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Reading: Cordelia's Honour
Oct. 9th, 2016 10:44 amCordelia's Honour is an omnibus volume of the first two novels, in terms of internal chronology and within the main timeline, of Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga. I actually read the first, Shards of Honour, about eight and a half years ago, and felt a bit meh about it; looking back at the post I wrote about it then, apart from the strong sense that the me of eight and a half years ago really was a pompous ass, it's clear that back then I was reading sf for ideas and new ways of seeing the world, whereas now I read books for enjoyment and escape and the chance to see through someone else's eyes and try to understand what it might be like to be them. I think this is probably a reflection of just how much I've changed over that time; finally, and somewhat belatedly, I've developed a modicum of emotional intelligence and can now enjoy a book which isn't about grand ideas, it's just about people, and about love and loyalty and the intersection between different cultures.
That said, even though I enjoyed Shards of Honour much more for reading it as a character-driven novel rather than one primarily driven by plot, the fact remains that the plot is fairly thin and relies quite a lot on fortuitous coincidence for a happy resolution; it's mainly just an excuse for Cordelia and Aral to meet, have time to get to know each other and fall in love (surprisingly quickly, for people who met as enemies, though on Aral's side this seems to be largely due to his cultural background and lack of experience, while I think Cordelia's initial attraction develops into something more during the months between their first and second meetings, knowing that Aral has already offered her marriage and the children no man she's met on her home world has), be parted and meet again. The second book, Barrayar, is much plottier, combining political intrigue with comedy of manners and showing the development of Cordelia and Aral's relationship, their relationships with others around them, and Cordelia's interactions with Barrayaran society (a process of adjustment on both sides).
I'm glad I decided to give Bujold another try; I often do find that if I don't get on with a book or an author the first time, I will at another time, and this time I was obviously ready to appreciate her.
That said, even though I enjoyed Shards of Honour much more for reading it as a character-driven novel rather than one primarily driven by plot, the fact remains that the plot is fairly thin and relies quite a lot on fortuitous coincidence for a happy resolution; it's mainly just an excuse for Cordelia and Aral to meet, have time to get to know each other and fall in love (surprisingly quickly, for people who met as enemies, though on Aral's side this seems to be largely due to his cultural background and lack of experience, while I think Cordelia's initial attraction develops into something more during the months between their first and second meetings, knowing that Aral has already offered her marriage and the children no man she's met on her home world has), be parted and meet again. The second book, Barrayar, is much plottier, combining political intrigue with comedy of manners and showing the development of Cordelia and Aral's relationship, their relationships with others around them, and Cordelia's interactions with Barrayaran society (a process of adjustment on both sides).
I'm glad I decided to give Bujold another try; I often do find that if I don't get on with a book or an author the first time, I will at another time, and this time I was obviously ready to appreciate her.
