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Shakespeare
Third Witch
A searing story of passion, betrayal, battles and love, this is Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' stripped of superstition, and its power and beauty refined into fewer words where good balances the evil and there is a happy ending - for some.
Following on from OPHELIA, QUEEN OF DENMARK and I AM JULIET, this is the third title in the series for young people that focuses on the reinterpretation of Shakespeare's classic and enduring plays.
'I didn't mean to do it'.
Annie is not a witch, but when her mistress Lady Macbeth calls for a potion to 'stiffen Macbeth's sinews', Annie is caught up in plots that lead to murder, kingship and betrayal. Annie must also not only choose between Rab the Blacksmith and Murdoch, Thane of Greymouth, but discover where her loyalty lies.
Ages: 10+
Following on from OPHELIA, QUEEN OF DENMARK and I AM JULIET, this is the third title in the series for young people that focuses on the reinterpretation of Shakespeare's classic and enduring plays.
'I didn't mean to do it'.
Annie is not a witch, but when her mistress Lady Macbeth calls for a potion to 'stiffen Macbeth's sinews', Annie is caught up in plots that lead to murder, kingship and betrayal. Annie must also not only choose between Rab the Blacksmith and Murdoch, Thane of Greymouth, but discover where her loyalty lies.
Ages: 10+
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2017
6 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
318 books864 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 28, 2017
I've been thinking a lot about Macbeth of late, for a combination of reasons I suppose. There's the new movie I've seen advertised, Lady Macbeth, while at the high school I work at the Year 12 students have begun studying Macbeth for their senior English Shakespeare unit, leading to some interesting discussions with a few of them. I still remember studying Macbeth for my own senior English Shakespeare unit, performing a dramatic monologue of Lady Macbeth ending her own life, having elected to go solo instead of performing in small groups like my classmates. Macbeth was the third Shakespeare play I had read, Romeo and Juliet the first, followed by A Midsummer Night's Dream. Macbeth of course is very different from these other two plays, but I instantly preferred it and Lady Macbeth fast became my favourite Shakespeare character. I can't really account for why, I just felt her, a connection that reached out and kept me reading what many label as Shakespeare's most complex work.
I first became aware of Third Witch from my Twitter feed. Jackie French had posted the cover image - which is stunning, I might add, and instantly grabbed my attention - with a tag line along the lines of no one ever referring to Lady Macbeth by her real name. It's funny how one comment can generate so many thoughts. Needless to say, I was intrigued enough to search for the novel, newly released, and purchase it immediately.
Third Witch is an excellent retelling of Macbeth. I find when reading novels that are either based on real people from history or famous stories retold, they work better when examined from the eyes of someone other than the famous person or previous main character. And so it was in Third Witch, where we hear a version of Macbeth from Lady Macbeth's most trusted lady's maid, Annie Grasseyes, or Lady Anne, as we come to know her by, later in the story. Retelling Macbeth from this different, removed yet still close, perspective propels Macbeth into an accessible and easy to understand format. Still containing Shakespearean dialogue, Jackie French explains it all throughout the narrative, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the story without becoming overwhelmed by the old world language.
I enjoyed the way Jackie French depicted the growing madness of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as time progressed. The ripple effect of a single action was well showcased, so too, the debilitating effects of guilt on a person's conscience. I also enjoyed Annie's observations on happiness and it's connections to wealth; particularly those instances where she noted the gross wastage of food and the endlessly idle hours. These were important observations and served to set Annie's character on a path to redemption in the long run.
As promised in Jackie French's Twitter teaser, we do get to learn Lady Macbeth's real name. And while I hate to be a spoiler, I still couldn't resist sharing a hint, because I love this part, particularly the last line:
'...my daughter still toddling at my skirts. I'd called her..., after my lady. No one but me, it seemed, remembered her true name. She had lost it when she married, as women do.'
I'll leave you to discover Lady Macbeth's name for yourself within the novel, but I wanted to include this small part for two reasons: like I already mentioned, I love the last line, the noting of how women lose their identities when they marry. But also for it's testimony to the enduring friendship between these two women, from such different beginnings, the love still lingering even long after Lady Macbeth was gone. If Jackie French's aim was to demonstrate good triumphing over evil and superstition, then she's done a marvellous job of it. I thoroughly enjoyed Third Witch and recommend it to both long-term Macbeth fans and students studying Macbeth for the first time, as well as everyone in between! #aww2017
I first became aware of Third Witch from my Twitter feed. Jackie French had posted the cover image - which is stunning, I might add, and instantly grabbed my attention - with a tag line along the lines of no one ever referring to Lady Macbeth by her real name. It's funny how one comment can generate so many thoughts. Needless to say, I was intrigued enough to search for the novel, newly released, and purchase it immediately.
Third Witch is an excellent retelling of Macbeth. I find when reading novels that are either based on real people from history or famous stories retold, they work better when examined from the eyes of someone other than the famous person or previous main character. And so it was in Third Witch, where we hear a version of Macbeth from Lady Macbeth's most trusted lady's maid, Annie Grasseyes, or Lady Anne, as we come to know her by, later in the story. Retelling Macbeth from this different, removed yet still close, perspective propels Macbeth into an accessible and easy to understand format. Still containing Shakespearean dialogue, Jackie French explains it all throughout the narrative, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the story without becoming overwhelmed by the old world language.
I enjoyed the way Jackie French depicted the growing madness of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as time progressed. The ripple effect of a single action was well showcased, so too, the debilitating effects of guilt on a person's conscience. I also enjoyed Annie's observations on happiness and it's connections to wealth; particularly those instances where she noted the gross wastage of food and the endlessly idle hours. These were important observations and served to set Annie's character on a path to redemption in the long run.
As promised in Jackie French's Twitter teaser, we do get to learn Lady Macbeth's real name. And while I hate to be a spoiler, I still couldn't resist sharing a hint, because I love this part, particularly the last line:
'...my daughter still toddling at my skirts. I'd called her..., after my lady. No one but me, it seemed, remembered her true name. She had lost it when she married, as women do.'
I'll leave you to discover Lady Macbeth's name for yourself within the novel, but I wanted to include this small part for two reasons: like I already mentioned, I love the last line, the noting of how women lose their identities when they marry. But also for it's testimony to the enduring friendship between these two women, from such different beginnings, the love still lingering even long after Lady Macbeth was gone. If Jackie French's aim was to demonstrate good triumphing over evil and superstition, then she's done a marvellous job of it. I thoroughly enjoyed Third Witch and recommend it to both long-term Macbeth fans and students studying Macbeth for the first time, as well as everyone in between! #aww2017
October 29, 2021
Annie accompanies her mother and their friend to act as witches to encourage the local lord, Macbeth, and his friend to be courageous. Lady Macbeth is ambitious for her husband and herself and wants her husband to speak up, claim his right to reward for his loyalty and courage when fighting for the king.
Annie is overcome by the occasion and promises Macbeth the crown and Banquo his children will be kings too.
The resultant killings, fear and madness are outcomes Annie had no idea would result from her words. ‘Words have power.’
I enjoyed the intertwining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the story. A fabulous way to bring Shakespeare alive for young children. A reminder also that words have consequences.
Recommended for Tweens 10+
Annie is overcome by the occasion and promises Macbeth the crown and Banquo his children will be kings too.
The resultant killings, fear and madness are outcomes Annie had no idea would result from her words. ‘Words have power.’
I enjoyed the intertwining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the story. A fabulous way to bring Shakespeare alive for young children. A reminder also that words have consequences.
Recommended for Tweens 10+
January 24, 2018
This was probably my favourite out of the 3 Shakespeare retellings. I’ve yet to read “William Shakespeare: The Diary of a Gentleman” but as I understand it, that’s a bit seperate to these. Anyway, I digress. I know very little about Macbeth, only the slivers I learned in drama when people acted out the Lady Macbeth black spot scene. I also knew about Banquo but that about sums up my knowledge of the play (rather sad, actually). I am looking forward to delving into this piece of literature now, to experience it in all its glory. Jackie French has done it again. A fantastic novel about the very small character of “gentlewoman” (yes, I looked it up), who was so imperative. She’s referred to in this book as “Annie Grasseyes”, a name I find unique and special. I especially always love the author’s note at the end of Jackie’s historical novels. There are some interesting recipes here that I wouldn’t mind trying myself. Thank you Mrs French for yet another masterpiece! I enjoyed it immensely.
April 13, 2018
Seeing as I played the Second Witch in a school production of Macbeth a few years ago, it was cool to read a story about characters I was invested in!
Overall a clever viewpoint and adaptation, even if it didn't really have much depth in it - I felt almost as if the author stuck too close to the Shakespeare script, and could have spent more time showing us the relationship between Lady Macbeth and Annie outside of what's necessary for the plot. I did like the idea of there being another watcher to the whole story though.
Overall a clever viewpoint and adaptation, even if it didn't really have much depth in it - I felt almost as if the author stuck too close to the Shakespeare script, and could have spent more time showing us the relationship between Lady Macbeth and Annie outside of what's necessary for the plot. I did like the idea of there being another watcher to the whole story though.
February 18, 2018
Third Witch is a cleverly told tale of the Shakespeare play, Macbeth told from the perspective of Annie Grasseyes, a young girl who is the mistress for Lady Macbeth.
Annie is not a witch but when her lady asks her to help her husband rise to become king she weaves magic through words alongside her mother and friend, Agnes.
Third witch shows us the power of words, perspective on what happiness is and how simple actions can mean so much to another.
Macbeth is a well loved play but the language used by Shakespeare has been lost on many due to it’s complexity and use of old English. I do love Macbeth but I have never been truly in love with the language used – this story opened up my eyes to the story and also another perspective of the so called evil and superstition woven into the original play.
Young readers will love this story and I think it is one to read alongside Shakespeare. Not only will it give readers another view on the story it will also allow them to learn why Shakespeare wrote the play as he has.
Themes of friendship, true love and family run strong through this novel as does the power of a single action.
Dreams, power and beauty shine out their true value.
Third Witch by Jackie French is mesmerising and one for any literary bookshelf.
You will have to read this book to find out why it is so important that we think about what we say before we say it, as we never truly know the effect it will have on someone else.
Annie is not a witch but when her lady asks her to help her husband rise to become king she weaves magic through words alongside her mother and friend, Agnes.
Third witch shows us the power of words, perspective on what happiness is and how simple actions can mean so much to another.
Macbeth is a well loved play but the language used by Shakespeare has been lost on many due to it’s complexity and use of old English. I do love Macbeth but I have never been truly in love with the language used – this story opened up my eyes to the story and also another perspective of the so called evil and superstition woven into the original play.
Young readers will love this story and I think it is one to read alongside Shakespeare. Not only will it give readers another view on the story it will also allow them to learn why Shakespeare wrote the play as he has.
Themes of friendship, true love and family run strong through this novel as does the power of a single action.
Dreams, power and beauty shine out their true value.
Third Witch by Jackie French is mesmerising and one for any literary bookshelf.
You will have to read this book to find out why it is so important that we think about what we say before we say it, as we never truly know the effect it will have on someone else.
March 14, 2018
What amazes me is the fact that when I decided to read this book in the holidays, I found it incredibly boring. However, after watching the play Macbeth and reading the script, the book became extraordinary.
I like the way Jackie French Interpreted the play. She rid the story of its superstition and reasoned Macbeth's actions were influenced by his free will. Grasseye Annie was also a very intelligent character who, despite the fact that she was a village girl, understood the world and words of the rich.
She was to be wedded to Murdoch, a character made up by Jackie French, which I thought was Malcolm for about half the book. I quite liked how she ended up with Rab, the blacksmith and had three children in the years to come.
Agnes was a very loyal character, who despite her longevity, did not confess to the true sins of the condescending girl who changed the fate of the kings
A story of 'how ambition can nibble away virtue, till all that is left is death and trickery.'
I like the way Jackie French Interpreted the play. She rid the story of its superstition and reasoned Macbeth's actions were influenced by his free will. Grasseye Annie was also a very intelligent character who, despite the fact that she was a village girl, understood the world and words of the rich.
She was to be wedded to Murdoch, a character made up by Jackie French, which I thought was Malcolm for about half the book. I quite liked how she ended up with Rab, the blacksmith and had three children in the years to come.
Agnes was a very loyal character, who despite her longevity, did not confess to the true sins of the condescending girl who changed the fate of the kings
A story of 'how ambition can nibble away virtue, till all that is left is death and trickery.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2018
Don't read this book until you are familiar with Macbeth, there are many sections that would be hard to follow without having read or studied the play.
This was my second of Jackie French's Shakespeare retellings and I will certainly be reading the third book as well.
I felt conflicted about my rating because while I enjoyed all the aspects of the story in regard to women and class divide and true happiness I found it difficult to sympathise with Annie. While she claims to be loyal, I found her loyalty quite shallow and self serving. If I was going to have someone looking out for me I would much prefer it to be Rab or Agnes rather than Annie.
This would have been a solid four star read for me for the clever retelling but Annie's character brings it down to 3.5 stars.
This was my second of Jackie French's Shakespeare retellings and I will certainly be reading the third book as well.
I felt conflicted about my rating because while I enjoyed all the aspects of the story in regard to women and class divide and true happiness I found it difficult to sympathise with Annie. While she claims to be loyal, I found her loyalty quite shallow and self serving. If I was going to have someone looking out for me I would much prefer it to be Rab or Agnes rather than Annie.
This would have been a solid four star read for me for the clever retelling but Annie's character brings it down to 3.5 stars.
July 23, 2017
Wow! I knew Jackie French was a master of picture books but historical fiction too? My kind of author. As a student of Shakespeare, and a big fan of Macbeth, I was easily drawn into French's YA retelling of the Scottish King's rise and held there by her remarkable interpretation of his fall, through the eyes of a young girl who set off the incredible chain of events. A gripping read and a great tool for making Shakespeare more accessible to teens. Loved the insightful notes from the author at the book's conclusion.
December 31, 2017
Retelling of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' from the perspective of a young village woman who ends up as a servant to the Lady Macbeth, and from there gets caught up in assorted machinations, never quite sure of where her divided loyalties should lie and who she wants to be.
I loved the way that French explores the ideas of the supernatural, and how supernatural explanations are not necessary to explain the events of the play. And I appreciated the different viewpoint, that of the 'common people', and the many variations therein.
I loved the way that French explores the ideas of the supernatural, and how supernatural explanations are not necessary to explain the events of the play. And I appreciated the different viewpoint, that of the 'common people', and the many variations therein.
January 2, 2020
I did enjoy this book - it may be a difficult book for a teen reader I think, but if they can perservere through the 'olde' words then the story is worthwhile. I especially liked the Author's Notes at the end of the book.
A helpful way to read/understand some writing from Shakespeare!
A helpful way to read/understand some writing from Shakespeare!
January 7, 2023
3.5 stars
This could easily have been an English assignment of rewriting Macbeth from the POV of a minor character. It could have been droll, but in French's skilled hands becomes a captivating tale. Easy read.
This could easily have been an English assignment of rewriting Macbeth from the POV of a minor character. It could have been droll, but in French's skilled hands becomes a captivating tale. Easy read.
August 3, 2017
RECCOMENDED X 100000
February 19, 2019
This is by far my FAVOURITE in her Shakespeare series!!
June 18, 2019
One for Shakespeare fans, make sure you read the author's notes at the end.
May 20, 2020
Loved this telling of Macbeth from the perspective of the youngest witch, couldn’t put it down actually and will be looking for the others in the series. Proving a hit with the 12/13 yr olds.
July 15, 2021
Interesting story interwoven with Macbeth
September 29, 2021
To truly enjoy this story, I think you need to be much more familiar with Shakespeare's Macbeth than I am.
June 19, 2023
"Keeping the threads of Scotland in her hands as easily as she'd sewn her tapestry."
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September 8, 2017'I didn't mean to do it'.
Annie is not a witch, but when her mistress Lady Macbeth calls for a potion to 'stiffen Macbeth's sinews', Annie is caught up in plots that lead to murder, kingship and betrayal.
Annie must also not only choose between Rab the Blacksmith and Murdoch, Thane of Greymouth, but discover where her loyalty lies.
Annie is not a witch, but when her mistress Lady Macbeth calls for a potion to 'stiffen Macbeth's sinews', Annie is caught up in plots that lead to murder, kingship and betrayal.
Annie must also not only choose between Rab the Blacksmith and Murdoch, Thane of Greymouth, but discover where her loyalty lies.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews