Jeremy Workman recommended Macbeth (2015) in Movies (curated)
Paris 1919 by John Cale
Album
Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1973 solo album from the former Velvet Underground...
Rendezvous with Death
Book
An important British diplomat is abducted in Pakistan. What appears to be a terrorist outrage may be...
Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics
Book
Examining the psyche—and psychoses—of the likes of Richard III, Macbeth, Lear, and Coriolanus,...
The Tragedy Paper
Book
Every year at an exclusive private boarding school in New York state, the graduating students uphold...
Nesbo has done a really good job of moving the setting from medieval Scotland to modern Scandinavia (I think! That's what it felt like as I was reading anyway). The names of the towns in the original are the names of the casinos; the Queen of the witches, Hecate, is the main dealer and leader of organised crime in the town; Lady (Macbeth) is the owner of the most exclusive of those casinos.
Like Shakespeare's play, this book is grim, oppressive and ultra-violent. The body count is high, the murders committed without thought, or at least the only thought in Macbeth's head is that he will gain more power in the eradication of his 'enemies' and their families.
The description of the city portrays a poverty stricken, unemployment plagued, drug addicted, polluted northern town. These people seem to be accustomed to the corruption of their police and government officials, which is how the door opens to allow Macbeth to step through with Lady, his wife (who isn't his wife in this, but his girlfriend). Lady is the one who guides Macbeth's hand in everything he does, and then pays the ultimate price when guilt drives her mad.
I really do think that this is an excellent retelling. Five hundred pages went by in a flash for me, and I have to admit to a feeling of satisfaction as the story was wrapped up at the end.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book - and this is a totally unbiased review, people!
To Wee or Not to Wee
Pamela Butchart and Thomas Flintham
Book
Hamlet could NEVER make his mind up about ANYTHING. And one time he actually went to school in just...
Death of a Dentist
Book
Just when Hamish most needs him - the dentist turns up dead...In Scotland, where thrift and a 'nice...