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A review by perfictionist19
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
3.0
Ava Reid's Lady Macbeth promises a reimagining of one of Shakespeare's most notorious female characters, diving into the psyche of the villainess and giving her a voice beyond the confines of the original play. As someone who adored Reid's A Study in Drowning, with its seamless blend of dark academia and folklore, I had high hopes for this retelling. However, not all expectations are met, and unfortunately, this retelling left me wanting for more.
The central character, Roscille, is portrayed as a beautiful young woman, presumed to be burdened with rumors of witchcraft. She enters the story knowing she is fated to marry the Scottish warrior, a brute who brings his violent ways into their marriage - a dynamic that could have been an intriguing exploration of power, manipulation, and survival. Reid’s writing, as always, is rich and atmospheric, steeped in gothic tones that manages to capture the foreboding nature of the tale. The language is darkly poetic that feels true to the essence of Shakespeare's original setting.
However, where this retelling falters is in its characterization of Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare’s version of her is legendary for her cunning, ruthlessness, and ability to manipulate those around her - a figure who embodies ambition, unafraid to embrace her darker impulses to achieve her ends. In Reid’s retelling, that fierce drive is diluted. Roscille, rather than being the active force behind the rise and fall of her husband, feels passive. The novel reinforces the idea that Roscille is an evil temptress, the dagger in her husband’s hand, but we never truly get to see her own that role. Her cunning is hinted at, but not demonstrated in a way that feels satisfying. The scheming, which should be a central element of a Lady Macbeth retelling, feels incomplete and, at times, frustrating. Her passivity undermines what could have been a deeply complex and powerful figure.
The occult elements, while intriguing, also feel underdeveloped. There is a promise of dark magic and witchcraft that looms the narrative, but it doesn’t reach the heights I hoped for. There are moments where the supernatural elements begin to creep in, but they never fully take hold in a way that adds to the plot or elevates the stakes of the story.
Ultimately, Lady Macbeth feels indecisive in its execution. It wavers between being a gothic novel and a feminist reworking of Shakespeare, but it doesn’t fully commit to either. The plot has holes that leave key aspects underexplained, and Roscille’s character arc feels incomplete.
If you’re looking for an atmospheric read with Reid’s signature darkly lyrical writing, Lady Macbeth has plenty to offer. However, if you’re looking for a retelling that breathes new life into the Original Lady Macbeth, you may find yourself disappointed.
The central character, Roscille, is portrayed as a beautiful young woman, presumed to be burdened with rumors of witchcraft. She enters the story knowing she is fated to marry the Scottish warrior, a brute who brings his violent ways into their marriage - a dynamic that could have been an intriguing exploration of power, manipulation, and survival. Reid’s writing, as always, is rich and atmospheric, steeped in gothic tones that manages to capture the foreboding nature of the tale. The language is darkly poetic that feels true to the essence of Shakespeare's original setting.
However, where this retelling falters is in its characterization of Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare’s version of her is legendary for her cunning, ruthlessness, and ability to manipulate those around her - a figure who embodies ambition, unafraid to embrace her darker impulses to achieve her ends. In Reid’s retelling, that fierce drive is diluted. Roscille, rather than being the active force behind the rise and fall of her husband, feels passive. The novel reinforces the idea that Roscille is an evil temptress, the dagger in her husband’s hand, but we never truly get to see her own that role. Her cunning is hinted at, but not demonstrated in a way that feels satisfying. The scheming, which should be a central element of a Lady Macbeth retelling, feels incomplete and, at times, frustrating. Her passivity undermines what could have been a deeply complex and powerful figure.
The occult elements, while intriguing, also feel underdeveloped. There is a promise of dark magic and witchcraft that looms the narrative, but it doesn’t reach the heights I hoped for. There are moments where the supernatural elements begin to creep in, but they never fully take hold in a way that adds to the plot or elevates the stakes of the story.
Ultimately, Lady Macbeth feels indecisive in its execution. It wavers between being a gothic novel and a feminist reworking of Shakespeare, but it doesn’t fully commit to either. The plot has holes that leave key aspects underexplained, and Roscille’s character arc feels incomplete.
If you’re looking for an atmospheric read with Reid’s signature darkly lyrical writing, Lady Macbeth has plenty to offer. However, if you’re looking for a retelling that breathes new life into the Original Lady Macbeth, you may find yourself disappointed.