« Article on Gift-Giving Mishaps | Main | Exercise Your Brain »
December 19, 2006
"The Curse of Chalion"
I just finished Lois McMaster Bujold's "The Curse of Chalion
About halfway through the book I realized that I should be noting my favorite parts so that I could easily find them again. So, I grabbed a stack of Post-Its and began bookmarking pages for future reference. I ended up having to rip the Post-Its in half to increase their number. Now the book has this disorderly mass of tiny pieces of blue paper sticking out from its pages.
I don't usually go in for the "lords and ladies" type of fantasy. Court politics just seems oh so boring. But not in Bujold's hands.
What appeals to me most about this book, and the other of hers set in this world ("Paladin of Souls
That's not to say that the intricate plot and compelling characters did not also hold my interest and provide much enjoyment.
The book spoke to me in so many places (as "Paladin of Souls" did). I hate that I have to return the book to the library. I must buy a copy of my own since this book bears re-reading. Already I think I could stand to read it again from the beginning.
The book is also very quotable. Here are a few choice passages:
"When it is too-long-anticipated, a blow falls as a relief." (page 317, at least in my current copy)
"Any man can be kind when he is comfortable. I'd always thought kindness a trivial virtue, therefore. But when we were hungry, thirsty, sick, frightened, with our deaths shouting at us, in the heart of horror, you were still as unfailingly courteous as a gentleman at his ease before his own hearth."
"Events may be horrible or inescapable. Men always have a choice – if not whether, then how, they may endure." (page 340)
"All is well, and if it's not, then at least each day brings us closer to our god." (page 438)
I highly recommend this book and "Paladin of Souls."
Now, I'm off to see if Bujold has written any more.
Posted by Selena at December 19, 2006 06:22 PM