Val McDermid moves from crime to historical fiction in her latest novel Queen Macbeth, a fresh reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. From her debut with Report for Murder to the Kate Brannigan series, McDermid has established herself as an efficient storyteller with the propensity for creating page-turners, and this novel is no exception.
Most of us are familiar with the classic Shakespearean tale: Macbeth, a Scottish general, encounters three witches who prophesise his rise to power. Driven by ambition and spurred on by his wife, Lady Macbeth, he ascends to the throne through treachery and murder. However, his reign is plagued by guilt, paranoia and ghosts, leading to his eventual downfall.
In McDermid’s fiction, you’ll find similar themes and a somewhat more historically grounded narrative centring on Lady Macbeth. Gruoch, as she is historically named, navigates a kingdom rife with power struggles, treachery, forced marriages and complex relationships.
The book’s novella length means that some of these themes, such as the depictions of slavery and the transition from paganism to Christianity in the latter half of the book, are understandably treated broadly and consequently lack depth.
The novel employs two alternating timelines: in one, a young Gruoch is unhappily married to her brutish first husband, Gille, until she meets the exuberant Macbeth. In the other timeline, Lady Macbeth is on the run with her three close companions – a healer, a weaver and a seer – rather than the witches of Shakespeare’s tale.
McDermid’s version leverages our limited historical knowledge about Lady Macbeth to exercise artistic freedom. Her Gruoch is ambitious, ruthless and vulnerable, making her a compelling and multifaceted protagonist. Through McDermid’s humanisation of Gruoch, we gain a deep understanding of her background and the societal pressures that shape her actions. While the supporting cast, including Macbeth and other historical figures, are less developed, Gruoch’s travel companions stand out as well-rounded, effective and resourceful warriors.
McDermid’s prose complements the adventurous spirit of the novel. She contrasts tranquil descriptions, such as ‘spirited wind’ and the ‘waning moon’, with the harsh realities of a bloody medieval Scotland. Her writing is both elegant and succinct, effectively capturing the historical period while maintaining an engaging pace, particularly within the present timeline. The novel occasionally relies on generic historical language and, while this anachronistic modernity isn’t as jarring in our post-Bridgerton era, it can sometimes compromise the authenticity of the period.
Read: Theatre review: Macbeth (An Undoing), Malthouse Theatre
Yet again, McDermid proves to be a proficient storyteller with a deep understanding of literature, history and human nature. The novel’s refreshing focus on prevailing female friendships at its core allows it to honour its historical roots while standing firmly as an engaging and original read.
Queen Macbeth, Val McDermid
Publisher: NewSouth Publishing
ISBN: 9781846976759
Format: hardback
Pages: 152pp
Price: $29.99
Publication Date: 24 May 2024
