BOOK OF THE WEEK

Iron Queen

Joanna Courtney paints a vibrant and vivid view of Iron Age England with Iron Queen, the third instalment in her Shakespeare’s Queens series.

Based loosely on Shakespeare’s King Lear, the novel follows Cordelia, princess of the Coritani tribe and youngest daughter of Chieftain Leir. Drawing inspiration from historical writings on Leir and Celtic myth, Courtney’s writing takes us far beyond the boundaries of the play.

Her compelling narrative is filled with romance, intrigue and tragedy. The goal of the series is to release Shakespeare’s female characters from his ‘brilliant but restrictive narratives’ and she definitely succeeds here. Not simply a meek and devoted daughter, Cordelia is a well-rounded heroine, brave but compassionate, innocent but insightful. She is content to spend her days breeding hounds, under her loving father’s watch.

However, a complication arrives in the form of

Taran, a handsome and kind-hearted blacksmith, well beneath Cordelia’s station.

Cordelia and Taran’s star-crossed love must stand against the political machinations of Cordelia’s eldest sister, Goneril. Goneril is as power hungry and ruthless as her Shakespeare counterpart, more than ready to turn against her own family – including her sisters and ageing father. But she is granted her share of humanising vulnerable moments, most often when the narrative perspective shifts to Olwen, a druidess and Goneril’s lover.

The relationship between the three sisters is supposed to be at the heart of the book. One minor complaint might be that I wish more time could be spent with Regan, the middle sister, who disappears for a sizeable chunk of the middle of the book.

Where the story really shines is in its worldbuilding. Courtney has evidently researched Iron Age Celtic society extensively.

The result is Cordelia’s world is fascinating and incredibly immersive. She lives in a matriarchal society with a rich culture and history.

From its religion to its buildings to its budding scientists, the druids, every part feels intricately detailed and fleshed out.

Courtney’s passion for this world is infectious. Iron Queen is a captivating story with plenty of thrills for fans of Shakespeare as well as those new to the tale of Leir and his daughters.