Prince of Nothing questions

[Banshee16]

Could you expand on that? Is it that you don't think the depictions of women are realistic, that their characters are poorly portrayed, or is it just that you don't like the way they get treated?

Because I found it isn't much outside how women have been (and continue to be) treated in our world. Largely at the mercy of violent men. I found that one of the more refreshing aspects of the books. Esmenet's story is particular touching, I thought.

For a good portion of the real world, absolutely, the treatment of women is abominable. When I say I didn't like that in the book, I meant that I don't like to see that negative treatment depicted as graphically as it is. I guess I find those parts of the book really hard to read. They make me want to crawl into the book an inflict some punishment on the characters.

Banshee

 

[barsoomcore]

I guess I find those parts of the book really hard to read. They make me want to crawl into the book an inflict some punishment on the characters.

I think that's EXACTLY the effect the author is hoping they have. It's a good thing if art sometimes makes us uncomfortable.

I guess what I mean is that it's fine to not like it, but I don't think it means the book is poorly written. It's just not your thing, is all.

 

[Banshee16]

I think that's EXACTLY the effect the author is hoping they have. It's a good thing if art sometimes makes us uncomfortable.

I guess what I mean is that it's fine to not like it, but I don't think it means the book is poorly written. It's just not your thing, is all.

It's very possible that my reaction is exactly what he's aiming for. Doesn't mean I have to like those parts of the book. That kind of behaviour is repugnant, whether it's in art, or in reality. I don't want to get into a political discussion, so I'll end there.

I'm hoping something good happens to Serwe at some point.....she really seems to have suffered. Esmenet has suffered as well, though from what I've seen, she's not quite as bad off. She seems to have more control over her fate (so far, just a few pages into book 2) than Serwe. Serwe is just.....property, and it's very upsetting to read her viewpoint.

There are many things which are uncomfortable to think about....whether they're actually acceptable as art is a valid question.

Regardless of my thoughts of that aspect of the book, I *have* enjoyed it.

Banshee

 

[barsoomcore]

There are many things which are uncomfortable to think about....whether they're actually acceptable as art is a valid question.

Indeed, I would say it's an important question, a question that is at the heart of anyone's attitude towards the world, themselves and their society. How you answer that question says volumes about who you are.

 

[Banshee16]

Indeed, I would say it's an important question, a question that is at the heart of anyone's attitude towards the world, themselves and their society. How you answer that question says volumes about who you are.

Well, I'm not in favour of all forms of art/expression. Some, which will be caught by the board censors, shouldn't be permitted.... period. What Bakker writes, however, is just that....writing. No actual harm comes to live people. Hence it shouldn't be censored. There's a difference between admitting that one is uncomfortable with a topic, and regulating that nobody can discuss that topic.

I do think that the extent to which Bakker describes some of this questionable behaviour is perhaps beyond the bounds of good taste, but it's his choice, and his right, as a writer, to do so. I wouldn't recommend the book to children though.

Banshee