Lady MacBethad - Isabelle Schuler

When I was younger, the only Shakespeare play I remember enjoying was MacBeth - The Scottish Play. I can't even remember why, I just know that I enjoyed it and if anyone ever asked me what my favourite was - this would be my answer.

So, as is typical of subjects that pique your interest as a child, MacBeth has long since been one of those stories that I've veered towards whenever it's come about.

So that is how I found myself with an ARC copy of Lady Macbethad by Isabelle Schuler. I will be completely transparent and say that this sat on my list for a little while - about 4-5 weeks. Normally, I've been diving straight into my ARCs but I held back slightly on this one. I wasn't sure I was ready for a story of complex historic language that would require learning new words.

But I needn't have worried.

If you've seen the synopsis for this book, you'll know that this is focussed on the life of Lady MacBeth, and the events that lead to the infamous Scottish Play. And from my memory of the original text, Schuler did a fantastic job of bringing the motivations and ambition of our main character to the forefont.

Gruoch is everything you'd want a strong female character to be - ambitious, focussed and fair. Her fierce protectiveness of those she cares about and loves is clear, whilst exploring the complexities of caring for those that perhaps doubt her or disagree.

I love this book so much and I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy when it's released in March this year.

And I really want Schuler to write an updated version of the play we know and love.

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