Lady Macbeth (October 2024) Buddy Read Discussion - Hafs & Sophie

[mina, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Welcome to the Lady Macbeth Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on October 14th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 10/14
14th: chapters 1-3
15th: chapters 4-5
16th: chapters 6-7
17th: chapters 8-10
18th: chapters 11-12
19th: chapters 13-end

PARTICIPANTS
~ Hafs
~ Sophie

[Hafs, Games Procrastinator]

so this isn't a reimagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth from Lady Macbeth's pov (awkward...bc that's what I thought it was) we're off to a terrible start. I hate her already this 17 year old french girl cosplaying the GREAT Lady Macbeth this cosplaying might prove daunting bc those shoes are too big to fit her petite dainty Frenchwoman feet (yk bc Scots are brutes and they're really big and scary and all they do is kill ppl and eat wild boar)

[Sophie , Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Chapters 1-3

Ok so I'm in a unique position in that I'm not familiar with the story of Shakespeare's Macbeth whatsoever so I honestly wouldn't have known any different.

It felt like there was a lot of information thrown at us in the first chapter; I lowkey had a stroke trying to remember the locations, who doesn't like who and attempting to pronounce some of those locations.

I don't know if I'm being slow or I just missed it, but what was the point of Roscille and Hawise switching in 'roles' in the carriage to just go back to being themselves when they arrive and change at the castle.

Also, is Hawise ever going to come back? I doubt it, but if she does I imagine it's going to be a point of tragedy for Roscille. Whether she was killed or being used as a whore, who knows?

[Sophie , Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Chapters 4-5

I am wondering what Roscille's endgame is? Is it power? Is it vengeance? The haunting, dark gothic setting is one of my favourite settings and Ava Reid always writes them so well.

I am looking forward to getting more into the witchy and magic side of things, the Duke is already suspicious and it's been hinted at a couple of times.

Lisander is an interesting character to throw into the mix. It's obvious from how frequently he has been mentioned since he's arrives that he may play a key part in Roscille's story at some point. There is a lot to dive into there, especially considering how ominous he is.

[Sophie , Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Chapters 6-7

Ok so Roscille had the Kings chamberlains murder him upon Macbeth's request which obviously was not part of her plan, but I think it may benefit her in the long run.

The end of chapter 7 was just.....not what I was expecting. I didn't think that Roscille was going to be so reckless in her actions towards Lisander. It looks to me as though Lisander may have some magic of his own, hence him feeling unfit to be on the throne. I wonder what Roscille is going to do now that Lisander has her cornered?

[Hafs, Games Procrastinator]

I think Lisander is some type of mythical creature (or just some dude with some really powerful magic) bc the amount of times the colour of his eyes is being brought up is interesting... (I'm leaning towards the creature theory bc it's not everyday someone's eyes are described as being serpentine or sth like that)

The part about Hawise and Roscille switching places at the start was unnecessary bc they don't need to keep doing the bit the moment they step foot at the castle


I also don't like the idea that Roscille is the medium, the dagger-if you will-in Macbeth's hand. bc this is a feminist retelling so she might as well start killing ppl bc she wants to not because her lord husband commands it.

[Sophie , Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Chapters 8-10

These past three chapters were just tragic. From the whipping to the rape, this may be the final push that will drive Roscille to stop being Macbeth's dagger, like you said, and take power and vengeance.

I never initially picked up on the eye thing with Lisander, but now that you've mentioned it, I can't help but notice. Discovering the reason behind his unusual look was sad, he will forever be paying for his father's sins.

[Sophie , Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Chapters 11-12

Lots has happened in the past two chapters. Roscille and Lisander finally managed to spend some time together, even if it was cut short.

Roscille's visit to the witches was very smart and I'm happy that Lisander aided her in discovering more about Macbeth's first wife.

Part of me thinks she may have some sort of secret agreement with the witches hence the prophecy they gave Banquho and from that, his execution.

It's obvious that Macbeth's wound is leading him to act crazier and slightly more paranoid than normal.

I'm probably going to end up finishing today since there isn't much to go. :)

[Sophie , Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Ok so I ended up finishing and here is my final review!

(view spoiler)[ 4 stars ✨

I truly missed Reid’s writing. This was as lush and immersive as ever. Reid’s writing is consistently top tier and unlike any that I’ve ever read.

The way in which she writes settings is unmatched. This one was dark, gothic, and incredibly vivid. I swear I could feel the wind and stone floor beneath my feet.

There was duality to the characters, leading to you frequently changing your opinion on them. You could really feel the tension as the story progressed.

I’m not familiar with Shakespeare's Macbeth so I can’t comment on whether it is too similar or not similar enough. I pretty much went into this one blind and still thoroughly enjoyed it. (hide spoiler)]

[Hafs, Games Procrastinator]

I also finished this and unlike you I definitely didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to. However my dissatisfaction doesn't come from comparing this book to Shakespeare's Macbeth but from being annoyed at the MC throughout the book. I couldn't stand her and that was the book's biggest con.

As for the other characters, I didn't really much for them they weren't memorable (Not even Macbeth) and if any would've died, I could've lived with it.

Aside from that, the inaccurate geography (which shouldn't bother me much considering I'm not actually Scottish and it's such a minor detail but I found it bothered me quite a bit)

all in all the book was well written as was expected.