QUEEN HEREAFTER

A prequel to Macbeth breathes life into the woman who inspired one of Shakespeare's most iconic characters.

Like Shakespeare’s play, Schuler’s richly detailed first novel resonates with the ageless themes of betrayal, jealousy, and a lust for power. In 11th-century Scotland, Gruoch, descended from druids, is told by her seeress grandmother that she will one day assume a queen’s throne and be “immortalized.” Her first-person narration recounts a life molded by ambition, prophesies, and the determination to do whatever it takes to become queen. Gruoch is a compelling character who schemes and murders her way toward the throne of Alba (Gaelic for Scotland) by casting her power-seeking net over men, including her gentle husband’s brooding cousin MacBethad. Schuler, an actor and screenwriter, rolls out a cinematic background for this novel that takes us into the fortresses and encampments where royals scheme and conspire. Much of the dialogue is stage-worthy (Schuler has experience as a Shakespearean actor), and the novel unfolds like a film set against the backdrop of the brooding Scottish countryside. You don’t need to have read Macbeth to enjoy this sweeping tale, but you may want to after reading this novel. Fans of the Bard will enjoy spotting the Easter eggs cached in the narrative, such as “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent beneath it.” Fans of Natalie Haynes and Madeline Miller will be pleased to discover another author who reframes an ancient narrative to highlight a powerful woman traditionally overshadowed by the men who share her story.

An irresistible historical novel that lets a vilified queen have her say.