A Recommendation: Banquo's Son by T. K. Roxborogh

For the past year or so, I've seen something very interesting take place. Suddenly, my former English room was a common place to see sword battles acted out with whiteboard markers, large books with maps of Scotland were more common than dictionaries and girls routinely popping into to ask, "Has the publisher called yet?"

In other words, T. K. Roxborogh was hard at work on her newest novel. An epic tale, Banquo's Son is the sequel to William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, which tells the story of a regicide in 11th century Scotland.

In her novel Roxborogh tells the story of Fleance, the son of Banquo, who was a general in King Duncan's army and cousin to Macbeth. Now the drumbeat of war reverberates through Scotland a decade after the end of the reign of the tyrant Macbeth. For 21-year-old Fleance, the only son of Banquo, Thane of Lochaber the time has come to make a life-altering choice. Since his father’s brutal murder he has hidden in the woods of Northern England, keeping his identity a secret from all. Now Fleance must unmask his enemies and discover why he is plagued by his father’s ghost. What is it that Banquo so desperately wants him to do? But everything in life has a price. If he is to avenge his father’s murder Fleance must sacrifice Rosie, the girl he loves and farewell his adopted family, who have cared for him since his father’s death. Fleance must journey back to his homeland, uncovering a trail of mystery and treachery, becoming involved in the struggle for Scotland’s throne.

For Roxborogh, this novel signifies her international launch outside New Zealand. Currently the publication date looks to be 28th September in New Zealand, but internationally it could change.

For "The Babes" as the elite group of girls who heard about this mammoth task of Roxborogh's all last year and read the SFD's (sh*tty first draft), the vast numbers of redrafts, the hunts for historical inaccuracies and the re-enactments of various scenes. "DIE! DIE! You should be dying, what are you doing laughing?" "Well, geez, at least stab me with something more painful than a blunt pencil."

Recently, a treat arrived from the publisher. A full-size poster of the cover of Banquo's Son. Walking down the corridor to my own English class I spotted it and squealed. Cue congregation of girls all battling to see this poster. The Babes, of course were in the know and took the liberty of informing the lesser-involved among the group. "It's not a movie...yet!" (Though there are people in Hollywood who are interested...!)

It's rather like a steadily building storm, all congregating around Roxborogh and the novel. Currently the English teacher/writer/mother of two/idol of many is writing the sequel and already the fan base (oh yes, there is a fan base) are eagerly pressing her to "WRITE, WRITE, WRITE" so we can once again write all over her typed pages in red pen. I have already seen some of the sequel and can assure you it will be just as engrossing as the first book in the trilogy.

When Banquo's Son is released I encourage you all to take the time to read this novel, be you a fan of historical fiction, Shakespeare devotee, or simply in desperate want of a real gem of a book.