Description

2022 CBCA Book of the Year Notables – Older Readers

What if Juliet Capulet met someone who made her doubt true love? What if Wuthering Heights was a message to a time traveller? A cosmic reimagining of Romeo and Juliet and homage to two literary classics in a compelling novel about fate, love and time travel from an award-winning author.

YEAR: 2083. LOCATION: LONDON. MISSION: WAKE ROMEO.

It’s the end of the world. Literally. Time travel is possible, but only forwards. And only a handful of families choose to remain in the ‘now’, living off the scraps that were left behind. Among these are eighteen-year-old Juliet and the love of her life, Romeo. But things are far from rosy for Jules. Romeo is in a coma and she’s estranged from her friends and family, dealing with the very real fallout of their wild romance. Then a handsome time traveller, Ellis, arrives with an important mission that makes Jules question everything she knows about life and love. Can Jules wake Romeo and rewrite her future?

A highly original mashup that delights as it disorients … and asks what would have happened if two great literary love stories were somehow intertwined.

‘Original, ambitious, powerful … Barker’s ability to challenge the boundaries of genre and find light in the darkness is a gift.’ Melina Marchetta, author of Looking for Alibrandi and Saving Francesca

‘A genre-bending masterpiece that effortlessly juggles classic literature, existentialism, time travel and dystopia – with action and feels. I freaking loved every minute.’ Lili Wilkinson, author of After The Lights Go Out, Green Valentine and Pink

‘The most beautiful, moving and rigorously plotted time travel novel I have ever read.’ Justine Larbalestier, author of Liar, My Sister Rosa and Razorhurst

Ages 14-18

Teachers Notes