As I Descended by Robin Talley | REVIEW

TL;DR

A young adult lesbian retelling of Macbeth set in a boarding school with supernatural elements.

Transcript

hi this is daboki and today I'm going to be reviewing as I descended by Robin talak as I descended is a young adult lesbian boarding school retelling of Macbeth featuring clicks scholarships and a ton of the supernatural I found out about this book from Lauren at burn fiction via Twitter and as soon as I heard lesbian retelling of Macbeth I was sol... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑 "As I Descended" is a young adult retelling of Macbeth with a focus on gender and sexuality.
• 👨‍🏫 The setting of a boarding school with supernatural elements gives the book a Southern gothic atmosphere.
• 🫵 The use of multiple points of view allows readers to understand the characters' perceptions and motivations.
• 🫠 The book may appeal to those seeking a fun and eerie read for the fall season.
• 🕳️ However, some weaknesses, such as clumsiness in introducing new characters and plot holes, may be present.
• 🙈 The main characters, especially Maria, do not fully embrace agency in their actions, which may be seen as a weakness or a departure from the original Macbeth.
• 🏛️ Fans of modern retellings of classics may enjoy "As I Descended," but those seeking a faithful adaptation may have mixed feelings.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does "As I Descended" differ from the original play Macbeth?

While "As I Descended" is a retelling of Macbeth, it introduces modern conventions of gender and sexuality, focusing on a lesbian relationship between Maria and Lily. Additionally, it is set in a boarding school with supernatural elements.

Q: Does the book effectively use Southern gothic elements?

Yes, the book incorporates eerie rumors and the history of the school where the story takes place, giving it a Southern gothic feel. However, some readers may find the execution of the multiple points of view to be a bit clumsy.

Q: What are the main conflicts in "As I Descended"?

The main conflicts revolve around Maria and Lily's desire to attend Stanford together and the obstacles they face, particularly Delilah who stands in their way. Supernatural forces also become involved, causing Maria and Lily to get in over their heads.

Q: Is the book a faithful adaptation of Macbeth?

The book takes inspiration from Macbeth but deviates from the original in some ways. One notable difference is that the protagonist, Maria, is not entirely present as an agent in her own crimes, which sets her apart from the traditional Macbeth character.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "As I Descended" is a retelling of Macbeth featuring two roommates, Maria and Lily, who are secret girlfriends at a boarding school called Ashran Etra Asheron Academy.

• Maria and Lily's relationship is threatened by Delilah, a popular student who is expected to win the coveted Kingsley Prize.

• The book incorporates Southern gothic elements and multiple points of view to explore the characters' perceptions and the rise and fall of the students.