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md3's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The author created and presented Gruoch's world and the people she loves/encounters so vividly. Each character's humanity shone through and their strengths and flaws were examined and tested throughout the book in various scenarios. The world for women at that time, and Lady Macbeth did indeed exist, is portrayed in elegant prose which jars with the often harsh reality of their lives and complex relationships. For a woman so ambitious as Gruoch, pursuing the ultimate position of power, Queen of Alba, is a dangerous game.
I also really enjoyed the author's subtle nods to Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Some readers might find the gore and violence or references to mental illness, self harm, losing children etc. offputting or distressing.
Graphic: Death, Blood, Bullying, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, War, Child death, Murder, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Violence, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Moderate: Pregnancy and Sexual content
Minor: Infertility
clairew97's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Sexual content, Homophobia, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Confinement, Sexual assault, Abandonment, Sexism, Ableism, Child abuse, Grief, Miscarriage, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Rape, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Self harm, and Vomit
mdking's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is a superb book. An excellent blend of history and Shakespeare's fiction. Lady Macbeth's story is told with poise. Loved the Easter eggs to the play. Very much recommend!
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Death of parent, Sexual content, Death, and Physical abuse
Minor: Sexual assault