Is anyone a fan of the popular Shakespeare story “Romeo and Juliet?” If so, then pick up the TikTok sensation, “These Violent Delights’’ by Chloe Gong. Now is a better time than ever to check it out as its sequel, “Our Violent Ends,” is expected to be released Nov. 16. As many have probably guessed, this book is in fact a “Romeo and Juliet” retelling that takes place in Shanghai in 1926. 

Gong is a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where she double-majored in English and international relations. She was born in Shanghai and raised in Auckland, New Zealand and is now located in New York. That is part of what makes this story so cool. While the journey remains fictional, it is set in a place very close to her heart. 

Being a reader herself, Gong moved on to writing novels of her own starting at the age of 13. After her freshman year of college, Gong wrote her debut novel, “These Violent Delights” in May 2018. She became one of the youngest writers at age 21 with her book featured on the New York Times bestsellers list. A huge accomplishment and a dream for every author at some point in their life. 

The book features a 1920s Romeo and Juliet-esque storyline with a blood feud between two gangs in a city filled with chaos. In the center of it all, 18-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper, has returned to her assumed role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang. They are known to be a network of criminals far above the law. The rival gang in power, the White Flowers have fought the Scarlets for generations. Behind every strategic move is their heir, Roma Montagov who was Juliette’s first love and first betrayal. 

When conflicts arise, both sides start to show signs of instability clawing at their throats and in response to it, the people start to whisper. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set aside their differences, guns and grudges aside and work together. If not, there will be no city left for either to rule. 

Readers who have previously enjoyed “The Last Magician” by Lisa Maxwell or “Descendant of the Crane” by Joan He will enjoy this heart-stopping debut. The end to the duology “Our Violent Ends” is expected to bring a stunning close to the story that will leave fans in heartbreak if the retelling stays true to its original source. Readers who love books that contain a fast-paced plot on a forbidden romance that was once separated by the families and a long ago betrayal, this book is not one to miss out on. 

Please be sure that before reading this, to check for trigger warnings if any and see if this is a genre of interest. Retellings are stories that need to be given a chance. Remember that a retelling is what it is. It is not meant to follow the original word for word.

Image from Chloe Gong via Twitter