![]() Book name: Piranesi Author: Susanna Clarke Genre: Fantasy, Mystery Goodreads: Link Storygraph: Link One of the most unique novels I have read where Its even hard to place what sort of category this novel falls into which is a mix of fantasy, SciFi and a detective/mystery story. The novel is told from the perspective of an individual who is referred to as Piranesi, who inhabits a vast labyrinthine house of many halls which is periodically subject to flooding and other natural dangers. As the novel progresses you as the reader sense something is off about the world he inhabits and what has brought him here and as you progress you begin to unravel the mystery of this enigmatic place. While it is a relatively short novel, (compared to the 1,000+ page debut novel by the author Dr. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell), the characters of the novel are well fleshed out with interesting personalities, some really interesting world building and also very evocative language flourishes that used to describe what its like to live in this house. The novel also poses a number of questions to the reader an delves into a number of themes including spirituality and faith, nature vs materialism, and what it means to be human. As you start off with the novel, you as the reader are likely to find yourself quite confused about whats going on, but if you stick to the end you are rewarded with a compelling mystery and some interesting questions to ponder over. Overall would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery set in a strange and richly detailed environment. Quotes “The Beauty of the House is immeasurable; its Kindness infinite.” The story is told from the perspective of a mysterious person, Piranesi who resides in a vast labyrinth of halls that are filled with elaborate statues and is affected by the tides and the elements. “Perhaps even people you like and admire immensely can make you see the World in ways you would rather not.” The only other companion of Piranesi in this Labyrinth is 'The Other' whom he looks upto as a knowledgeable figure. However later events prove this not to be the case and the book seems to offer a commentary of the danger of following charismatic figures. “The House is the cause of my forgetting... And if the House has made you forget, then it has done so for good reason... It does not matter that you do not understand the reason. You are the Beloved Child of the House. Be comforted. And I am comforted.” At the same time, the book comes across about the value of spirituality and faith, where Piranesi has a child-like wonder of the world and puts his faith in the house and thinks of its as an omnipotent, benevolent entity that sees him and provides for his needs “I do not see why you say I can only see a representation in this World,’.. You make it sound as if the Statue was somehow inferior to the thing itself... I would argue that the Statue is superior to the thing itself, the Statue being perfect, eternal and not subject to decay.” The books title is a reference to the Renaissance artist Piranesi who was famous for his sketches of famous historical landmarks in Italy such as the Roman Colosseum. In some of these he imagined what these structures would have looked like before they fell into ruin which is what is experienced in the many halls Piranesi wanders in compared to the real world where all things decay “I’ve never been very interested in what you might call morality, but I drew the line at bringing about the collapse of civilisation. Perhaps that was wrong. I don’t know. I do have a rather sentimental streak.’.” The book has an underlying humor to it while also dealing with some deep themes such as a the importance of giving time to reflect on what it means to be human “I can pay for things with money –though I still find the process strange and artificial. .. Piranesi wants to say: But I need the thing you have, so why don’t you just give it to me? And then when I have something you need, I will just give it to you. This would be a simpler system and much better!” Piranesi is someone who is well attuned to his surrounding. Hence we finds things that we take for granted baffling, which if you step back and think about it, is actually quite strange, while things we would normally be repulsed by, he sees it as a natural part of life. “I realised that the search for the Knowledge has encouraged us to think of the House as if it were a sort of riddle to be unravelled, a text to be interpreted, and that if ever we discover the Knowledge, then it will be as if the Value has been wrested from the House and all that remains will be mere scenery.” A key theme of the book is on the importance of giving time for ourselves to take a step back and reflect on what we value in life and what it really means to be human
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![]() Book name: The Song of Achilles Author: Madeline Miller Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction/fantasy Goodreads: <Link> Storygraph: <Link> I'm usually a bit hesitant with reading modern adoptions of historical events or well-known tales such as the events surrounding the Trojan War depicted in Homer's Illiad, but when it comes to Song of Achilles which was the first book written by Madeline Miller, I was pleasantly surprised by how the author managed to tell a compelling and fresh tale around this very popular story. The novel describes the life and times of Achilles and Patroculus told from the perspective of Patroclus. The novel takes a bit of time to get off the ground where in the first few chapters which depict the lead up to the Trojan war and the time Patroclus is sent into exile and meets Achilles for the first time, the duo doesn't appear to be particular likeable where Patroclus appears Star-crossed while Achilles comes across as Cold and aloof. But once you get to the point where they spend time training with the Centaur Chiron the story really comes into its own and you find the characters quite endearing. This may have been deliberate in order to show the growth of both characters where with their experiences during the war you see how Achilles is transformed from a very sensitive and trusting boy to a cold and calculating killing machine. "I watched them marching, rank on cheerful rank. I saw them dreaming of the plunder they would bring home, and the triumph. There was no such dream for us." The relationship between Patroclus and Achilles is at the heart of the story, and while there are some differences in the nature of the relationship between Patroclus & Achilles from the social context of the time, where the relationship had a more ritualistic dimension to it. The author might have been done to make it more relatable to a modern audience, as well as to show how the nature of the relationship between the two evolves over time due to their experiences. “May I give you some advice? If you are truly his friend, you will help him leave this soft heart behind. He’s going to Troy to kill men, not rescue them.” ... “He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.” The same can be said for many of the secondary characters such as Odysseus and Agamemnon where even though they are make only brief appearances, the author presents them as multi-dimensional characters. For instance, Odysseus is depicted not just as the Wiley/ Endearing character, but also as a cold and calculating person willing to apply violence if the situation demands it. Similarly, the novel briefly shows Agamemnon's prowess with a spear, suggesting that he is not just a general who stays behind and lets his men die for his Greed. The novel also introduces character such as Briseis's, but the story doesn't delve too much into her character in order to keep the focus on the two main protagonists. See my review of for the most beloved where you see more stories of her and the other women of Troy. "The men too became less like dozens of different armies, and more like countrymen. These men, who had left Aulis as Cretans and Cypriots and Argives, now were simply Greeks— cast into the same pot by the otherness of the Trojans, sharing food and women and clothing and battle stories, their distinctions blurred away.. Even years later this camaraderie would remain, a fellow-feeling so uncharacteristic of our fiercely warring kingdoms”. The depiction of the war and how it evolves over time feels very authentic, and shows the depth of the authors research. An interesting point that is brought up was how the war helped to unite the Greeks, which was is a way one of the motives for Homer who wrote the Illiad to depict a Golden age of Greek civilization where they were united under a common cause. “Give us both peace. Burn me and bury me. I will wait for you among the shades. I will— But already he is waking. “Patroclus! Wait! I am here!” Even though going into this book, most readers would be familiar with how the two characters meet their tragic end, the last couple of chapters is simply devastating and provides a very emotional climax for the entire story. One thing I caution is that although the novel can be read by someone with only a vary vague idea of the story and about Greek Mythology , some of the details presented may come across as strange or unfamiliar to a reader who is completely new to the story. However, even for those who are well versed in the story, the novel offers a fresh take on it and allows you to really appreciate the depth of the authors research in staying true to the source material and bringing these characters. Overall would highly recommend it and looking forward to checking out some of the other works by the author. Quotes “She wants you to be a god,” I told him. “I know.” His face twisted with embarrassment, and in spite of itself my heart lightened. It was such a boyish response. And so human. Parents, everywhere.”. “Look at how he will be remembered now. Killing Hector, killing Troilus. For things he did cruelly in his grief. Perhaps such things pass for virtue among the gods. But how is there glory in taking a life? ..Let the stories of him be something more”. ![]() Book name: For the Most Beautiful Author: Emily Hauser Genre: Historical Fantasy/ Mythology Goodreads: Link For the most beautiful By Emily Hauser tells the story from the Perspective of two Trojan Women who are mentioned in Homer's Illiad which is the source & inspiration for many retelling of the epic conflict which is waged both amongst mortals and Gods. The two characters at the centre of the novel are Krysayis the daughter of the High priest of Apollo and Briseis, a princess of Pedasus who are taken captive by the invading Greeks and describes their experiences as they survive and attempt to shift the fate of the war. The novel is written by an author who has a historians background and hence aspects of that filter through in terms of the attention to detail given to the days of the months and time periods of the day as well as the different names used by the Trojans and Greeks who keep the same gods. At the same time the author avoids dumping too much information on the reader making it a fairly crisp and easy read. However, apart from these few details, I didn't feel like her background informed the story and characters depicted in the novel. The author doubles down on the stereotypes pertaining to different characters such as a tyrannical Agamemnon, a warmongering Achilles and a conniving Helen. Another strange aspect of the novel is the graphic descriptions of the female characters which felt like it was very much written from a Male Gaze. Would like to give the author the benefit of the doubt this is an attempt to critique the source material of the story and the context of the time period that is being depicted, though I don't see how this improves the story or what purpose this serves. The novel is written from the first person perspective of the two women and has been limited to just two characters which makes it easy follow along. However I felt that the switching between the different POV in terms of the length of each chapter felt too quick. This might have been an attempt to convey a sense of urgency and dynamism (while also trying to provide a 'cliffhanger' ending) but as a result you feel like you don't have time to sit with the character and digest what takes place. In addition, the story of the two women is punctuated by short glimpses into the life and times of the Gods who in the novel acted like Comic relief where they spoke and acted in a very modern perspective while the rest of the mortals followed a more 'classical' style which was a bit jarring. However one of the more interesting scenes of the novel was when one of the characters encountered the God Apollo and realized that the Greeks & Trojans keep the same Gods. The author decision to include the role of the Gods in the novel is also a bit of the issue is terms of the structure of the novel and the agency given to the characters who spend a sizable portion on the novel on a certain matter only for the Gods to intervene and completely throw off their planning. As a result it felt like while the author wanted to tell a fresh story, it has led to the characters having to make choices that requires a leap of logic in order to stay true to the source material. Overall, while the novel had a promising start and placed characters who had been marginalized as the main protagonist, felt the novel didn't really add anything to the Canon of the Trojan war which is already saturated with the event being used as a staging point for so many great and not so great stories using the event. . ![]() "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit" - The opening lines of The Hobbit or There and back again I remember this edition of the Hobbit quite fondly as this was what first introduced me to Tolkien's Legendarium at an early age and sparked my interested in the high fantasy genre. The text, dialog and even the songs featured in this version is lifted straight from the text and makes the book quite dense for a graphic novel. As a result, the lyrical quality of the novel that makes the novel so enjoyable has been preserved in this version. "I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills and my path led through the air. i am he that walks unseen. I am ringwinner and Luckwearer and barrel-rider!" - Bilbo's introduction to Smaug "My armour is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail; a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath DEATH!" - Smaug introduction to Bilbo In addition, the story is enhanced by the gorgeous illustrations and the art style which complements the text very well. The depiction of the landscapes was particualrly good which brought to life iconic locations such as The pleasant hobbit holes of the Shire, The dark forests of Mirkwood and the Misty Mountains that have been marked by the desolation of Smaug. Some scenes such as the Riddle game played between Bilbo and Gollum is particularly rendered very effectively by the illustrations. One shortcoming I feel with respect to the illustrations is the portrayal of Smaug where it's awesome strength and the sheer terror it is supposed to inspires is somewhat muted in the novel. I also quite recommend the 1977 animated film of the Hobbit which keeps with the spirit of the novel and the animation style resonates with this illustrated edition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_JMOPCo31M Favourite Quotes “Adventures only make you late for dinner.” - Bilbo Baggins “I don't think I know your name.' 'Yes, yes my dear sir and I do know your name Mr. Bilbo Baggins. And you do know my name, though you don't remember that I belong to it. I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means me.” - The Introduction of Gandalf the Grey “What do you mean?" he said. "Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?" "All of them at once," said Bilbo. "And a very fine morning for a pipe of tobacco out of doors, into the bargain.” Farewell! O Gandalf! May you ever appear where you are most needed and least expected! - the Eleven king's parting words to Gandalf. Pretty much sums up the character of Gandalf "if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. farewell! - Thorin's parting words to Bilbo Book details - Good reads ![]() The approach adopted by GRRM is that of wearing the hat ( or the chains of a Maester of the Citadel to be more precise) of a chronicler recording the key events in contrast to the POV approach readers are familiar with in the ASOIAF and dunk and egg series. The opening lines which describe the dance of the dragons as the "Most Tragic Bloodletting" is most definitely not and understatement and makes the war of the five kings comparable to a scuffle. While the details of the confrontations between the two factions: the greens and the blacks are quite frequently and predictably violent they at times lack the emotional impact of the ASOIAF series as the focus shifts from one battlefield to the next giving the reader no time to reflect. While I think that this has been done deliberately keeping to the character of a maester writing a ponderous tome, GRRM's genious shines through by interlacing it with a few tender moments such as the battle between Aemond & Daemon and the parting of Aemon with his wife who he will never see again. This style of writing to my mind resonates with Homer's Iliad and Tolkiens Children of Hurin. I was also pleased with the treatment of the dragon seed; bastard and low born offspring who possess Targeryen blood. GRRM is not naive to think that characters will not inhabit there stereo types. Ie; dragon seed such as Hugh Hammer and Ulf the white behaving in a treacherous manner while in contrast others such as Addam of Hull act valorously. Also I like the fact that GRRM acknowledges the destructive power of dragons and the pivotal role they play in reversing the tide of battle as witnessed at the disaster of the Honeywine. Fans of dragons would be excited by the uninhibited portrayal of them as pure engines of destruction and chaos while the romanticized view of knights as dragon slayers seem to be less true as the most successful instances of dragon slaying in the novel seems to be done by other dragons and the mob of flea bottom. Reading some of the passages seem like a role call for all the noble houses of Westeros where an appendix containing the timeline of the events and the principal characters would have been very welcome. This problem is further compounded by the similarity of names of the Targeryens such as Daeron, Daemon, Aemond which makes it very difficult to keep track of. But in hindsight this was a precursor to fleshing out the characters more fully in the world of Ice and fire novels. I was also expecting a deeper insight into the motivations of Ser Criston Cole :the kingmaker given Jaimie's interest in the ASOIAF series. Apart from pursuing supporting Queen Alicent to crown her Aegon son over his elder sister Rhaenyra, I Was quite surprised that the kingmaker played a less pivotal role than I had expected with regard to the events which led up to the dance with dragons. Overall a great addition to the Westeros Canon. Book details - Goodreads |
AuthorAvid reader of Historical fiction, High fantasy novels, Comics & Graphic Novels. Passionate about teaching & the future of education in general. Categories
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