Not Shakespeare

[glenatron]

I just finished reading King Hereafter, Dorothy Dunnett's novel telling the story of the historical MacBeth ( there is no definitive evidence for his exact identity in any direction and her research was exceptional, so her candidate for the role of the king is as good as any ) and it was absolutely fascinating. I don't know whether it matches up to the sheer brilliance of her Niccolo and Lymond books, my reading was grabbed in spare moments so it wasn't quite so smooth going for me and I think it will probably deserve a second read, but she is always a class act and a book could fail to match up to those two series and still be in the top two percent of everything ever written as far as I'm concerned.

The attention to detail is as faultless as ever and the book is in part an exploration of the early days of the idea of Scotland and the challenge of forging of a single kingdom from the Viking islands, the gaelic west and the more English south. It also moves through the tumult of 11th century Europe as it makes the transition from the more tribal dark age to the feudal kingdoms of the middle ages. If you have explored the period at all you will find many familiar names and the politics of England, inextricably linked with those of Scotland, gave me a lot of perspective on the machinations that lead up to the Norman invasion, although the story ends in the late 1050s.

If you enjoy historical fiction or you're interested in this period of history I'd say this is necessary reading. Also if you interested in Scotland's past and identity you would find a lot to enjoy here ( and in Dorothy Dunnett's other work.) It's epic, full of drama and intrigue, and it brings a world long-since washed away on time's tide back to brutal, sparkling, thought-provoking life. Recommended.

Comments

[gnapp.livejournal.com]

That sounds interesting. Thanks.