Book discussion: Fire and Hemlock, Parts One and Two

[shimotsuki]

Here is the first of two discussion posts for Fire and Hemlock, by Diana Wynne Jones. It may be the case that we've all read the whole book already (I certainly found it hard to put down), but let's keep to the original plan and discuss only Part One ("New Hero") and Part Two ("Now Here") in this post so we don't accidentally spoil anyone who hasn

Comments

[huldrejenta]

Actually it took a while for me to really get into the story. I enjoyed reading it from the start, but when I got properly engrossed in the story, is when Polly and Mr. Lynn visit Stow-On-the-Water.

But then I looked back at the part that I already read, and found myself getting more and more intrigued by the other scenes. (I'm almost embarrassed to say, but I think the whole post-Remus biography thing made it more difficult for me to get drawn into a new story, oops. I'm past that now:-))

One thing I'm really impressed by so far (I haven't read beyond parts 1&2) is how well crafted (can I say that?) the characters are. All of them, actually. But the ones that really come alive to me are Granny with her house full of biscuit smell, and Mr. Lynn. It's probably not very surprising, but the scenes with Polly and Mr. Lynn are my favourite parts. DWJ makes me picture him very vividly with his high shoulders, apologetic laugh, habit of not fitting in very well, and the way he drives (I love them driving round and round the roundabout in front of Buckingham Palace because he keeps missing the road they want).

I also love the sence of atmosphere some of you mention. The description of the pantomime the first night when everything went wrong made me feel the nervous heart beat and the smell of frantic activity backstage very clearly. Also the school scenes, with every new thing and club that suddenly everyone was deeply engrossed in, and the way friendships are built and kept and ended.

I'm really excited about finding out more of what lies behind especially Laurel's actions. I find it most intriguing the way the magic entwines with reality. And the vases are most puzzling.

[shimotsuki]

I find it most intriguing the way the magic entwines with reality

Yes! That is really interesting -- and leaves me with so many spoiler questions, heh. The horse incident is a great example, because (as Mr. Lynn says) there is a perfectly ordinary modern explanation for how it got there. And yet--! (I also love the idea of the horse-car, although I think I'd be afraid to ride with Mr. Lynn, heh.)