Blood and Iron Thoughts

[adelynne]

One of the weird things about this book is how long it's taken me to really figure out what I think of it. In fact, it wasn't until I was sitting at the sushi bar two hours ago that it hit me.

For me, Blood and Iron, is a problem book. matociquala has previously stated that it's a story told from the point-of-view of a villain, and that might cause people

Comments

[mroctober]

I agree. It was a tremendous problem that limited my enjoyment of the book. Plus, there were Mary Sue elements.

[the_jackalope]

I don't really think Mary Sues exist in published fiction, just poor characters. I say this because there are occasionally plot reasons a characters background and talents are what they are, eg Harry Potter. However there are rote characters that you could pick out of any line up, and that is just poor writing.

But I suppose our definitions of Mary Sue probably differs.

[adelynne]

If Mary Sues deform their universe (which is the classic definition in fanfiction), then it could be argued that any protagonist that got a shiny blue sword or stole a silmaril from Morgoth's crown is a Mary Sue. Or perhaps one fathered by midiclorians.

In a large portion of work, we follow protagonists because their powers and/or actions cause a large change in their universe. One can hardly blame them for doing so.

I think I agree with your that Mary Sues don't exist in published fiction, in other words. ;)

[mroctober]

I shall respectfully disagree.

[the_jackalope]

You know, I think that may be my problem with it as well. I have a hard time sympathizing, or caring about, with the main characters. Each one of their choices, not just decisions, but choices seems rather despicable; from the human point of view I suppose. I still have to finish it, but I put it down about a month ago, and I'm not sure I'm intrigued enough to finish.

One of my really, really big requirements for books is that I sympathize and care about with the main characters. The character can do the worst things in the world, but I have to understand where the character are coming from, and I don't here. And I don't care.

[lepapillon]

It made me think, and rubbed at me in ways only a good book can. The characters are engaging and though I cannot be convinced to side with Elaine, I can see how she came to her choices.

As you said, those are all the signs of a good book. Or an engaging and thought-provoking story. So many times I think readers don't get that they don't have to like a character, they don't have to like the choices a character makes, and until you can pass that level, I think you're missing out on a lot of interesting stories and characters too.

[adelynne]

There are books and stories I'll read and think "but I just can't see this happening!" and then I have to stay up for hours thinking of why not and how not. It teaches me a great deal about my schemas.

[matociquala]

;-) You're not supposed to side with Elaine.

You're not *supposed* to side with anybody.

I don't write those kinds of books.

[Shh. It's a secret.]

(thanks for the comments!)