Macbeth
This book is in a Controlled Release!
1 journaler for this copy...
Arrived a few days ago from a paperbackswap member.
Having read other books by Nesbo I knew he is an excellent writer. I did not know if the name of this book had anything to do with Shakespeare's Macbeth, but I did suspect so, given that he is Swedish and Macbeth is no Swedish name.
The plot is an updated version of Shakespeare's Macbeth, and includes all of the main characters, most particularly Lady Macbeth. The story takes place in the 1970s. Macbeth is head of the SWAT and known for both his violent tendencies and his compassionate, ethical nature.
However, when the opportunity to rise in the ranks presents itself, Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to murder a close friend to secure a higher ranking. Macbeth manages to convince himself that the friend was out to get him, and through the book continues to justify his behavior.
Initially I was not happy that the plot followed the original. I wanted Macbeth to be better. I talked myself into accepting this flawed character and the story almost as if it were a comedy. After all, Shakespearean tragedies are dramatic to the point of operatic, and it's possible to step back from the humanness sometimes.
It took quite a while for me to get to the point where I was eager to find out what came next, to cheer on some of the characters. Up until then it was almost a slog, just getting through. This was on me, though, given that I wanted a different story.
After I finished I read that this is part of a series - Hogarth Shakespeare - of different Shakespeare dramas updated by excellent contemporary writers. I am curious about Hamlet now.
The plot is an updated version of Shakespeare's Macbeth, and includes all of the main characters, most particularly Lady Macbeth. The story takes place in the 1970s. Macbeth is head of the SWAT and known for both his violent tendencies and his compassionate, ethical nature.
However, when the opportunity to rise in the ranks presents itself, Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to murder a close friend to secure a higher ranking. Macbeth manages to convince himself that the friend was out to get him, and through the book continues to justify his behavior.
Initially I was not happy that the plot followed the original. I wanted Macbeth to be better. I talked myself into accepting this flawed character and the story almost as if it were a comedy. After all, Shakespearean tragedies are dramatic to the point of operatic, and it's possible to step back from the humanness sometimes.
It took quite a while for me to get to the point where I was eager to find out what came next, to cheer on some of the characters. Up until then it was almost a slog, just getting through. This was on me, though, given that I wanted a different story.
After I finished I read that this is part of a series - Hogarth Shakespeare - of different Shakespeare dramas updated by excellent contemporary writers. I am curious about Hamlet now.
Sent to paperbackswap member.
