In all truth, I don't have a problem with the fictionalized versions of real people, nor do I have an issue with pure fictional characters. My issue stems from story construction. Look at it this way:
Li-Mei's story is a subplot that really doesn't affect Tai's story. The only purpose it serves is her fate angers him more and gives him more motivation to act against his brother (which amounts to nothing). But her fate is nothing more than motivation: in truth, the whole of her arc doesn't have any effect on the OUTCOME of Tai's story, not does it have an effect on the OUTCOME of the war.
Likewise, Tai's story, as fascinating as it was, did not effect the story of the war itself. Those horses, the importance of which was SO STRESSED, ended up not being important at all. Not even in the fast wrap up of the end did we learn that if it hadn't been for those horses, they would've lost the war to the rebels. So in essence, Tai's tale could've been taken completely out, and the tale of the rebellion, which ends up being the book's focus, wouldn't change a bit.
To me, I like plots that weave together in such a way that if you take one thing out, the whole book unravels. So while Kay certainly achieves something beautiful, atmospheric, and immersive, plot-wise, there's a lot that doesn't amount to anything substantial. Now, as some commenters have mentioned, it's the journey that counts, not the the destination, and that's fine. But for me, looking back, I feel the book could've been stronger if the plots had tied together in a more detrimental way. It's not to say I felt like I'd eaten cotton candy or anything (very tasty, no substance, gives stomach ache if you eat too much at once), but I do feel a bit cheated, because if he'd tied those plots together more, it could've really had a greater impact.
And since he's fictionalizing characters and events to a certain extent, why not ALLOW those subplots to effect the war? That's my beef.
Apologies for any typos or misspellings. Just got back from a very filling anniversary dinner with a few glasses of wine. ;)
No worries. :) I'm sorry I didn't explain myself better to begin with!
How did you feel about the resolutions of Tai and Li-Mei's stories? I mean, they do get a happily-ever-after stamp, which is kind of nice, and I love how Tai went back to help bury the dead every year, but I thought those endings were rather rushed...
What do you consider "the ending"? For me, it was chapter XXV (Jian and Liu's last scene, and the abdication of the old emperor) around p. 499. Everything after that was wrapping-up, and considering how many different characters and story-lines he had to finish, 70 pages just wasn't enough. I wanted to know MORE about all those people, because Kay is just so damn good at creating memorable characters we care about.
I am glad we also GOT an epilogue as long as this one was (Kay is usually not big on long epilogues); and the last page page was heart-breakingly beautiful.
I can't wait to hear what you thought about "Tigana." Hopefully you'll have a chance to read it in 2011!
Li-Mei's story is a subplot that really doesn't affect Tai's story. The only purpose it serves is her fate angers him more and gives him more motivation to act against his brother (which amounts to nothing). But her fate is nothing more than motivation: in truth, the whole of her arc doesn't have any effect on the OUTCOME of Tai's story, not does it have an effect on the OUTCOME of the war.
Likewise, Tai's story, as fascinating as it was, did not effect the story of the war itself. Those horses, the importance of which was SO STRESSED, ended up not being important at all. Not even in the fast wrap up of the end did we learn that if it hadn't been for those horses, they would've lost the war to the rebels. So in essence, Tai's tale could've been taken completely out, and the tale of the rebellion, which ends up being the book's focus, wouldn't change a bit.
To me, I like plots that weave together in such a way that if you take one thing out, the whole book unravels. So while Kay certainly achieves something beautiful, atmospheric, and immersive, plot-wise, there's a lot that doesn't amount to anything substantial. Now, as some commenters have mentioned, it's the journey that counts, not the the destination, and that's fine. But for me, looking back, I feel the book could've been stronger if the plots had tied together in a more detrimental way. It's not to say I felt like I'd eaten cotton candy or anything (very tasty, no substance, gives stomach ache if you eat too much at once), but I do feel a bit cheated, because if he'd tied those plots together more, it could've really had a greater impact.
And since he's fictionalizing characters and events to a certain extent, why not ALLOW those subplots to effect the war? That's my beef.
Apologies for any typos or misspellings. Just got back from a very filling anniversary dinner with a few glasses of wine. ;)
Reply
I read "Under Heaven" as the story of Tai and Mei-Li, with the Rebellion as a background, so I had no beef with it :-)
Happy Anniversary!
Reply
How did you feel about the resolutions of Tai and Li-Mei's stories? I mean, they do get a happily-ever-after stamp, which is kind of nice, and I love how Tai went back to help bury the dead every year, but I thought those endings were rather rushed...
Reply
I am glad we also GOT an epilogue as long as this one was (Kay is usually not big on long epilogues); and the last page page was heart-breakingly beautiful.
I can't wait to hear what you thought about "Tigana." Hopefully you'll have a chance to read it in 2011!
Reply
Leave a comment