Folger Book Club convenes on Thursday, March 5 with a discussion of Queen Hereafter by Isabelle Schuler. To get ready for the conversation, we compiled some introductory information on this historical fiction novel.
How Shakespeare Saved My Life
What is Queen Hereafter about?
An instant international bestseller: a suspenseful, sweeping historical epic for readers of Natalie Haynes and Madeline Miller, which boldly reimagines the origin story of the woman who inspired one of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters, Lady Macbeth.
She will be Queen. Whatever it takes . . .
Daughter of an ousted king, descendant of ancient druids, Gruoch, has grown up believing that she will be crowned queen of Alba and reclaim the lands of her Pictish kin, a prophecy seemingly fulfilled by her betrothal to Duncan, the heir-elect.
Determined never to be powerless again, she leaves behind her home, her family, and her close friend MacBethad, and travels to the royal seat at Scone to embrace her new position. But Duncan’s court is rife with sly words and unfriendly faces, women desperate to usurp her position, and others whose motives are shrouded in mystery.
As her coronation approaches, a deadly turn of events forces Gruoch to flee Duncan and the capital. Alone and at the mercy of an old enemy, her hope of becoming Queen all but lost, Gruoch must make a fateful choice: live a long, quiet life in the shadows, or seize vengeance and a path back to the throne.
A stunning literary reclamation of an iconic character, Queen Hereafter is a gripping story of female ambition, power, history, desire, hate, and vengeance set against the backdrop of early medieval Scotland.
Critical Reception
” . . . distinctive. There’s genuine commitment to character and storytelling in this tale of Gruoch, the prophesied Queen of Alba, who finds herself at the mercy of heir elect Duncan’s court as she travels to take the royal seat.” –The Guardian
“ . . .a breath of fresh air. The novel, which deftly mixes Shakespearean fiction with the scant bits of historical fact we know about the real-life figures who inspired the play, unabashedly re-centers Lady Macbeth at the center of her own story.”—Paste Magazine
“An irresistible historical novel that lets a vilified queen have her say.” – Kirkus Reviews
Why did we choose this book?
The Folger Shakespeare Library’s collection explores not only Shakespeare’s life and works, but also the plays’ historical context, source material, critical and performance histories, and the ways in which they inspire and are adapted by contemporary novelists.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we take a look at one of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles: Lady Macbeth. Imagining her time as young women growing up in and navigating the political perils of medieval Scotland, Schuler’s novel explore the origins of this fascinating character.
About the author: Isabelle Schuler
From Harper Collins
Isabelle Schuler is a Swiss-American actress, writer, and former bookseller. Her latest self-penned short film, I Am a Unicorn, is currently playing at festivals in the UK, US, and Europe. She has a BA in journalism, and her screenplay Queen Hereafter was longlisted for the Thousand Films Screenwriting Competition in 2019 and adapted into her debut novel. She lives in London.
Guest Speakers
Beth DeBold
Beth DeBold is a postgraduate researcher in early modern British social history and culture at Newcastle University in the UK. After a ten-year career in libraries, she now focuses on the human labour of the book and print trades during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Her doctoral project examines the lives and social networks of the apprentices who came to London to learn how to make their living at the press or in the bookshop. She is owned by two cats, John Quincy and Abigail.
Content Transparency
Queen Hereafter includes potentially sensitive subjects. Expand below for a full list of content (includes spoilers).
- Murder
- Death
- Violence
- Homophobia
- Suicide
- Sexual content
- Self harm
- Fire/Fire injury
- Bullying
Support the Folger Shop
Fall Folger Book Club selections are now available online and in-person through the Folger Shop!
Click below to purchase your copy of Queen Hereafter online or come visit us at 201 East Capitol St SE during our opening hours. Hours and directions
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We would like to thank the following organization for its generous support of this program
Join us for an upcoming event
Virtual Folger Salon with Jennifer Evans, Elizabeth Porter, and Jake Yuzna
Printing Press Demonstrations
Reading Rhythms
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