Empire of Ivory December 6, 2007

Novik, Naomi (2007). Empire of Ivory, the Temeraire series. NY : Del Rey. 404 pages.

The Temeraire series depicts an alternate reality set during the Napoleanic Era in which dragons fight alongside humans in a new branch of the military.  In the fourth book of this series, the dragon Temeraire, and his human captain, Laurence, travel to Africa to seek the cure for a deadly epidemic that has struck England’s dragons.

This series is more of a historical adventure than a fantasy, however this book, much like the first book, has a lot of emotional depth. This is a major plus, since, in my opinion, that sort of subtle heart-tugging is Novik’s greatest strength as an author. Not that the action falls flat either!  And despite the serious thrust of the plot in this episode, there’s also more room for comedy and character interplay than in the two previous books.

There were a couple of things that I particularly liked in this book.  The relationship between Temeraire and Laurence really seemed to develop – there was also a lot of conflict between the two that was very nicely and subtly portrayed.  Temeraire’s alternating maturity and pettiness was very cute. And Laurence’s attitude towards women just continues to amuse, especially his reactions to his mistress (and superior officer) Jane Roland.

The new dragon, Iskierka, very nearly steals the show, what with her incessant quest for bling – her interplay with her bemused captain, Granby, is really charming. And since Granby has always been one of my favorite characters, I was glad he had more page time in this book. And all of the dragons continue to be fully developed characters in their own rights, and not just magical plot device ponies as I’ve seen them used in other series. (Sorry Eragon…)

So where’s the bad? Well, the book ends on a major cliffhanger, and the next book doesn’t come out until this summer. I hate waiting…

If you like this book: I’ve heard some people mention Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke as a read-alike, but in my opinion you’d be better off with Connie Willis’s To Say Nothing of the Dog, about time-traveling British historians.

Jeeves November 18, 2007

Wodehouse, P.G. (1976) Jeeves, Jeeves, Jeeves: Three Novels. NY: Avon Books, 585 pages.

How Right You Are, Jeeves

Bertie goes to visit his beloved Aunt Dahlia and immediately becomes embroiled in a crazy plot to break an incipient engagement, save another, steal a cow creamer (again) and prove that someone other than himself is insane. And, worst of all, Jeeves is on vacation.

Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves

When the universe seems to be sending Bertie messages warning him away from Totleigh Towers, residence of the dreaded Sir Watkyn Bassett and his soppy daughter, Madeline, he is adamant on heeding them – that is, until he hears of a rift in the lute between said Madeline and her beau, Gussie Fink-Nottle. Knowing that he’s next in line for Madeline’s undesired hand should Gussie bow out, Bertie goes forth to save their relationship. But can even Jeeves do anything in the face of forced vegetarianism?

Jeeves and the Tie that Binds

Finally, Madeline is fated to be married to someone other than Bertie. But Bertie has to get closer to her wedding than he wants to when he visits Market Snodsbury to help his friend win an election – and the hand of Florence Craye. Thievery, drugging, bribery, and other antics ensue.

It’s always interesting to read Wodehouse. The books are funny and crazy and – well, really funny. On the other hand, most of the embedded criticism of British class issues during the 1920s go right over my head. Or rather, even if I notice it, I don’t have to read the books that way – there’s a huge gap between the author’s intended reading and my reading of the books, most likely due to the fact that I’m from a different generation, culture and nation than the author. For instance, my eyebrow goes waaaaaay up when Bertie starts talking about being “one of nature’s bachelors” or how one of his friends is “Damon to his Pythias.” Is this intentional? Probably not. Does it matter? Depends on your pet brand of literary theory.

Putting that aside, however, there is the fact that reading Wodehouse never fails to make me grin like an idiot. The unique writing style that he perfected in this series had a huge impact on modern narration, and his sarcastic humor left traces all over the map.

If you liked these books: Why not watch the BBC series starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry?  Or, for a Japanese take on a hero trying to dodge multiple engagements, try Ranma 1/2.