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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
isabezza's review
4.75
Schuler did an excellent job of bringing Medieval Scotland to life, with her fascinating lore (involving pagan rituals and monarchy) which taught me a lot of history. The author's note has also inspired me to learn more about this period of history; what was alluded to in Shakespeare's Macbeth, what was illustrated in this fantastic novel, and how she structured her characters from what is known about their lives.
I was viscerally, audibly gasping at many points in this story, completely transfixed by our protagonist's attitude. I felt transported into the scenes, and would have highlighted many quotes had I been reading my own copy! I would recommend to both avid historical fiction fans, and newbies, especially those who love a strong female lead.
"You are fierce, you were born to survive anything. I remember that night in the woods and the way you snarled at us like a she-wolf. You believe you were cut out for some glorious destiny, as all great men do. But women are not granted such destinies in this world."
"How he had survived in a world where he had not looked after his own interests, was a testament to the God's given advantage every man wore like a crown."
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Sexual harassment
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
koshkajay's review against another edition
4.0
Minor: Homophobia, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
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
introverted_reads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Representation in Lady MacBethad
As a book set in medieval Scotland, representation of ethnic diversity and the queer community is not prevalent; it is a largely white heteronormative cast of characters as is deemed historically appropriate. Unfortunately I feel that the only explicitly gay character was poorly written and somewhat insensitive, relying on very stereotypical ideas on gay men. The one gay character was feminised and depicted as weak, and was emasculated because of his sexuality. I am aware that this is historically appropriate attitudes towards homosexuality, but it was still quite unfortunate that it was not just others perceptions of this character, but his entire characterisation.
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Suicide, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Rape, Fire/Fire injury, Pregnancy, and Mental illness