Customer Reviews

Lady Macbeth: A Novel

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Who was Lady Macbeth? The monster of Shakespeare's greatest play or was she, as this book suggests, simply a woman who needed to be tough enough to survive savage times. The Lady of this novel is born to a heavy handed but loving father, grows up a bit wild and half pagan but knows her value: she bears the bloodline of Scottish kings on both sides of her family. The man who marries her could well be king. She is married off to a powerful lord who turns out to not be such a bad guy. I really liked this touch. Usually if a heroine of a historic novel has two husbands the authors make the first husband a brute or a stupid lout or so old and feeble that no woman would want him. I'm glad the author broke out of that mold. Rue and Macbeth are married purely for political reasons and she is cautious around him and makes it plain that she doesn't trust him. They do not fall madly into love at first sight. There is a physical attraction and Macbeth seems to understand her as well has her father does but the story never turns stickily sentimental. Eventually Rue and Macbeth settle into marriage and she comes to admire him and finally at the end of their lives together she finds that she did love him all along.

Macbeth is a full bodied complicated character. I liked him from the first time he showed up and his death is really quite moving. Lady Macbeth is an excellent historical novel and I read it in two days because I just didn't want to put it down.

As cold and brutal as the bloody swords that clash for the heart of Scotland, this novel is a harsh reminder of the 11th century battles fought to determine the eventual rise and kingship of Macbeth (Mac bethed mac Finnlaech). Born of royal blood, Gruadh, "Rue of the Sorrows", is given in marriage to the mormaer of Moray, Gillecomgan, but not until after a prophetic kiss on the eve of the new moon with Macbeth, a noble warrior who will loom large in her future. Accommodating her new husband, Gruadh is relatively happy, nearly at term with her child when Macbeth arrives with his soldiers to announce the death of Gruadh's mate. Believing Macbeth to be the murderer of her child's father, the new widow has no choice in these ragged times but to marry Macbeth, although she harbors much anger and suspicion, as well as an unforgiving spirit. After the birth of her son, Lulach, "Rue" is somewhat becalmed, but this is a warrior woman, trained to fight, who will never relinquish her role to become subservient to any man.

After an uneasy truce, husband and wife make amends, Gruadh realizing how heavily his part in her first husband's death weighs on Macbeth. Allowing herself to soften toward a great leader and kind man, Rue of the Sorrows becomes a willing partner as the two discuss favorable portents of one day sharing the throne of Scotland. As mormaer of Moray, Gruadh small queen, the couple is popular with local citizens, Macbeth attending his vast lands, aiding the people through harsh winters and gaining their loyalty for his cause. Macbeth is the ruler they have been waiting for and upon the death of Malcolm, brutal king of Scotland and killer of kin, the country rises up in support of a capable Macbeth. Sadly, Gruadh has been incapable of bearing sons for Macbeth, losing the small souls before birth or soon after. Turning to a wise woman for counsel and to read the signs of the future, Gruadh becomes immersed in magic and the enhancement of her own power of sight.

Against the frigid white background of winter in Moray and the blooming fields of summer, Viking ships watching just off the coast, the novel is couched in the superstitions of the old ways and the strictures of the priests, the future defined by portents, the power of belief the trajectory of history. This delicate balance of belief and magic perfectly circumscribes Gruadh's actions and those of her husband. No matter how peaceful their rule of Scotland, the country is never safe from the advances of the Saxons or the ambitions of Malcolm's descendants. Ever conscious of their legacy to their country, Macbeth and Gruadh appreciate the extraordinary opportunity of their time together and the peace and prosperity they have afforded the land. However, the stars do not remain forever in alignment, fate drawing Macbeth into a deadly circle, Viking and Saxon ships on the horizon in a vise that may require more skill and divine power than man can deliver. Rue of the Sorrows remains the heart of this fascinating tale, a warrior queen who would fight at the side of her people, understanding full well that "sorrow and life go hand in hand". Luan Gaines/2008.

How interesting it would have been if Shakespeare had told the truth in his play! He would have had to portray very different characters than he did. In her novel LADY MACBETH, Susan Fraser King does just that, combining detailed historical authenticity and a great, compelling story. I loved the strength of character shown in King's historical Lady Macbeth. Rue, as Lady Gruadh is called in the novel, has strong opinions, yet the reader follows the subtleties of her thinking as she changes her mind about her initial opinion of Macbeth himself, and as she acts on her beliefs and convictions with other characters throughout the story.

I also loved that almost every line in this novel reads like poetry. The writing is beautiful and evocative, and so visual that I could see in my mind everything as it transpired in the story. The author keeps the reader firmly in the world of 11th century Scotland, which takes true skill. It's historically accurate, yet in historical fiction, the strength of this story and its characters, and the quality of the writing is more important than the fascinating historical detail. King does a masterful job of blending both worlds of fiction and history.

Shakespeare invented powerful characters and bloody situations to explore dramatic themes and to meet the political needs of his time, without much attention to actual facts. Susan Fraser King gives us a complete historical perspective on Lady Macbeth, producing a wonderful, enjoyable read. Highly recommended by an avid reader of historical fiction.

"Lady Macbeth" is certainly one of the best Macbeth stories there are. "King Hereafter" and "Stones of Destiny" are probably the only real competition.

When I first heard about it, and then heard it was a romance novel, I near could've kicked somebody. "Darn it, I know how they'd do it, they'll... Grr! Romances!" I can't usually stand that kind of book. "Lady Macbeth" is nothing of the kind, though. It's not graphic. At all. Ever. And the characters are all realistic. The good ones have flaws. The bad ones have something to redeem them.

A lot of time after Macbeth becomes king is left out completely. A whole lot. But the cuts are made skillfully, and the end, and Macbeth's death, were not damaged at all. It was actually a really good ending.

Definitely worth getting.

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.

Every now and then a historical novel comes along that has everything fans of the genre are looking for: Rich, jump-off-the-page characterizations, well-researched, makes learning about the time period fascinating, so suspenseful that you can't put it down, and written in first person so captivating that you're drawn into it on page one.

Susan Fraser King's Lady Macbeth is such a book. She just shot to the top of my list of favorite historical fiction writers.

Susan Fraser King recreates the life of Gruadh inghean Bodhe, who became Queen of Scots and Lady Macbeth. As she explains in the historical note, "So little is known of Macbeth's queen that historians have drawn conclusions based on the events and circumstances around her." Drawing such conclusions as King does, within the context of a fictional story, works well.

The story of Gruadh opens with two kidnappings and rescues - the later event taking place when Gruadh is almost of marrying age (about 14). "After the second abduction," Gruadh explains, "[M]y father assured me that I need not fear any further attempts. As soon he could arrange it, I would be married off to a man of his choosing, for he sought both a protector for me and an unbreakable alliance for our Fife lineage."

At about the age of 15, Gruadh marries Gilcomgan of Moray, mormaer or ruler of the Moray region. Macbeth, who lost the opportunity for the title in a dispute over the manner of his father's death, coveted Moray.

In this fictional account, he attacks and traps Gilcomgan in 1032 "in a burning tower with fifty men at Burghead Sands." He then marries Gruadh and becomes mormaer of Moray.

At this point, the story largely becomes Macbeth's. While Gruadh struggles with her almost equal desires to be a warrior queen and a mother, Macbeth serves as a general to King Duncan.

But Duncan was an inept ruler. By 1040, Macbeth garnered enough power to challenge and fatally wound the king.

The story then skips ahead to 1050, the year Macbeth went on a pilgrimage to Rome. On his return, rumors abound concerning Malcolm Canmore's quest for the throne. Canmore was the son of Duncan.

In essence, history repeats itself. Canmore does to Macbeth what Macbeth did to Duncan. Macbeth's rule ends in 1057 with his death.

I enjoyed Lady Macbeth immensely. The author's writing style is agreeable; her storytelling ability adept. If there are any weaknesses, it's the occasional narrative that reads too much like a research summary. But that's a small flaw, easily forgiven. In truth, I can hardly believe this is the author's first book. I await the next with bated breath.

When I read a Historical book of any kind, I love to be captured so fully that I can actual feel as if I, myself, am in the middle of the action. Like I am one of the author's carefully created characters. And, through Susan Fraser King and her thorough research and magnificent skills, that is exactly what happened when I opened the pages of this FANTASTIC book!

Lady MacBeth is a skillfully created novel that I absolutely was thrilled to have the chance to review. I have to keep asking myself why, only recently, have I just started reading these kinds of wonderful novels. I loved reading about Rue, aka Lady MacBeth, and her live with MacBeth. Having always heard about her through schooling, namely English classes and Shakespeare, she was an intriguing character to me. Having her life arranged in marriage to MacBeth was wonderful to read about. It was truly interesting and wonderful to read how they were not in love at first sight but grew in affection towards one another.

The plot and the scenery came to life for me. The author's words and descriptions were amazing. Scotland became home to me during my time of reading this novel. History mixed with a touch of mystery really made this novel pop.

I highly, highly recommend that you read this novel. It's 5 star worthy, no doubt, and a perfect addition to any History lovers bookshelf. You will be taken back into a time and place that is fascinating and you will befriend a wonderfully powerful lady.

How does one start a review of a book as well written and engaging as Lady Macbeth by Susan Fraser King? Should I start by telling the story of my high school senior English teacher who acted out the Shakespeare play Macbeth, thus starting my long obsession with the queen who desperately tries to wash blood from her hands or should I start by saying I am usually disappointed by historical fiction? How about a little of both.

During my senior year we were blessed with an English teacher who secretly wanted to act. When it came time to read Shakespeare Mr. Fraser (no relation to the author) taught us how to enjoy the bard's prose by getting on his desk as he acted out the play. Watching Mr. Fraser act out a one man sword fight is a cherished memory I hope to always keep.

Lady Macbeth's anguish over the death of King Duncan followed me through my life. I vowed I would never do something that would cause lifelong regret or sorrow. Many times in my 20s I would stop myself from doing something stupid by asking if this action would cause me to constantly want to wash it from my soul. Lady Macbeth kept me from causing myself mental scars. I never gave the person Lady Macbeth much thought, it was what she represented that stood out for me. To be honest I did not know she was a real person, I thought she and Macbeth were fictional characters or at least composites made up by Shakespeare.

As I started to seriously study Irish and English medieval history I wanted to complement my studies with historical fiction. As a lifelong reader I assumed I would fall in love with this genre, but sadly I am a critic of it. Oh I have my favorites; Peter Ellis's Brother Cadfael, and Bernard Knight's John Crowner, but more often than not I find issue with authors who are either so busy adding description the plot is ignored or the author feels no need to describe the times in which the book is set. King weaves a tight tapestry of both plot and character. King researched both Scotland and the Macbeths; her book shows just how well she accomplished this.

Lady Macbeth is the story of the last Celtic King and Queen of the Scots and the story of 11th century Scotland itself. Macbeth's story is told as history, not as a tragedy; though I became so engrossed in their lives that the tragedy came because I knew there was only one ending to their story. The death of Macbeth was as upsetting to me as it was to Lady Macbeth as she talked of his last heroic effort to save Scotland from English rule.

Other reviewers have mentioned how the voice of the Scottish queen burns off the page, yet it bares repeating. King has written a character so life like, it is as if she and King spent many long hours together. If you appreciate strong female characters who are noble in the face of adversary and are strong when necessary then you will really appreciate this book.

When Macbeth kills Gruadh's husband and takes her as his wife the book could have turned into the typical story of a man and women who dislike each other but somehow come to adore each other. King manages to write their story as it probably did happen, not how modern readers come to expect. As Gruadha rages over what has happened those around her accept it as a matter of fact. The people around her accept that Gruadha's husband was an inept lord and that Macbeth was the better choice. Gruadha accepts her fate and the fate of her people because this was the norm. She and Macbeth slowly trust and respect each other. Though the reader is never privy to their private life, you do get the sense that these two people do love each other. As the end of the book nears it becomes harder and hard for Lady Macbeth to finish the tale as it means reliving the death of her husband.

Forget what you learned about Macbeth from Shakespeare; read this book for the characters and human drama. Read the book because it is one of those rare books that remind us readers why we spend so much time curled around our couches. I have to warn you, once finish this book finding your next good read will be a challenge.

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.