It's been a long time since I read Macbeth, and it was a real pleasure recalling the story (and much of the language!) while living it from a newly-imagined perspective. The period details and the language bring the period to life -- a brutal and uncomfortable time, for sure! And Albia is a fine heroine, strong and independent. I might - dare I say it? - suggest that a young reader read this book BEFORE tackling Macbeth. That way he or she would know the outlines of the story and have a grounding in the setting before tackling the more difficult Shakespearean language. I think it would add to the pleasure. Come to think of it, I think I'll head upstairs and get down my Shakespeare right now. Well researched, great topic, excellent interpretation of both Shakespeare and the real history- the idea of a daughter makes much sense of the play Macbeth- 'I have known what it is to nurse a tender babe' (I paraphrase, sorry) and yet they have no children. The way Klein mixes 'real' magic (like Albia actually having the sight) with faked prophecies that come true because people make them happen through believing in them and having their own ambitions and desires- very well done.However it was a little soppy for me in the end, the plot didn't do it for me and after sticking so well to the facts and interpreting them cleverly, Klein began instead to twist the story awkwardly so that events technically fit into the official framework of the play/historical characters, but bent so that things could come out more emotionally and poetically perfect and it was all too neat for me and I started to get annoyed. Thus, only 3 stars. Although now I may possibly be developing some fascination for the history of the real Macbeth and I kind of want to read the books she mentions in the afterword.... :-)
What do You think about Albia (2000)?
I really enjoyed this YA novel. It was well-researched and well-written.
—mar
An interesting take on the play and an enjoyable, easy-ish read.
—smileybubblesswagg
This is one of my favorite books based off a play.
—jontellywelly_
