books
Is this a sequel I see before me?
by Catriona Ferguson
TK Roxborogh continues the story of Macbeth’s Fleance.
From graphic novels to samurai warrior films, Shakespeare’s Macbeth has inspired a mini-industry of remakes and sequels. Banquo’s Son by Kiwi writer TK Roxborogh follows in this fine tradition, picking up the story of 11-year old Fleance, last seen fleeing from Macbeth’s henchmen as they murdered his father, Banquo. With Banquo’s final words urging him to escape but seek revenge, Fleance absconds to England, where he is adopted by a kindly nomadic Scottish couple, Magness and Miri.
Ten years on and memories of his family linger, but Fleance has grown into a strong, capable young man and his pain is eased by the love he has found with sweet and beautiful Rosie. However, when he starts to receive visits from Banquo’s ghost – which always did have a talent for untimely appearances – he is no longer able to ignore his familial obligations. Reluctantly, Fleance puts his relationship with Rosie on hold and heads back to Scotland to avenge his father’s murder.
The plot turns come thick and fast, but most significantly Fleance saves the life of Duncan, second in line to the Scottish throne that was once Macbeth’s. The two young men quickly become close friends and Fleance finds himself drawn into royal intrigues involving loyal thanes, corrupt advisers, political spin, preternatural diversions (yes, those witches again) and further romantic complexities.
Banquo’s Son is a gripping, ripping adventure and, like Shakespeare himself, Roxborogh is a riveting storyteller who never lets historical accuracy get in the way of a great yarn. Occasionally, events stretch credulity and there is the odd cringe-worthy anachronism, such as when Magness urges Fleance to trust his “inner rage”. But generally the slightly mannered style and quasi-formal dialogue are very readable and evoke a plausible enough 11th-century Scotland. Particularly affecting are the acts of treachery on the brutal and bloody battlefields.
The novel is the first in a planned trilogy, and although Roxborogh apparently received encouragement (and feedback on early drafts) from her teenage students at Columba College in Dunedin, it has the depth to satisfy adult readers, and that appears to be the market at which it is principally aimed.
Roxborogh is on the books of the same New York literary agency as Stephenie Meyer, and Banquo’s Son certainly has elements reminiscent of Meyer’s Twilight series – tortured adolescents, honour versus love, supernatural influences – but thankfully it also has strong female characters and a likeable, principled hero. Who knows whether thanes and kings will become the new vampires, but it’s certainly an appealing thought.
