Semele that got burned and the hunchback Zeus

[mythopathy]

I've finished Dorothy Dunnett's The Lymond Chronicles books 1,2,4-6. It's taken me less than two weeks but I have shirked from every other responsibility/duty/social grace to do so and I have no regrets. Now I am-- I thought I was emotionally drained yet devastated is the word I'm looking for. I'm very much conscious of the fact that as a hero F. C

Comments

[endcredits]

Oh, Lymond! I read the first and loved it (although was pretty intimidated by Dunnett's polymath tendencies), but then left it far, far too long before starting the second and now feel I have to revise Game of Kings before continuing with the series! I'm not sure I entirely got it all the first time around, so I'm sure a re-reading would do me good.

I was in Edinburgh in August, and all I could think was OMGLYMOND!

*snuggles Lymond*

[mythopathy]

I am so so sorry it took forever to answer, I had no internet access for two weeks (it was horrible).

Yes, the quoting and the foreign languages (aka french) get overbearing at times. Apparently some of the best jokes are happening in this way and... the most emotional responces. If you think you're attached to Lymond just with the Game of Kings oh darling you've no idea what's coming your way!

And OMG I WANT TO TRAVEL EVERYWHERE HE'S BEEN SO MUCH!

[leslieg]

I get so excited when I find someone else who appreciates Lymond!!! 35 years on, I still number these six books as my favourites! Dunnett's the reason I own "Aucassin et Nicolette" in French and have been obsessed with languages for years!

If you haven't read "King Hereafter," I highly recommend it! Her theory about Macbeth and Thorfinn was brilliant and quite plausible. I don't know that it's been challenged yet, because I simply don't have time to keep up with the history in my old age!

[mythopathy]

I don't there are people out there who have read Lymond and not appreciated the series!

I have to admit I was really afraid that the amazing story and characters I remembered would diminish in my second reading but if anything I feel Iike I am even more touched by it.

I envy your hardcovers. My own the 3 last of the new Vintage editions and all but Pawn of the Penguin editions and I hate how it feels so (hehe) disorderly!

I haven't read King Hereafter, I always meant to but I never have. I have no idea if it's been discredited as of yet.

[leslieg]

Oh, the hardcovers are pretty battered, but they'll last longer than my poor Sphere edition paperbacks. The spines are gone!

Dunnett is not an easy read. Definitely not the soft option in historical novels, but so worth it! I've caught her out in three historical errors: the colour of Elizabeth I's eyes, the year of the creation of the Barony of Wharton, and she changed Edward Courtney's first name to William.

Blame some of her usage of language on the Scottish education system!! My grandmother and my aunt and two uncles were products of it, and similar grasp of languages, phenomenal memories for poetry, etc.

[mythopathy]

You must have done quite the research! Dunnett has made me want to know everything about the 16th century I'm afraid I can't act on that impulse yet. And also I am not ashamed to admit that this woman was very much smarter than me let me tell you.

I didn't catch any historical inaccuracies, I don't know enough history and especially English/British history for that; however I did catch a goof/discrepancy if you will (and I was proud of myself!). In Checkmate Philippa remembers Lymond saying "I love you in every way known to man," at Hotel d'Hercule in Paris when in fact he had said that during the library scene at Fontainebleu.

[aceofkittens]

Have you seen these FAQs?
http://www.dorothydunnett.co.uk/dunnettqa2.htm -- General questions, and she says the whole thing was pretty much planned from start to finish.
http://www.dorothydunnett.co.uk/dunnettqa3.htm -- On the subject of Kuzum's parentage, there are other places where DD was fairly definitive. But plenty of people still cling to their own theories. :) There's also some stuff in the Niccolo books that is ... oh, um. Well, let's just say there's some spoilers regarding people's ancestors, both the Crawfords, and the Mallets. :)

[mythopathy]

Hahahahaha oh god I don't have a job please don't make me start on the niccolo series as well.

I know Kuzum is Gabriel's son it's just that denial is a pretty major part of fandom for me. I've only read Pawn once (and last) I couldn't go through it a second time and then I had to read 5 and 6 to make me feel better (I think I was delusional. Never has a book series dehydrated me more.) So yeah...:P

And ok I like questioning my Gods of Literature every now and then. I don't doubt that this is how she wanted it and I even read the FAQ where she denied being Dame de Doubtance but curses! she doesn't have to be always perfect!

(btw who's the knight in your icon? so blonde!)

[aceofkittens]

I know what you mean. I was in denial about the Aga Morat for YEARS. ;)

I don't have a job right now either, hence it is the perfect time to re-read these books! :D

Isn't the knight delicious? :) He was a knight in the "Heroes and Villains" joust at the Renaissance Faire! His name was "Sir Hollis." I had such a crazy crush on him. :) I imagine him as Francis!

[mythopathy]

He is really delectable! Alas I gave all hope of fancasting Lymond. Who can compare!