Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

Rating: 4 stars

Recommended Ages: 16+ (trigger warnings for sexual assault, misogyny, psychological and physical abuse and other interpersonal violence)

Release Date: August 6, 2024

Lady Macbeth is an exceptionally-written and unique reimagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth, presenting a contrast to the original's theme of the wicked, manipulative wife. Author Ava Reid continues to prove why she is one of the most consequential voices in literary fantasy.

Winston Churchill said that history was written by the victors, but it is more apt to say that history is written by the powerful. As is fiction. Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as the impetus to some of Macbeth's most egregious deeds--a flashpoint to his paranoia. What Reid does is shift the narrative. What if Lady Macbeth got to write her own story? How well would it resemble a tale told by men?

This novel is as much literary fiction as it is a fantasy. My preferred genre is fantasy in part because it generally provides escapism. Admittedly, Lady Macbeth was not written for the way I consume stories, as its themes and on-page descriptions of misogyny and interpersonal violence are heavy and difficult. Escapism it is not. But I recognize when these subjects are handled well and the importance of fiction that questions our perspectives on why old stories were written as they were. I believe there is a large audience that will find this novel engaging, heartbreaking, and yet still hopeful.

Thank you to Del Ray and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.