Author: Lisa Klein
Published: September 2010, Bloomsbury USA Children
Genre: YA Historical Fiction/Retelling
Rating: 5/5
Often, a reader learns what motivates a character's thoughts and actions as they progress through the novel. At times we think we understand a character only to have our impressions of them change as the character develops and grows throughout the story. Other times we find our understanding and sympathy verified and deepened through their pains, tragedies, strengths, weaknesses and triumphs. When I first read a book by Lisa Klein, Ophelia, I was became intrigued by her ability to look into a classic story and reconstruct and interpret a character with a new motivation. Since then, she has been one of my favorite authors.
Albia is raised in the forest by her mother and two aunts. They are wise women who know the secrets of the earth, as well as Albia's true parentage. Scotland is in a turmoil of unrest as King Duncan is murdered and Macbeth mounts the throne. Albia discovers she has the second sight and can foretell the events of the future. She also learns she is the daughter of the tyrannical new king and his wife, Lady Macbeth. Did her mother ever love her or try to save her when Macbeth ordered his newborn daughter to be left for dead? Is Lady Macbeth haunted by the loss of her daughter? Or, is she just as emotionless as her murderous husband?
Klein brings forth in powerful scenes and alternating 1st POV narration the emotional and psychological affects the loss of a child can have on a woman. In a society where a man can take his wife's child from her and leave the child to the elements how would she react? Does she become as cold as him? Or is it all a shield to protect herself from the pain and loss? Through her characterization of Lady Macbeth, Klein brings together the clashing emotions of a woman whose heart has been broken and stitched back together with bitterness. Personally, I think Klein's strongest craft element lies in the creation of her characters. So for those who love well-developed characters with deep psychological and emotional development they might want to read Klein's novel Lady Macbeth's Daughter.
No comments:
Post a Comment