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Swift as Desire: A Novel of Passion, Revenge, and the Search for Redemption

William Shakespeare

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In the small town of Willow Creek, Mississippi, in the sweltering heat of a Southern summer, a forbidden love affair is about to unfold. Juliet Capulet, the beautiful and innocent daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, is drawn to Romeo Montague, a handsome and charming young man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Swift as Desire: A Novel

by Laura Esquivel

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	444 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Despite the dangers and the disapproval of their families, Juliet and Romeo fall deeply in love. They meet in secret, exchanging stolen kisses and whispered promises. But their love is doomed from the start. Juliet's father, a powerful and ruthless man, will stop at nothing to keep his daughter from marrying a Montague.

As their love affair intensifies, so does the danger. Juliet's father hires a private investigator to track her every move. Romeo's family is threatened with violence. And the town itself is divided, taking sides in the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.

In a desperate attempt to save their love, Juliet and Romeo elope. But their happiness is short-lived. Juliet's father tracks them down and forces her to marry another man. Romeo, heartbroken and vengeful, kills Juliet's new husband in a duel.

The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is a timeless story of love, loss, and the search for redemption. Swift as Desire is a powerful and moving retelling of this classic tale, set in the American South during the tumultuous era of the Civil War.

The Characters

Juliet Capulet is a beautiful and innocent young woman who falls deeply in love with Romeo Montague. She is torn between her love for Romeo and her loyalty to her family.
Romeo Montague is a handsome and charming young man who falls in love with Juliet Capulet. He is willing to risk everything for his love, even his own life.
Tybalt Capulet is Juliet's cousin and a hot-headed young man who is fiercely protective of his family. He is the one who kills Mercutio, Romeo's best friend, in a duel.
Lord Capulet is Juliet's father and a wealthy plantation owner. He is a powerful and ruthless man who will stop at nothing to keep his daughter from marrying a Montague.
Lady Capulet is Juliet's mother and a kind and loving woman. She is horrified by the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets and tries to keep Juliet out of harm's way.
Mercutio is Romeo's best friend and a witty and charming young man. He is killed by Tybalt in a duel.
Friar Laurence is a wise and compassionate priest who tries to help Juliet and Romeo. He marries them in secret and gives them a potion that will make Juliet appear to be dead.

The Themes

Swift as Desire explores a number of complex and timeless themes, including:

Love: Juliet and Romeo's love is a powerful and passionate force that transcends the boundaries of family and society. It is a love that is willing to sacrifice everything, even life itself.
Loss: The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is a story of love and loss. The lovers are ultimately defeated by the forces of hatred and violence that surround them.
Redemption: Despite the tragic ending, Swift as Desire is ultimately a story of redemption. Juliet and Romeo's love is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption.

The Setting

Swift as Desire is set in the American South during the tumultuous era of the Civil War. The novel vividly recreates the time and place, from the sweltering heat of the summer to the racial tensions that divide the town. The setting is an integral part of the story, and it helps to create a sense of atmosphere and authenticity.

The Author

Swift as Desire is written by award-winning author Jodi Picoult. Picoult is known for her powerful and thought-provoking novels, which often explore complex social issues. Swift as Desire is a masterful work of historical fiction that is both timely and timeless.

Swift as Desire is a powerful and moving novel about love, loss, and the search for redemption. Set in the American South during the tumultuous era of the Civil War, the novel is a timeless story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, romance, or simply a good story.

Swift as Desire: A Novel

by Laura Esquivel

4 out of 5