Prickle Forrest Books
BOOK REVIEW
August 2024
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Dear Readers,
While browsing through NetGalley’s stacks, I discovered an intriguing novella. This story will leave you questioning who portrayed Queen Macbeth better: Shakespeare or McDermid? Read on for my thoughts, but I recommend getting your copy this September. You won’t be disappointed.
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Title: Queen McBeth
Author: Val McDermid
ISBN:N/A
Publisher: Grove Atlantic
Pub Date: September 2024
Archive Date: September 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 144
Format: Digital eBook
Price: N/A
Availability: NetGalley Amazon
Review Date: August 7, 2024
NetGalley Reviewer: 1375356 (Christina H.)
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Description:
Shakespeare created the myth of the Macbeths as indefensible murderous conspirators. But now internationally bestselling author Val McDermid drags the truth out of the shadows, exposing the patriarchal prejudices of history
Britain’s reigning “Queen of Crime” (The Scotsman), Val McDermid has ensnared audiences worldwide for over thirty years with her thrilling and masterfully plotted crime oeuvre. A radical, rip-roaring counternarrative drawing on the historical record, Queen Macbeth delivers an illuminating portrait of Shakespeare’s most famous villain, and the treacherous pursuit of ambition that made her legendary.
A thousand years ago in an ancient Scottish landscape, a woman is on the run with her three companions – a healer, a weaver, and a seer. The men hunting her will kill her – because she is the only one who stands between them and their violent ambition. She is no lady: she is the first queen of Scotland, married to a king called Macbeth. As the net closes in, what unfurls is a tale of passion, forced marriage, bloody massacre, and the harsh realities of medieval Scotland. At the heart of it is one strong, charismatic woman, who survived loss and jeopardy to outwit the endless plotting of a string of ruthless and power-hungry men. Her struggle won her a country. But now it could cost her life.
Immersive and utterly riveting, Queen Macbeth is an electric reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated tragedies and reaffirms McDermid as one of the preeminent writers of our day.
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My Review:
A masterful blend of historical drama and personal introspection, set against the harsh and tumultuous backdrop of 11th-century Scotland. McDermid’s storytelling is immersive and engaging, presented through dual timelines that explore the life of Queen Gruoch and her companions—a healer, a weaver, and a seer. The character development is rich and relatable, allowing readers to form a genuine connection with the protagonists. However, the novella’s brevity leaves readers wishing for a more extended exploration of these fascinating characters and their relationships. Additionally, the modern prose style, while accessible, may feel slightly out of place to some, potentially detracting from the historical setting. Nonetheless, Queen Macbeth is a triumph of historical fiction that challenges the Shakespearean myth and reaffirms McDermid’s reputation as a master of the genre. For those intrigued by innovative retellings of classic tales, this novella is a must-read, leaving readers with much to ponder about the nature of ambition and the strength of women who defy the odds. Many thanks to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.
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My Rating:
**** for my review.
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Thanks for checking out this review… stay tuned… a Christmas holiday review is coming next!
Christina H. Benchoff
Prickle Forrest LLC
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