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Queen Hereafter: A Novel of Margaret of Scotland

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Queen Hereafter is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Margaret of Scotland, focusing on the early years of her marriage to King Malcolm. The story also introduces a fictional character named Eva, the illegitimate daughter of Macbeth's heir, who brings a different perspective to the tale. The book explores themes of loyalty, storytelling, and the power dynamics between the characters, providing a readable and engaging narrative set in eleventh-century Scotland.

Characters:

The characters are rich and multifaceted, particularly Margaret, who is presented as both strong and flawed, complemented by Eva, who enhances the narrative with her own complexities.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by detailed and evocative prose that vividly depicts historical settings, though it sometimes struggles with perspective shifts.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative chronicles Margaret of Scotland's life, showcasing her challenges and triumphs as she navigates court life and societal expectations while also introducing the fictional character Eva to enhance emotional depth.

Setting:

The setting immerses readers in the complexities of eleventh-century Scottish society, depicting life in castles and the broader political landscape.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with a slow start filled with exposition, which segues into a more dynamic narrative, but some plot points may feel rushed.
My lady mother was so sure the English king planned to be rid of us the moment we set foot on his Saxon shores that she refused to sail there from Denmark. But we had been journeying for months after ...

Notes:

Queen Hereafter is a historical fiction novel by Susan Fraser King.
The book focuses on Margaret of Scotland, who became a queen and later a saint.
Margaret was a princess descended from a Saxon king and a Hungarian princess.
She was forced into a political marriage with King Malcolm of Scotland at a young age.
Margaret initially wanted to become a nun but had to adapt to royal life instead.
The story also includes a fictional character named Eva, a bard related to Macbeth.
Margaret is portrayed as a strong-willed and intelligent character, battling with personal issues like guilt and anorexia.
The author uses rich descriptions to create a vivid picture of 11th century Scottish life.
The novel explores themes of loyalty, religion, and personal growth.
Some readers felt the beginning of the book was slow and filled with excessive exposition.
There's a focus on the relationship between Margaret and Malcolm, which evolves despite its political origins.
The book blends historical facts with fiction, providing insights into Margaret's life and reign.
Readers found the book enjoyable but wished it had focused more on Margaret rather than Eva.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes related to anorexia and historical violence.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, particularly in the evolving relationship between Margaret and Malcolm, even as it is framed within the constraints of a political marriage.

From The Publisher:

Refugee. Queen. Saint. Based on the lives of Saint Margaret of Scotland and her husband, King Malcolm III, in eleventh-century Scotland, a young woman strives to fulfill her destiny despite the risks…

Shipwrecked on the Scottish coast, a young Saxon princess and her family-including the outlawed Edgar of England-ask sanctuary of the warrior-king Malcolm Canmore, who shrewdly sees the political advantage. He promises to aid Edgar and the Saxon cause in return for the hand of Edgar's sister, Margaret, in marriage.

A foreign queen in a strange land, Margaret adapts to life among the barbarian Scots, bears princes, and shapes the fierce warrior Malcolm into a sophisticated ruler. Yet even as the king and queen build a passionate and tempestuous partnership, the Scots distrust her. When her husband brings Eva, a Celtic bard, to court as a hostage for the good behavior of the formidable Lady Macbeth, Margaret expects trouble. Instead, an unlikely friendship grows between the queen and her bard, though one has a wild Celtic nature and the other follows the demanding path of obligation.

Torn between old and new loyalties, Eva is bound by a vow to betray the king and his Saxon queen. Soon imprisoned and charged with witchcraft and treason, Eva learns that Queen Margaret-counseled by the furious king and his powerful priests-will decide her fate and that of her kinswoman Lady Macbeth. But can the proud queen forgive such deep treachery?

Impeccably researched, a dramatic page-turner, Queen Hereafter is an unforgettable story of shifting alliances and the tension between fear and trust as a young woman finds her way in a dangerous world.

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About the Author:

With graduate degrees in art and art history, former college lecturer SUSAN FRASER KING is the author of several bestselling novels praised for lyrical style and historical accuracy. Raised in upstate New York and a frequent visitor to Scotland, she…

 
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