A Song for Arbonne
2 journalers for this copy...
A magnificently told tale of honor, chivalry and song, Guy Gavriel Kay raises his status as storyteller and master of prose to new heights. The novel has many different levels of plot and theme such as redemption, conflict and the mysticism and magic of the land of Arbonne. Being the expert weaver of tales that Kay is, he brings all of these elements, and more, together in a powerfully satisfying tale.
This is the story of the conflict bewteen of two societies that embody two very different pictures of medieval times. Arbonne is the seat of chivalry and romance, the medieval world we often imagine, while Gorhaut is a cold and feudal realm, probably far more realistic and much less appealing.
Gorhaut is ruled by the amoral King Ademar and the even less scrupulous High Elder and Chief Counsellor, Galbert. Galbert is strongly opposed to Arbonne’s female rulers. His son, the mercenary Blaise, is the son a man at odds with himself, his family and what his position means to the world at large. Arbonne has echoes of Avalon, in that it is surrounded by mystery and ruled by the Goddess.
Kay focuses on the subtle political plots and personal problems that are overcome, rather than on the battles and battle preparations. The carefully measured existence of magic makes that the reader experiences the belief in the gods and the mysticism as the characters do, while at the same time it does not take over the main story. The characters are believable and inspire emotion, and the answers they find are never formulaic. Plot, characterization, descriptive writing, and original ideas all mesh perfectly.
The strength of this novel is Kay's magnificent descriptions of all things chivalric. From Blaise's contemplations and declarations of his honor, to the battles fought, the sword fights, and the inner dialogue characters such as Rosala has with herself, Kay instills each scene and each interaction with a depth of respect and display of veneration that ultimately brings them from page to inner eye with great flair and reverence. Kay also evokes vivid imagery and settings through the songs his troubadours sing. In all, Kay displays a talent for writing these scenes and interactions as if he lived during the time period (France in the years 1000 to 1200) in which this novel is based.
The genius of Kay's prose and the strength of his character development place this novel at the top of the fantasy genre. Kay is one of my favourite writers and this is my favourite among his books.
This is the story of the conflict bewteen of two societies that embody two very different pictures of medieval times. Arbonne is the seat of chivalry and romance, the medieval world we often imagine, while Gorhaut is a cold and feudal realm, probably far more realistic and much less appealing.
Gorhaut is ruled by the amoral King Ademar and the even less scrupulous High Elder and Chief Counsellor, Galbert. Galbert is strongly opposed to Arbonne’s female rulers. His son, the mercenary Blaise, is the son a man at odds with himself, his family and what his position means to the world at large. Arbonne has echoes of Avalon, in that it is surrounded by mystery and ruled by the Goddess.
Kay focuses on the subtle political plots and personal problems that are overcome, rather than on the battles and battle preparations. The carefully measured existence of magic makes that the reader experiences the belief in the gods and the mysticism as the characters do, while at the same time it does not take over the main story. The characters are believable and inspire emotion, and the answers they find are never formulaic. Plot, characterization, descriptive writing, and original ideas all mesh perfectly.
The strength of this novel is Kay's magnificent descriptions of all things chivalric. From Blaise's contemplations and declarations of his honor, to the battles fought, the sword fights, and the inner dialogue characters such as Rosala has with herself, Kay instills each scene and each interaction with a depth of respect and display of veneration that ultimately brings them from page to inner eye with great flair and reverence. Kay also evokes vivid imagery and settings through the songs his troubadours sing. In all, Kay displays a talent for writing these scenes and interactions as if he lived during the time period (France in the years 1000 to 1200) in which this novel is based.
The genius of Kay's prose and the strength of his character development place this novel at the top of the fantasy genre. Kay is one of my favourite writers and this is my favourite among his books.
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