I've been aware of the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey for a long time, but didn't think I'd like them until they were recommended to me recently by a Unitarian woman at my seminary,
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raptures_shadow and
mommybird. Why didn't I pick them up earlier? I wasn't sure I wanted to read a story with a masochistic courtesan as a heroine. I have nothing against courtesans or bdsm - quite the contrary - but I just didn't feel like immersing myself in that headspace. I also had some bad memories of Richard Adams' novel
Maia about a slave/courtesan who becomes a spy. I expected the Kushiel books to be more of the same.
I've been pleasantly surprised. Phaedre is a sensual woman who has been given the dubious gift of experiencing pain as pleasure, and that's a central aspect to the story - but while Carey writes vividly, she doesn't dwell overly long on the extreme sexual situations Phaedre encounters. (Again: I've enjoyed other books where reveling in such details was part of the pleasure, but I just haven't been in the mood lately.) The fact that Phaedre's nature has been shaped in the context of sacred sexuality makes it even better. Plus, she is highly intelligent, highly-educated, loyal, brave -- and vulnerable, a most attractive heroine. Her champion/consort is equally attractive - reminding me strongly of one of my own favorite literary creations.
I've got 150 or so pages left in the third book and will be sorry to see the series end. Carey has done a marvelous job creating an alternate world which is truly her own but still recognizable. I envy her ability to create languages and names. The books are intricately plotted, with lots of nicely-detailed supporting characters. I can't presume to put myself on her level, but she inspires me to take up work on my own novel again. I'm looking forward to whatever it is she does next, and will most likely be willing to spring for the hardback.
And as much as I was surprised to like the Kushiel books, I was surprised by how unimpressed I was by "Hidalgo." The previews were promising. I like Viggo. I like the story idea. But I found the movie itself routine and hard to believe -- especially the parts where Hidalgo is seriously wounded and/or apparently close to death, then jumps up and starts running again. I have no interest in buying the DVD when it comes out.
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