Read Runners discussion

@Sumit & Shinjini: Lets discuss our buddy read here.

Hello! What are your first thoughts Manju?

I've finished two chapters so far.

the first thing that I liked about this is how much importance GGK gives to the women in this book. This is my fourth book by him and like all his other books that I've read women here are strong headed.

& I find it a little hard to swallow the freedom that is given to poets and women in Arbonne.

I personally love the verses that GGK use in his books and the one that I liked so far in this is:

Shame then in springtime for proud Gorhaut,
Betrayed by a young king and his counsellor.
Sorrow for those whose sons were dead,
Bitter the warriors who had battled and won—
Only to see spoils claimed by their courage
Disposed and discarded like so much watered wine.
Shame in the treaty and no pride in the peace
Ademar allowed to vanquished Valensa.
Where were the true heirs of those who had died
For the glory of Gorhaut on that frozen field?
How could they sheathe their shining blades
With triumph gained and then given away?
What manner of man, with his father new-fallen,
Would destroy with a pen-stroke a long dream of glory?
And what king lost to honour like craven Daufridi
Would retreat from that ice-field not to return?
Where went the manhood of Gorhaut and Valensa
When war was abandoned and pale peace bought
By weak kings and sons long lost to their lineage?

Where are you Shin?

Here Manju. Sorry, bad connection.

I agree with you. I like strong women characters and the two women I've encountered so far are opinionated and strong-willed. I really liked the fact that one of them could also wield a bow and arrow.

There's also a part where it mentions that widowhood in Arbonne is actually looked at as a strength, in contrast to the rest of the world.

Ok, I've just started reading this one - the environment was too noisy so had to stop. But, it certainly seems promising!

I haven't come across verses yet though. But now I'm certainly waiting for it. I like the language in the verse you mentioned.

@Shin: how is the writing?

I strongly believe, when it comes to GGK, that either you going to love his writing or you going to hate it. there is no mid-way of liking.

yeah, all the three that I've read has poets and singers in them. Tigana and Under Heaven are full of beautiful songs and verses.

I love the writing, Manju. It gives such an old world vibe and goes so well with the story.

Okay, lets discuss it chapter by chapter then. I don't like reading GGK in a haste :D

YES! I was going to be quite slow anyways. :P

Now that I have the Queen's blessings, I shall read at a snail's pace. :D

@Sumit: Please read it slow.....

I've read 25% of this book so & this is what I felt so far:

Protagonists:

there are multiple POVs. & I've always loved the way GGK switch between different POVs.

Blaise: a mercenary from Gorhaut. very intelligent and has some very excellent skills with sword and bow. He'd fought many wars with his King.

Bertran de Talair: a famous poet and a very powerful figure in Arbonne. He is well-informed, quick, witty and a fighter.

Ademar: King of Gorhaut, a very wicked and cruel man. his treatment of women and fellow courtier is disgusting.

Signe de Barbentain, Ariane, Rosala and Lisseut are the female who've made their presence felt till now.

this love song though not complete but still it is awesome:

When you came into my garden,
When you came to tell me of your love,
The one moon in the sky
Seemed brighter than the sun
And a white light was shining in my heart.
When you took me in your arms,
To whisper words of a long desire,
The scents of the garden
Were my garments in the dark
And day a distant rumour of despair
------------------------------------
When you come to say goodbye,
When you come to say that you will wed,
Do one thing for me
In memory of love,
Bring balm for the breaking of my heart.

Manju wrote: "@Sumit: Please read it slow....."

Yes ma'am! :D

Sumit wrote: "Manju wrote: "@Sumit: Please read it slow....."

Yes ma'am! :D"

pehle shuru toh karo:P:P

Manju wrote: "Sumit wrote: "Manju wrote: "@Sumit: Please read it slow....."

Yes ma'am! :D"

pehle shuru toh karo:P:P"

I HAVE READ ONE PAGE ALREADY!! How's that for progress? :P

@Shin - this lady is a slave driver. :P

Sumit wrote: "I HAVE READ ONE PAGE ALREADY!! How's that for progress? :P

@Shin - this lady is a slave driver. :P ."

ONE PAGE *faints*

in that way you're going to complete it in almost one and half year.:P:P

@Shin, stop lurking and come out here!!!!

Sumit, she has promised to not say anything to me so I am not siding up with you this time.

Sidenote: I totally agree. XD

I'm alone here. you two are very mean :(:(:(

Manju, I start slow but pick up the pace after some time. Who knows, I might just read 2 pages today? ;)

I was kidding Manju. :P

Also, I haven't been able to read much. Snail's pace. We had a deal. You are not allowed to read so fast. :|

Shinjini wrote: "I was kidding Manju. :P

Also, I haven't been able to read much. Snail's pace. We had a deal. You are not allowed to read so fast. :|"

I'm reading it slow..... only 26% so far.

Then I'm going even slower apparently. Thank God for Sumit. XD

Right I have to go now. See you two later! :)

Bye Shin :)

I'm disappointed! My extensive reading of this book (30 pages so far!) clearly shows that Arbonne is not an exquisitely named girl, but a place instead. :P

Sumit wrote: "I'm disappointed! My extensive reading of this book (30 pages so far!) clearly shows that Arbonne is not an exquisitely named girl, but a place instead. :P"

hahahaha..........what about the girls in Arbonne?

*sigh* Yes, they are brilliant - but a bit too young! :P

whatever I've read so far it is mostly about male leads.....

You are both surging past me. Sumit, you too! >_<

Sorry, Shaktiman!

P.S. Stop WASTING time on GR! :D

-_-

What is THAT supposed to mean?!

*runs off and hides*

*laughs and cringes*

How's it going, guys? To tell you the truth, I'm struggling a bit with GGK's meandering and unnecessarily difficult language. Also, not a great fan of some words that he seems to have invented. :|

But, I will surely not give up mid-way.

No, you're not a quitter, Sumit. Never give up mid-way.

I won't Aaron - never been a quitter. :)

Sumit wrote: "How's it going, guys? To tell you the truth, I'm struggling a bit with GGK's meandering and unnecessarily difficult language. Also, not a great fan of some words that he seems to have invented. :|
..."

told you so either you going to love his writing or hate it.

55% done for me. Don't give up on this one,it gets better with every page.

@Shin: are you struggling too?

how many chapters you both have read so far??

Hello guys!:)

The language is a little difficult. It's going really slow considering I am a bit preoccupied these days but I don't keep books unfinished. So I'll keep at it.

Currently in the fourth chapter. How about you two?

I started fifteenth chapter last night. Hopefully I'll finish it before this weekend.

Manju! Come here quickly! I need you to do something very important!

Abandon the book??? :P:P

ROFL... was going to say the same thing.. :P :P

@Manu - I told both of them to read Lions instead :)

@Vidya: I ask everyone to start GGK with Lions :):)

@Jins: Kaha ho tum??