Lady Macbeth

by Susan Fraser King, Susan Fraser, Wanda McCaddon (Translation)

Името на Макбет е по-известно от това, на който и да е друг крал на Шотландия, изцяло благодарение на едноименната Шекспирова пиеса. Но до каква степен истинският живот на Макбет е отразен в неговия художествен образ? Бил ли е той наистина вманиачен убиец, подтикван от свръхамбициозна съпруга да узурпира трона чрез “убийство грозно”? Или шекспировата пиеса не е нищо повече от впечатляващ театър, отразяващ параноята на Елизабет от евентуален метеж?

От зловещи възвишения през мъгливи блата до страховити крепости, „Лейди Макбет“ пренася читателя в самото сърце на средновековна Шотландия, рисувайки смел и ярък портрет на една жена, силно подценена от историята.

Авторката на романтични исторически романи Сюзън Фрейзър Кинг навлиза в по-дълбоките води на средновековието със своята завладяваща трактовка на истинската история на лейди Макбет. Не такава, каквато я познаваме от шедьовъра на Шекспир, а истинската кралица-воин от плът и кръв. Груад, бъдещата лейди Макбет, дъщеря на шотландския благородник от XI век Бодех, оцелява при няколко опита за отвличане в детството и юношеството си и решена да продължи традициите на неустрашимите келтски жени-воини, се научава как да борави с оръжие. Груад среща Макбет, чиято кралска кръв е почти толкова чиста, колкото нейната собствена, но баща й я омъжва за военачалника Гилкомган, към когото тя постепенно се привързва.

При трагичен обрат на събитията, Макбет убива съпруга й, докато Груад е вече бременна с първото си дете, и незабавно се жени за нея, какъвто е обичаят в онези времена – победителят да вземе за жена вдовицата на победения от него враг. Скоро обаче става ясно, че има и множество други причини зад този бърз брачен съюз.

Базирана на реални исторически документи и тълкувания на епохата, “Лейди Макбет” е епичен разказ, написан с вдъхновяващ ритъм и високоволтово действие. Творбата на Сюзън Фрейзър Кинг ще очарова любителите на Шекспировите адаптации и ще зарадва всеки, който харесва интригуваща история за любов и амбиция.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Scotland, Historical, Retellings, 11th Century, Medieval

Audiobook

First published February 12, 2008

About the author

Susan King is the bestselling, award-winning author of over 20 historical novels and novellas, each one praised for historical accuracy, storytelling quality and lyricism. Her first novel, The Black Thorne’s Rose, was published in 1994, followed by many historical romances written as Susan King and as Sarah Gabriel. As Susan Fraser King, she is the author of Lady Macbeth: A Novel, and Queen Hereafter: A Novel of Margaret of Scotland, published in hardcover and trade paperback from Random House. Many of her backlist novels are now available as e-books with more releases planned. A founding member of the successful author blog, “Word Wenches,” she holds a graduate degree in medieval art history and lives in Maryland with her family.

Learn more about Susan’s books and e-books at www.susanfraserking.com, www.susankingbooks.com and www.wordwenches.com.

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scotland, 11th century. The young Dowager Queen Gruadh (Rue), in order to protect the rightful place of her son as king, agrees to marry a man who murdered her husband and now calls himself the King of Scotts. This story brings a fight for independence of Scotland from Vikings and Saxons.

The story goes back in time and reveals Princess Gruadh’s two abductions and how that shapes her future. She doesn’t want others to lose their lives while defending her. She is set in finding a means to ensure her own safety. At fourteen, she wants to learn the art of fight. When her father refuses, she threatens to use the spellcrafts her mother taught her.

Then, we learn a bit about Macbeth (Mac Bethad mac Findlaich), who was fostered by his grandfather, King Malcolm, as he loses both parents at young age. The tragedy of his youth is widely known. And later, Shakespeare makes this historical figure legendary.

As the story goes, in all kingdoms, alliances need to be strengthen and Rue is betrothed to King of Moray, in the northern lands. This marriage is brief and is followed by the one with Macbeth.

At first Rue, despises Macbeth for killing her first husband, but with time, she sees him as the generous lord more than the warlord, sharing goods from castle’s storage with those in need. He cares and protects his people. So when needed, the men will defend his kingdom.

Gruadh is of a warrior spirit, impulsive and with some temper. She is an independent spirit, like her mother, who doesn’t see a conflict between Celtic traditions and Christian faith, though Rome disagrees. Nevertheless, I wished her strong character was more pronounced in actions rather than just words.

The backstories are flawlessly woven into the story. The prose is beautiful. But the problem is with defining what drives this story. The two main characters are intriguing at the beginning of the story and that’s where it pretty much ends. Secondary characters miss characterization to be remembered. The Gaelic culture intertwined into the story is interesting, but it’s brief and it’s more of a mention here and there. I wished much more for that. And there is of course the fight and scheming for independence, but even with that the plot seems to be weak. I enjoyed the first 30%, then it slows down with pace.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a real disappointment. In the hands of a better writer, this could have been an amazing story, but Susan Fraser King doesn't engage the reader at all. The main character, Gruadh (Lady Macbeth), is supposed to be a fierce warrior queen, so why does the author make her sound so sniveling, weak and, well, womanish? I didn't care a fig for the secondary characters either, and try keeping them all straight in your head - they have no distinguishing characteristics whatsoever. Not recommended.

[Lydia Presley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good historic novel. Susan King delivered a solid story in Lady Macbeth. This is the story of Gruath, her journey toward becoming the wife of Macbeth and information through his battle to become the King of Scotland.

If you are wanting a Philippa Gregory-type historic novel, this is going to disappoint you. There are lots of names (many of them very difficult to pronounce), lots of facts and the characters are more dry than Gregory's. However, if you are like me, and enjoy Sharon Kay Penman's writing, then you will probably enjoy this book.

King had less to work with, from what I understand, then Penman did however. There is very little recorded about the wife of Macbeth, but King's story was based around the academic research done on her and King Macbeth. I read this book having little to no knowledge of that time period and place and was fascinated by what I learned. This was not your typical highland romance stuff. There was actual substance here!

Gruath was an educated, intelligent, strong woman. To those who complain that she was protected by the men too much to lay claim to those adjectives, I'd simply like to remind them that this was a book written about a woman living around 1025. For her to be educated, to be trained in combat and to live through what she did - in fact, just to live, proves how strong this woman was. Two husbands, numerous miscarriages, the deaths of at least two sons and countless battles witnessed (including some that killed her own family before her eyes). If that's not a strong woman, I'm not sure what is.

One of the most interesting things I took from this book was the tradition of the sticks. Before battle, King describes a scenario where Macbeth hands Lady Macbeth a stick and instructs her to use her knife to carve a symbol twice on it, once at the top and once at the bottom. The stick is then broken in half and one half placed in the field near them, bottom down. The other part of the stick is hidden somewhere on their person. After the battle has been completed, you are to go to the field of sticks, find your own and remove it. Those sticks remaining will tell, on their own accord, of who died in battle that day. Such a simple and effective method. I had no idea.

Anyways, a fascinating book about a time period not widely written or talked about (at least that I've heard). If you are needing a break from the Tudors or whatever portion of British history you are reading about, I'd recommend this book.

[Bettie]

CELEBRITY DEATH MATCH REVIEW ONLY

Macbeth v 1984

A dark Cave. In the middle, a teapot boiling. Thunder.

Enter Mona Ogg and her two accomplices.




1 WITCH. Thrice the branded wool has knotted.
2 WITCH. Thrice and once, the dropped stitch fled.
3 WITCH. Harpier cries:—'tis time! 'tis time!
1 WITCH. Round about the garter stitch go;

Knit Knit Purl then Bobble
No invoice, this is a hobble

W2 - What are you knitting Mistress Ogg?

W1 - I was making a sock puppet for a Hungarian client but she was banned from using one. New laws all the time, however that doesn't stop us does it 'ladies' *cackle cackle* So, as this is SOCTOBERFEST(™) I'm making Nanny Ogg sockies.

W3 - I'm using my craft skills to make a jumper to fit a prophecy, do you like it?



-------------------------------------

Meanwhile #1 - Lady M is cleaning up the castle



--------------------------------------

Meanwhile #2 - ah but a minute or three away on the foggy, murky, darkling trail, two coconut-horse riders come across a sign




Glammy: Ay-up!

Winston (singing mournfully to himself): Under the spreading chestnut tree, I sold you and you sold me—

Glammy: You've lost your plot,

Winston: Buck Up and let's see what the crones have to say...

------------------------------------

Meanwhile #3 - back in the cave





Clickerty Clackerty Cackle and Clack
We hear the boys have ridden back

[enter Glammy and an increasingly distraught Winston]

Glammy: How now, you secret, black and midnight hags!

The three ladies giggle

W3: He's learnt his lines well hasn't he! Well so have we

Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be, until
Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane hill
Shall come against him.

Winston: Funny they mention that wood, I forgot to show you this, Glammy, a tray full of fir tree ornaments that I will take to Julia to appease; I made them in Birnam Wood; so pretty don't you think?



As the tray comes forward towards Glammy, it looks like a whole forest on the march to his tired, watery, smoke-filled eyes and he shouts BETRAYAL and sticks Winston with a grabbed knitting needle

::straight:through:the:heart::

WIN FOR MACBETH

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio #136

[Lori Kobayashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interestingly enough, I bought this book without even really knowing what it was about at a book signing.
I started reading it in the car ride home- and didn't put it down until I was finished!
It is a great historical fiction with an amazing and strong woman as the main character.
If you liked Mists of Avalon, you will LOVE Lady Macbeth. I actually enjoyed Lady Macbeth more because of the historical detail. You can tell the author did a lot of research to make this story seem very real.

[Tsvetanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Предзнаменования, пророчески сънища, древни магии и келтски легенди, разказвани от сладкодумни бардове - красота!
Много интересно ми беше да се върна едно хилядолетие назад и да науча повече за живота на келтите - за техните битки и тайни съвети, за тяхното ежедневие, обичаи и вярвания. Да раздвижа пръсти в подплатените с агнешка кожа, топли ботуши на Груад, да се разходя по поръсените с прясна тръстика, кокичета, минзухари и иглички от вечнозелени растения подове в Елгин.
И ето частица от тайното познание на майка Ения: "Магията, обикновените земни и светски дела, черното злодеяние - под повърхността всички те са едно. Разликата е в това какво мислим, дали се боим от тези елементи или ги посрещаме с готовност. Ако сме захванати здраво в нишките на тъканта на света, като паяк, вкопчен в своята паяжина, ще виждаме единствено самата паяжина, а не магията, която я е сътворила. Но когато се отдръпнем настрана, о, тогава всичко е пред очите ни."

[Lynn Put · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. This is the story of Lady Gruadh who later becomes Lady Macbeth Queen of Scots. Set in 1025-1058 it tells the story of her life, her bloodline, her marriages, her stubbornness, beliefs and her losses and sorrows. King, the author, does a great job of using as much factual information as she can and weaves in fiction for the rest. I did think that this book could have been shorter since 3/4 of the way through it seemed the writing was mundane but I did learn quite a bit about not only Lady Gruadh and MacBeth but also some of their customs and beliefs during that time. Other than that, I wish the author would have put more feeling or emotion into her main characters, there was something missing that made it hard for me to connect and made this seem more of a telling of what happened instead of me feeling connection with the characters.

[Sarah W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this reimagining of Lady Macbeth's story, but I can't help but compare it to a similar book I recently read, Queen Hereafter by Isabelle Schuler, which I liked a lot more. This novel covers nearly the whole of Lady Macbeth's life and it's a very different tale than the Shakespeare play. Highly recommended for Macbeth fans and those interested in medieval Scotland.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came to this more or less neutrally, with neither low nor high expectations. Thus, I wouldn't say I was disappointed. Here's the thing: King is attempting something admirable here, but it fell desperately short of a great novel. She attempts a high degree of historical accuracy, but it lacks the marvelous insight and perspective of Hillary Mantel or Maurice Druon. She attempts magic of the Old World, and lacks the poignant lyricism of Juliet Marillier or Patricia McKillip. The result is somewhere in the middle.

Another large problem is that this book needed a very good editor, and much earlier in the process. There is far too much explanation and repetition of details which should have been hinted at or appended, particularly the politics of eleventh century Scotland. The book should also have included much more material tying the reader to its characters. We are often told Gruadh is fiery and independent, and there are a few example episodes to that effect, but had it been carried out better, it would have held the reader in fondness and affection, rather than deep-mired in apathy, as I and many below readers were.

Furthermore, in novels of such particular place, as in this case Scotland, the landscape itself should come to bear as a character in itself. Frankly, allusions to Gaelic culture and language, also heavy-handed, aside, this could have occurred anywhere in the eleventh century. It is clear the King did a good deal of excellent research, but she fell in love with the facts, not the place, which those of us who already love Scotland deeply would see. Native Scots would no doubt feel this even more keenly than myself. This writer could do well by paying attention to writers who imbue the poeticism of place, culture, and love of the homeland so well into their work, and I'll be at hand with a list if she ever does.

All this said, I still recommend the book to fans of the genre. She doesn't insult you with fake magic, and she has tried very hard to put forth a theory of legendary figures who still loom large in our collective conscious today. The book was readable, and I moved through it very quickly out of desire to see what comes next. This isn't a particularly emotional novel, but it is a fun one.

[Misfit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different tale of Macbeth and his lady than Shakespeare's. Lady Gruadh (Rue) is descended from one of two branches of the ancient royal line of Celtic Kings. First married against her wishes to Gilcomgan of Moray, her husband is killed in battle with Macbeth, and the pregnant Rue is married to Macbeth, Rue's pure bloodline giving him a stronger claim to the throne of Scotland. Thus begins an uneasy truce between the two as they eventually make the marriage work and Macbeth schemes to take the reign of Scotland from Duncan. Amidst the plots and treacheries of 11C Scotland, the author also works in plentiful details of Celtic myths and lifestyle as she tells Rue's story in the first person POV.

While I did enjoy this book, along with picking up some knowledge of Scottish history and the "real" Macbeth, I found this book to be slow paced at times with long periods of inaction and detailed descriptions of every day life. Although I typically don't mind a slower paced book as long as the author can fully immerse me into another century, in this case I felt like I was on the outside looking in. Rue's tale came off to this reader as a bit cold and aloof. I never felt I was a part of the story - just an interested bystander, and that is not where I want to be in a book. I also felt it too short at just over 300 pages, perhaps the characters would be been stronger and had more life if they had been fleshed out more, but that could have been the publisher's decision and not the author. We'll never know.

An entertaining and educational read about the "real" Macbeth instead of Shakespeare's version, but it's not a book I'm willing to give a five star rating to, nor one I will read more than once. If you're not sure, get it from the library first and then if you love it, buy it. Side note, there is an extensive list of characters with their full names and titles (with pronunciation) along with a glossary at the back of the book. I really wish publishers would either put these at the front of the book or tell the reader it's there in the back for my reference. Four stars.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 * rounded up

Although Macbeth, the 11th century king of the Scots, was immortalized in Shakespeare’s excellent play, historical records about him are sparse. Even less is known of MacBeth’s queen, Gruadh. But from a wee bit of known events, Susan Fraser King has painted a vivid and captivating portrait of the life of Lady MacBeth, from her girlhood as the daughter of a Scottish warlord to her forced marriage to MacBeth after her first husband’s death, possibly by his hand, to a full partnership with him as King and Queen of the Scots.

I was captivated by the strong, intelligent and resourceful Gruadh but even more absorbed by the glimpse into 11th century Scotland that King gives readers throughout the novel. Unlike the Anglo-Saxon custom of primogeniture, the Scottish system of succession involved selection of a successor from the family lineage by the current monarch during his lifetime, a system called tanistry. This caused constantly shifting alliances, political intrigue, and often mortal conflict when others in the extended clan dissented. Revenge and retaliation were never-ending. These inner conflicts played out amid constant threats from Vikings in the north and Anglo-Saxon raids from the south.

Christianity incorporated longstanding Celtic traditions that were at odds with Rome, such as the practice of ancient Celtic rituals, belief in the prophesy of omens, dreams, and "seers" and Saturday sabbath. The Scotland during Macbeth's 17-year rule was relatively peaceful as he sought to incorporate Roman and Britain ways while remaining true to Celtic culture (MacBeth being the first Scot's king to make a pilgrimage to Rome).

This portrayal of Lady MacBeth is a far cry from that of Shakespeare. It's one that places her in a more favorable light and is more probable and fair given the historical records.

[Aneliya Ivanova · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Lady Macbeth “is not really known by me an important historical figure of the Scottish history.According the author Lady Macbeth(Lady Gruadh)appears in one extant eleventh-century document,King Macbeth is mentioned in several contemporary documents,mostly entries in annals written by Irish,Scottish and Saxon monks.Possibly I should start some reading on non-fiction literature about Macbethad Mac Finlaech(Macbeth) and his Lady,but I’ve choose easy reading based on historical fiction instead.Susan Fraser King made a nice balance representing Gaelic(Celtic) traditions and rituals and political situation in Scotland back in The Dark Ages .Thanks God has not been involved any romantic,love stories,usually writers love doing this and destroying that kind of novels.I’ve enjoyed it reading it even probably not much historically accurate (by the way at the end of the book have a lot of historical information of the rule of Lady Macbeth and King Macbeth).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. However much I love Shakespeare--and I DO LOVE SHAKESPEARE--the man was writing for the good graces and on the good will of the Tudors and the Stuarts. To do that, he often had to write Tudor-supporting propaganda (which is why Richard III is evil in his book, when actually he was quite an amicable man). Susan Fraser King wrote a novel more in line with historical fact. Her characters are flawed, they are human, but they have hearts and are pushed and prodded by circumstance more than by ambition. In this realm, Macbeth and his wife are loved by their people and their country; he actually holds the knife when he would have done them all more good by "plunging it in!" He is not the pitiable murderer we have all come to know and does not live under/behind his lady-wife's skirts; he is actually a king who has his country's best interests at heart. The writing is magnificent as well. King pulls you in with her first line and keeps you hooked until the last. I felt an aching loss when I finished this book. Like the play however, Macbeth dies at the end, so there won't be a sequel, unless Lady Macbeth's fate ties in with that of some other clan. It may, but I doubt she'll be the central character again.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Macbeth is the story of Queen Gruadh, who with her husband King Macbeth, rose to power in 11th century Scotland. I am not familiar with Shakespeare's version of Macbeth, so I did not have any preconceived notions about the characters other than I had heard that Susan Fraser King's version is more historically accurate, whereas Shakespeare took some liberties in order to please his English benefactor.

Lady Graudh was a Celtic warrior queen, ambitious in her pursuit of the throne, fierce in protecting her own. Widowed and pregnant at a young age, she was forced to marry her husband's murderer, Macbeth. Over time, her feelings for Macbeth were transformed from hate to respect, and, even, love. Their relationship, though believable, was viewed from a distance, and I wish the author had taken more liberties in bringing Macbeth to life. We get tantalizing glimpses of his personality, but never enough to form a complete picture of what he was like, fictionally or otherwise.

The story itself is fairly slow-paced, more of a character study than an plot-driven adventure. Good, but not gripping.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting tale, now we might know the other side of the story. History is written by the victor, and later, a bard more interested in drama than accuracy. Most people can’t hear the name Macbeth without thinking of Shakespeare. It’s hard to imagine life in 1050 but the author did a good job making some characters relatable, even a Viking who steals a 13 year old girl had some honor. It’s interesting that land rights and lines of inheritance (royalty) were so different. It’s particularly intriguing (and heartbreaking) when you know Scotland’s future trouble with the royal line of succession and how that ultimately doomed Scotland as its own sovereign country.

[Rick Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually historical fiction has quite a bit more to build on than this novel does, but King has made a really impressive story out of sketches and rumors and inferences. Her Gruadh (also Gruoch, which is not at all an attractive name for such an attractive character) is so much more than the tragic villainess of Shakespeare's play, a fiery woman whose vitality springs from the terrible damage and machinations inflicted upon her and her family from others. The line from which the Stuart kings were famously engendered--the descendants of Malcolm II, his grandson Duncan, and thence through Malcolm Canmore--do not come off at all well in this story. They are breakers of tradition and family honor in the service of their own line's hegemony. Macbeth and his wife stand against this, seeking to unite the ancient family lines of Gabhran and Lorne in the service of the land and people of Scotland, which of course is much more high-minded and noble. If, along the way, some personal scores are settled, then so much the better. We are carried away completely in this narrative and, if we know the ultimate tragic ending, that only seems to make us savor the characters while they are still alive and fighting. When Macbeth receives his mortal wound (not in any offstage duel with Macduff, of course) and resolves to make the difficult final journey to Scone to see his stepson crowned as king, the parallel to legendary King Arthur making his own journey to the Isle of Avalon is beautifully resonant. Again, with so little material to work from, it is quite astonishing to be able to immerse ourselves in such a fully realized and imagined world with characters who breathe and believe and feel as we do. This is not to be missed.

[Dean McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the wonderfully sarcastic song "Bosom Buddies" from the Broadway musical MAME, friends Vera Charles and Mame exchange increasingly vicious insults. In one, Mame says to Vera, "You try to be 'Peg o' my heart' when you're Lady Macbeth." The negative characterization of Lady Macbeth in the song is completely at odds with that in Susan Fraser King's novel LADY MACBETH. The book is filled with historic events, people, places, and 11th century Scottish culture. With much invented and imagined in the book, alongside much that is historic (hence, Historical Fiction), it is the story of Lady Macbeth, her early life, her first marriage to a Scot of royal heritage who is murdered by Macbeth, followed quickly by her forced marriage to Macbeth, their personal conflicts and struggles eventually leading to a deep mutual love, the birth and death of children, battles, threats from Saxons to the south and Vikings to the north, political plotting and intrigue, and so much more, culminating in the death of Macbeth as the King of Scots and the crowning of their son as his successor, and Macbeth joining the other Scottish kings buried on the island of Iona. King also provides a good deal of interesting and helpful back matter, including people, places, definitions, some translations, and Gaelic and early Scottish pronunciations. Using my rating according to how much I enjoyed reading this book, I give it a run-away five-star rating.

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as amazing as The Mists of Avalon, and for me that's saying quite a bit.

This isn't Shakespeare's "out damn'd spot" schemer. This Lady Macbeth, known as Gruadh (that's Groo-ath), is more in keeping with earlier historical traditions. Proud, loyal, fierce and unwavering, Gruadh lives and loves in a world of steel, blood, magic and fire. As a girl child, she is abducted and taken as a potential bride by Orkney. She trains as a warrior, in spite of her father's misgivings as she insists the Celtic women of old had done.

I don't want to give away too much, but this was one of the BEST historical fiction novels I've read in quite some time. Author Susan Fraser King obviously did her research, but much like Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' saga, doesn't bog the reader down in endless details and instead allows the characters of Gruadh and Macbeth come to life as flesh and blood human beings of grand nobility and stubborn pride. 'Lady Macbeth' is fit for a king's hall, with mead flowing freely as a bard spins this epic tale of love, murder, ambition and loyalty.

[R.J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author, obviously enamored of Scottish history, spent way too much time impressing me with her knowledge of Gaelic tradition than weaving a thoughtful, engaging story. Too many people are introduced without one shred of notable/memorable information as to who they are or why they might be important later or transversely, she gives you oodles of info that is overwhelming about another character which is entirely superfluous.

The idea of constructing a story out of the historical Queen of Scots is intriguing but truly, so little is known of her it was a challenge all the way. Alas, the author did not engage me in the epic. I preferred reading the 5 pages of non-fiction at the very end.

[K.P. Ambroziak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn't quite what I expected, though SFK does warn you the story is based on the historical figures and not Shakespeare's tragedy. I missed the dark ambition of the Macbeth's I know and love, but still found this reinvention captivating. I suppose I enjoyed the moments when SFK zoomed in and slowed time more than the sweeping pass over months and years. I wished she had gotten even closer in some passages. But she does have a penchant for detail and doesn't just weave a simple story. She builds a tapestry. All in all, she dug up the dead and breathed new life into characters the Bard fostered long ago.

[Gaijinmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macbeth is my favorite Shakespeare tragedy, but I've always felt that Lady M got a bit of a raw deal. As she and her husband were actual historical figures, the author has done some research that, while still speculative, sheds a new light on the historical truth behind the Bard's story.
It's believable, interesting, and gives her a chance to tell her side of things. She still doesn't come off as a very nice person, but she is a woman in a male-dominated society at a violent time in history. Her actions make sense.
A quick, tragic, intense read.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my "Read the World" Challenge for: Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I really enjoyed this piece of historical fiction. Both informative and atmospheric! While obviously quite different than the fictionalized version of Macbeth we all know and love via Shakespeare, King did an excellent job of using the same kind of dark tones while still keeping true to the extensive historical research she clearly did for this novel.

[Katrisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as dramatic as one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, but more historically accurate. For example, I didn't realize that Macbeth was king for 17 fairly peaceful years before his death. The characters of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are definitely more human in this retelling. I loved the bits about ancient Celtic magic and charms.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't something I would normally pick up on my own. But I really enjoyed it.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning. it seemed well researched and honest without being too graphically violent. Then it skipped a lot of years and rushed the end.

[Catherine Amos · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you plan on reading this, forget everything you know about the Scottish play. King (re)creates a story of Lady Macbeth based on historical record rather than the tale from the bard. This isn't just a tragedy with which we are familiar told from a different point of view, but a separate history that in many ways sets the record straight. I've known that Shakespeare "borrowed" much of the stories for his plays from tales and poems that his audience would easily recognize. What I didn't know was exactly how much liberty he took with historical fact when staging these stories.

Lady Macbeth chronicles the life of Gruadh, daughter of Bodhe, from childhood to her reign as Queen of Scots and beyond. This warrior queen is not the blood-thirsty opportunist that we know from the play, but instead is a savvy political asset for her husband and a fierce defender of her beliefs as a Scottish Celt. It would be hard to come away from this text without a modicum of respect for this lady who suffered much because of and for the men in her life.

[Ruth Harwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a recommendation, and boy, what a book! An interesting, well-researched plot, a fabulous cast of characters made human, neither perfect nor evil, and more truthful than Shakespeare, though of course, the amount of truth in a novel set a thousand years ago is debatable! I did find there to be little romance, which disappointed me, but only in an aesthetic sense - I like a bit of romance! All in all, I loved this, a debunking of the famous depiction, an author who has ruined the reputation of many a character from Europe's history, and hopefully like Richard III, the truth will come out in this day of accuracy in history and archaeology that will bring the reality of the life of the Scots in these centuries of Viking raids and Saxon invasions (it's set immediately prior to the Norman conquest of England).

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 3.88. Forget about the Lady Macbeth you remember from your high school English class. Here we get a smart, literary history of the real Lady Macbeth. I curled into this book on several gloomy, dreary days, happy to get sucked into 11th-century Scotland. My only quibbles were an initial onslaught of names (which have Gaelic variations or repeats across generations) and a bit too much surmising on politics of distant battles that occasionally disrupted the story. I've already ordered Fraser King's next novel. Recommended.

[Teresa A. Mauk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on historical record and not Shakespeare's play. It's an excellent novel exploring the life of a young girl with royal Scottish blood, her two marriages (both more or less forced upon her), her ambitions and revenge, to her ending as a dowager queen.. Most of her history was new to me and this book brought her to life, along with the world in which she lived. Definitely worth reading.