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murderousscottishgremlin's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I finished this solely for the historical aspect, which was really well-researched and intriguing. However, I found the rest of the book slightly insufferable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence and Homophobia
anapthine's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Thank you NetGalley and Raven Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was brilliantly and cleverly written. The empathy you formed for Lady Macbethad did affect how you viewed Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” - maybe there was a reason for why she acted the way she did. The plot was addictive, with a perfect medium pace and likeable characters. Additionally, the emotions portrayed felt so genuine and I wish I could’ve read more of the book. This is definitely one of my favourite reads so far this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Murder, Xenophobia, Sexual violence, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual harassment, and Death
Moderate: Self harm
hcor's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
For my Leaving Cert, we did Macbeth, and it’s stuck with me ever since. My essay was on Lady Macbeth, the character I was most drawn to.
I can’t remember when I learned the play was based on actual people, though Shakespeare took artistic liberties. I can’t remember when I realised that Lady Macbeth isn’t named, just known by her marriage title.
As the historical Macbeth and Gruoch lived in the early eleventh century, the historical record is vague. Nevertheless, Isabelle Schuler has drawn from the available sources, creating a fascinating portrayal of a woman turned ferocious and brutal not only because of the limited power of women in this world, but the instability of male power in itself during this period. Authority can be granted and lost in the turn of a political gamble, in the swing of a blade during an ill-judged battle.
Throughout, women wield soft, shadow power, playing the game even more skilfully than men who assume power is their due. While this is a grounded historical novel, there are also sly nods to Shakespeare’s play. A dark, wonderful novel about a woman even more memorable than the fictional depiction we’re familiar with.
Lady MacBethad is out March 2023. Thank you to Bloomsbury for the early copy!
I can’t remember when I learned the play was based on actual people, though Shakespeare took artistic liberties. I can’t remember when I realised that Lady Macbeth isn’t named, just known by her marriage title.
As the historical Macbeth and Gruoch lived in the early eleventh century, the historical record is vague. Nevertheless, Isabelle Schuler has drawn from the available sources, creating a fascinating portrayal of a woman turned ferocious and brutal not only because of the limited power of women in this world, but the instability of male power in itself during this period. Authority can be granted and lost in the turn of a political gamble, in the swing of a blade during an ill-judged battle.
Throughout, women wield soft, shadow power, playing the game even more skilfully than men who assume power is their due. While this is a grounded historical novel, there are also sly nods to Shakespeare’s play. A dark, wonderful novel about a woman even more memorable than the fictional depiction we’re familiar with.
Lady MacBethad is out March 2023. Thank you to Bloomsbury for the early copy!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Death, and Sexual violence
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