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“‘Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't.’ So advises Lady Macbeth to her husband in Shakespeare's famous tragedy ‘Macbeth.’
Interestingly enough, Lady Macbeth could very well be taking her own advice.
This devoted wife from Shakespeare's famous play is one of the most
outrageous, enigmatic, and intriguing characters in all of literature. Lady
Macbeth is infamous for her power of persuasion and manipulation. What is
perhaps most interesting about Lady Macbeth is her motivation behind her
manipulation, which leaves readers pondering: who is the woman behind the
powerful man? This is the question that Alma Bond answers for readers in her
novel Lady Macbeth: On the Couch.
Bond blends historical record of the real Lady Macbeth with the character the
world is acquainted with in Shakespeare's play. The result is a fascinating
tale of a strong, discerning young woman named Gruoch
(Lady Macbeth) determined to hold her own in a time when females had very
little power. Readers are offered insight into Gruoch's
life as a motherless child who revered her father, to a young woman embarking
on her first (arranged) marriage, and finally, to what readers are most
enthralled with -- her life and relationship with Macbeth. In this, Bond does
not disappoint her readers. We are treated with details and insights that
paint a colorful picture of Gruoch as a complex
individual created by her life experiences. Additionally, the historical
touches provide readers with a lens into Gruoch’s
life not available in Shakespeare’s play. Last and certainly not least,
readers are indulged with clever references to Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth,
which offer a unique depth to this enigmatic character, and in some cases, a
sense of humor typically not associated with Lady Macbeth. Readers will
likely be captivated by Gruoch from simply reading
the prologue. Fans of Shakespeare should be advised that Lady Macbeth: On the
Couch is very much its own story. It is not Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ told from
Lady Macbeth’s point of view. Instead, it is what literature lovers enjoy the
most an intelligent treatment of the possible life of one the most infamous,
mysterious female characters in all of literature. I plan to purchase Lady
Macbeth: On the Couch as it will complement my 12th grade AP English
Literature curriculum. My high school students always enjoy Shakespeare's
"Macbeth" and are especially fascinated by the character of Lady
Macbeth. They consistently desire more knowledge and insight into this
character. This novel will actually serve as a great teaching companion to
the play, as it is a wonderful example of the power of characterization in
writing. If only I could afford an entire class set of this novel!”
-Renee Fletcher, English Teacher, Fitzgerald High School, Warren, MI (Greater
Detroit area)
Bruce L. Bortz, Esq.
Publisher, Bancroft Press
bruceb@bancroftpress.com
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