Jo Nesbo's Macbeth: A Review

TL;DR

Jo Nesbo puts a Scandinavian twist on Shakespeare's Macbeth, set in 1970s Glasgow, with over-the-top language and thrilling action.

Transcript

it's the latest in the Hogarth Shakespeare series where contemporary authors take on classic works by the Bard we've already seen Jeanette Winterson take on The Winter's Tale Margaret Atwood has tackled the tempest and and Tyler's tried out the Taming of the Shrew now it's time for Norwegian thriller powerhouse yo Nesbo to take on Macbeth and frank... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥡 Norwegian author Jo Nesbo takes on Shakespeare's Macbeth in the Hogarth Shakespeare series.
• 😫 The adaptation is set in 1970s Glasgow, giving it a gritty and grimy atmosphere.
• ✍️ Nesbo's writing can be overwrought and melodramatic, but he excels at writing thrilling action sequences.
• ❓ The adaptation does not contain many nods to the original Macbeth, focusing more on plot than on language.
• 😤 Nesbo's version features modernized characters, such as Macbeth being a SWAT team leader and Lady Macbeth being a former prostitute.
• 📟 The length of the adaptation, over 400 pages, may be off-putting to some readers.
• 💦 Nesbo's take on Macbeth falls somewhere in the middle in terms of reimaginings of classic works.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Jo Nesbo's adaptation of Macbeth differ from the original play?

Nesbo's version is set in 1970s Glasgow, giving it a grim and gritty atmosphere. The characters are also given modern occupations, such as Macbeth being a SWAT team leader and Lady Macbeth a former prostitute-turned-casino owner.

Q: Does Nesbo's writing capture the essence of Shakespeare's Macbeth?

While the language and writing can be overwrought and melodramatic at times, Nesbo does excel at writing thrilling action sequences. The Banquo Fleance action set piece is particularly standout.

Q: Are there any nods to the original Macbeth in Nesbo's adaptation?

Unfortunately, the translation process and Nesbo's focus on the plot rather than the language means that there aren't many nods to Shakespeare's original play. Soliloquies are reduced to mere grumbles and sighs.

Q: How does this adaptation compare to other reimaginings of classic works?

Nesbo's adaptation falls somewhere in the middle. While it can be fun to puzzle out how he solves the problem of bringing the play into the modern era, the over 400-page length and lack of Easter eggs may deter some readers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jo Nesbo takes on Shakespeare's Macbeth in the latest installment of the Hogarth Shakespeare series.

• Set in 1970s Glasgow, the book provides a gritty and grimy atmosphere.

• The language and writing can be overwrought and melodramatic, but Nesbo excels at writing action sequences.