A Feast for Crows. Plus a little bit about Cersei.
I am re-reading through A Feast for Crows, and I don't think it will ever be my favourite book in the series. There seems to be so much unnecessary information and unnecessary characters. Take, for example, Brienne's travels. Brienne is my favourite character but even I became bored reading about her travels in her first POV chapter. Do we really need to be introduced to about 5 different hedge knights, none of whom she decided to join? What is the point of them all? I know one of the hedge knights will join Baelish's service, which can be relevant for Brienne's search of Sansa, but the rest? I found them so boring.
I really do get a fresh look at Cersei's character during this re-read. I think that during my first reading, I blamed Cersei for many things she had never done, for example, I used to think she was the mastermind behind Ned's death and that she told Joffrey to execute Ned. I don't think so anymore. My current conspiracy theory is that Littlefinger whispered something to Joffrey, but in any case, I don't think Cersei had anything to do with it.
However, Cersei's POV chapters give us a look into her mind and I must say, it is in a poor state. She seems paranoid and not very intelligent at all. I have seen some opinions that Cersei's paranoia started after Joffrey's and Tywin's death, but I disagree. There are examples that indicate the poor state of her mental health long before that. Remember her childhood "friend" Melara Hetherspoon who wanted to be married to Jaime and then unexpectedly "fell" down a well and drowned? There is a clear indication that Cersei killed Merala, and on what grounds? There is no indication whatsoever that Jaime even liked the girl! And my second example is Lady-the-direwolf. Previously, I used to think Cersei was some cold Cruella de Vil type who ordered Lady's execution "just in spite", but I think I was wrong. I think Cersei genuinely thought Lady-the-direwolf was dangerous enough to be put down.
I also think that unfortunately Cersei thinks of herself to be much smarter than she really is. One of the silliest things she has done, I think, was getting rid of Robert's baby and instead having 3 children by her brother. This was such a dangerous situation that she put herself into, with 3 illegitimate children, all looking as her brother and no legitimate heir. I think she was lucky enough to get away with this as long as she did, and only because Robert was not the brightest tool in the shed.
On the whole, I can't not bring myself to hate Cersei so much anymore. I pity her. I do hate it that she doesn't love Jaime the way he deserves, but really, the state of her mental health is not very good, so what can you expect? On the other hand, poor Melara and poor Lady-the-direwolf.
But GREYJOYS??? I love their chapters. Oh, my lovely pirates, I love you all:
I really do get a fresh look at Cersei's character during this re-read. I think that during my first reading, I blamed Cersei for many things she had never done, for example, I used to think she was the mastermind behind Ned's death and that she told Joffrey to execute Ned. I don't think so anymore. My current conspiracy theory is that Littlefinger whispered something to Joffrey, but in any case, I don't think Cersei had anything to do with it.
However, Cersei's POV chapters give us a look into her mind and I must say, it is in a poor state. She seems paranoid and not very intelligent at all. I have seen some opinions that Cersei's paranoia started after Joffrey's and Tywin's death, but I disagree. There are examples that indicate the poor state of her mental health long before that. Remember her childhood "friend" Melara Hetherspoon who wanted to be married to Jaime and then unexpectedly "fell" down a well and drowned? There is a clear indication that Cersei killed Merala, and on what grounds? There is no indication whatsoever that Jaime even liked the girl! And my second example is Lady-the-direwolf. Previously, I used to think Cersei was some cold Cruella de Vil type who ordered Lady's execution "just in spite", but I think I was wrong. I think Cersei genuinely thought Lady-the-direwolf was dangerous enough to be put down.
I also think that unfortunately Cersei thinks of herself to be much smarter than she really is. One of the silliest things she has done, I think, was getting rid of Robert's baby and instead having 3 children by her brother. This was such a dangerous situation that she put herself into, with 3 illegitimate children, all looking as her brother and no legitimate heir. I think she was lucky enough to get away with this as long as she did, and only because Robert was not the brightest tool in the shed.
On the whole, I can't not bring myself to hate Cersei so much anymore. I pity her. I do hate it that she doesn't love Jaime the way he deserves, but really, the state of her mental health is not very good, so what can you expect? On the other hand, poor Melara and poor Lady-the-direwolf.
But GREYJOYS??? I love their chapters. Oh, my lovely pirates, I love you all: