To love truly or not to love truly

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Queen Macbeth

Val McDermid

122 pages, Kindle Edition, Published May 2, 2024

It is not an easy thing to undertake to re-imagine a narrative about a woman that has been extensively investigated through one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.  In Val McDermid's short novella, Queen MacBeth, the re-telling has been achieved with the most lyrical prose and provides a wonderful and captivating insight into the character.   

Gruoch (Queen MacBeth) and her lifelong friends Eithne, Aife and LIgath, find themselves four years after the death of King MacBeth hiding in a monastery.  Their lives are in danger, as King Malcolm's loyal supporters are drawing close, for even without a husband, Gruoch ability to scheme means she is still a threat.  

It is hard to explain how easy it is to be immersed into the words and the storytelling. I felt like I was reading a personal letter or candid memoir as Gruoch reminisces about her life. How while married she meets the red headed warrior and discovers love.  

This is quite simply divine, whether you are lover of the source material or not, does not matter. As you find yourself beguiled by Queen MacBeth.  

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