Macbeth and Son

by Jackie French

Book by Jackie French

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Shakespeare, Australia, Middle Grade, Retellings

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2006

About the author

Jackie 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.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much liked this book. It is meant for teens but the message is good for everyone. History can change what is believed to be the truth depending on who has the most influence. The truth is important because without it there can't be trust. The truth can be painful and unpopular but is still necessary.
Love the message. Life would be so much simpler if everyone just told the truth, no confusion when actions and words don't match and no second guessing. Plus idiots wouldn't get themselves in trouble when they forgot what lies they had told.

[SHR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

The story revolves around Luke, who lives in country Australia in modern times and Lulach, who is the stepson of the King Macbeth. The book examines how Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” has changed the perception of Macbeth the man and talks about why Shakespeare would have written the play the way he did, as well as whether it is important that we remember Macbeth as he actually was, or whether the success of a great play is more important than the truth. The words of the play are woven through the story and there is a parallel in Luke’s life, which means that he has to work out the right thing to do, and whether lies really matter if they come from good or if they achieve good. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth about Macbeth

[Somee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. A story of a true heroic king and lies. Any school teaching Shakespeare should teach this book as well. My favourite Jackie French book so far.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting way to learn the true story behind the real Macbeth and how sometimes people distort history/lie for their own purposes.

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mainly read this because my son is reading it for English and I thought I could help him with his homework. It was ok. Very "school curriculum" in style. The most interesting part of the book was learning the true history of Macbeth, and that he was not the villain Shakespeare portrayed. It was also interesting to read about how Scottish society was structured - it seemed pretty progressive and a lot more egalitarian than Britain.

I'm not crazy about this genre but the book was pretty readable. This book is very okay, I would say. Nothing more or less than okay. Which is okay!

[Rosina Dimech · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I both loved this book.
I went on a journey and discovered that our own family line goes back to the time this book was set in.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A narrative that takes place accross two time periods; contemporary Australia and dark age Scotland. A good historical adventure that explores the importance of truth in history and individual lives. A good introduction to Macbeth.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent YA (12-14) novel that was both intriguing & enchanting. Well woven narrative across 1000yrs with themes of courage, unconditional love, family & honesty. Highly recommend this novel for middle year students.

[Leo Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about truth telling and being able to do your duty. 2 boys living thousands of years apart struggle in their own lives and have to find a way to get back to their normal lives. Loved this book. Nothing was bad and I highly recommend to anyone who wants to read a book.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a really good book for people who enjoy history and excitement. I would recommend this book to girls and boys around the age of 13 - 15

[Genevieve · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was really hard to understand and the storyline wasn't that interesting for me.

[Megan Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read if. Just do it. You won't regret it and you won't forget it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie French is so good a weaving a good yarn, while teaching you all sorts of stuff. Like History and morals, I recommend her books for any young teen/teen.

[Maaike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, like all Jackie French books, great historical fiction. Great themes and morale

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really cant say i enjoyed this book, i had to read it for school and it just didnt interest me. Dont really reccommend.

[H · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read it for a school assignment and I have to admit Jackie French is an excellent author, although this isn't one of her best works. The past/dream scenes were good on the other hand.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, I really enjoyed this back when I was 10 or 11. Plus, the cover is pretty cool.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macbeth and Son by Jackie French (2006)

[Daniel M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last 10 pages where Great!

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for school.