fans of this particular play–you may want to check out the Webtoon, Go Away Romeo. 

As a quick recap for the play, it unravels the tumultuous love story between the titular characters (Romeo and Juliet) from feuding families, the Montagues and Capulets. Despite the tragic demise of Romeo and Juliet, the deep-seated animosity persists, and the families continue their bitter conflict. A poignant irony emerges as they now find themselves entangled in a rivalry over the fanfare of the funerals, a grim reminder that even in death, the strife between the Montagues and Capulets endures, creating a lasting impact on the hearts of those who appreciate the poignant beauty of Shakespeare’s masterful narrative.

Go Away Romeo offers a retelling of that ending, this time from the perspective of Rosaline, Romeo’s forgotten first love. The narrative unfolds after the events of Romeo and Juliet’s supposed passing with the families not acknowledging that the two were involved in any way and our new main character, Rosaline, not knowing about their relationship.

Rosaline, initially believing in a destined love with Romeo, faces heartbreak when he dies on the same day as her cousin, Juliet. Alone and shattered, she later discovers herself pregnant with Romeo’s son.

As the story progresses, Rosaline’s perception of Romeo crumbles upon learning of his betrayal when the play’s titular couple make their return. Despite Rosaline’s efforts to move on, Romeo reappears in her life, posing a threat to everything she holds dear. Confronting her feelings, Rosaline undergoes significant character development while focusing on raising her son, on re-finding her place in her family after having said son, and on finding new love while navigating the ongoing family conflict between the two houses and within.

Go Away Romeo is a captivating series that keeps readers engaged with its tale of love, betrayal, and, potentially, self-redemption. The narrative of Rosaline’s journey as she evolves into a strong, independent woman determined to protect her family at any cost is certainly a major selling point to me, and so––whether you’re a Shakespeare fan or simply enjoy romance novels filled with drama and family conflicts––I believe that this is a compelling addition to your reading list. You can check it out here: https://www.webtoons.com/en/romance/go-away-romeo/

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Copyedited by: Katherine Cañeba| @kcserinlee