Lisa - (Aussie Girl)’s Comments (group member since Sep 26, 2012)

Lisa - (Aussie Girl)’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

I'm good for my two books listed for completion in Round 1.

New Monster is up - Pulgasari (Vegi)

DQ set 5 chapter 25 to end

18. That was an unexpected reunion with Òdòdó’s mother. Did you expect that resolution to their relationship? Do you agree more with Òdòdó or her mother's view of which life gives the most freedom?

Wow, I didn't see the end result. Although in a brutal way it did give Ododo complete Agency over her life in the end.

19. Aremo fails pretty badly on all accounts! And yet Òdòdó seems to love him regardless. Do you believe in this love? Do you think it would have lasted, on either side?

No, it seemed pretty flimsy on both sides. And not sustainable. And in light of the final result, this is how it ended up.

20. This is a riff on the Persephone myth. Do you think it was successful? Do you like the changes made or not? Why?

Very loosely based indeed. It's one of my favourite Greek myths. I shouldn't have been surprised at the ending, thinking back it always was going to be a girl power triumph.

21. The Yoruba culture was very strong. Do you want to read more authentic stories? The afterword talks about bringing Yoruba tales to life. Do you think that worked?

Truly, the book lost me about half way through. It was interesting to read something set in Africa but I just didn't get the connection between the M and F main characters at all. Maybe there wasn't supposed to be one in light of how it ended up. 3 stars from me.

Are there any other Aussies in Team Garden?

Our ABC Radio National had a really interesting poll over the weekend - The Top 100 books written in the 21st Century and over 220,000 Aussies voted.

These were the top 3 books -

1.
2.
3.

I had read 17 of the Top 100 and two of my votes made it in.

I thought it was interesting Poll - and made me wonder . What would be Team Garden's Top 3 books written this Century? They can be fiction or non-fiction.

Judith wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "So I've got the Emily Wilde book from the library for the ladder.

But the letters don't fit so far for Round 1, so hopefully it will fit better in Round 2 or subseque..."

Thanks! I'll put it in the queue and hopefully I'll get to it before Round 1 ends or otherwise first thing in Round 2.

LISA'S POSTS FOR BOOK CREDIT -

DAY 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 4 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 5 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Jenny (friend)
8513 books | 292 friends
see comment historyDay 4 DQs: Chapters 17-24

14. So. Fever dreams. Òdòdó’s dream of the òrìsàs feast made me wonder. First of all, in the story, how real are the gods that are worshipped, and why did she dream of these specifically? Second, for our real lives, how many of us have had fever dreams? Have you ever had a dream that seemed like it was divine inspiration/intervention? Or, did you become part of the cast of a beloved movie or a character in a beloved book?

There's a mythology that says that Gods only remain alive as long as there is someone to worship them. And if the Gods seem "real" to Ododo it figures that she sees them in her hour of most need. After my Mother passed away I had an experience when I was waking up and felt her presence by my bedside. It only happened once and I took that to mean she would always be looking after me. Doesn't matter if it was real or wishful thinking.

15. Walking up on your own funeral has got to be an odd experience.Then being treated like you are crazy. Why do you think that she is not being believed about Kolo?

She is being patronized as a younger woman from a lower social class. It's a bit of a cliche really. Aremo is supposed to love her but it is very superficial and this sort of behaviour proves it.

16. How do you feel about Òdòdó and Àrèmo’s relationship, and Àrèmo generally this far into the book? Do you think he is worth falling in love with? Would you like to have a pet giraffe?

See previous answer.. and I love giraffes but prefer them to be free in their natural habitat.

17. Well, we finally find out about Okóbí. What did you think of that scene in the shop? Did you agree with either side?
How do you think this will affect her decision to marry?

Like many parents Okobi think they know best. I'm sure she loves her daughter but she is not listening and imposing her will on her isn't going to work. Just drive Ododo into Aremo's arms. And he isn't the answer either. Seems like in any time or age it's difficult to be a young woman.

Bonus question, answer or don’t, but if you can answer cogently, I will appreciate it. And, you might win a Nobel Prize.
The history of men and women is a fraught one. Very often men do not trust women to do anything important, or to even be trusted. The bit about the eunuchs guarding the womenfolk made me think of this, and the patriarchal society in the story.
So my question is, why the hell are men so afraid of women? And why does their fear of women so often end up hurting women in order to protect men?

Ha, if I could answer this question I would deserve a Nobel Prize.

Day 3 DQs: Chapters 11-16

9. Let's talk about the twins, because I think they are stealing the show! The Twins, Taiwo and Kehinde, share names rooted in Yoruba tradition, where Taiwo is the "taster of the world" and Kehinde is the true elder soul. How might this cultural symbolism influence how we interpret their role in the palace and their relationship with Òdòdó?

I thought the twins were brought in for "comic relief". I have no idea of their cultural significance, but good point that there probably is some deeper meaning to be discovered.

10. In this section, Kòlò steps in and covers for Odòdó in a critical moment. What does this gesture reveal about her character and the relationship with Odòdó? Is it protective, controlling, self-serving, or some mix? Does this add to or change you option of Kòlò?

Ododo is a lovely person and wants to see good and deepen the friendship with Kolo. But is Kolo a traitor/serving her own people's agenda. It seems like that and Ododo will be deeply disappointed and horrifed that she has unwittingly aided and abetted her treason.

11. The "General Roundtable" plays a big role in power dynamics in these chapters. What does it reveal about how authority is negotiated in this world: who speaks, who is silenced, who wields influence behind the scenes? What does Òdòdó’s building "influence" tell us, despite her being not only a woman, but also labeled a "witch"?

She is going to be a very able co-ruler with her husband. If she is given the opportunity.

12. There is a riot in the capital during these chapters. How does Sangoyomi portray public anger versus elite maneuvering? What does the riot tell us about the fragility of the system in Ṣàngótè?

The riot seems perfect timing as the more able units are not available. But Aremo still seems to be able to win the day. I'm not sure what SAngoyomi's game is , is he loyal to Aremo or not? He certainly really dislikes Ododo. And Kolo has been undermining the system all along. The system does seem on shaky ground at this point.

13. For FUN: If the palace characters were in The Hunger Games, who would you cast in which district or role? Bonus: what kind of clever (or chaotic) strategies do you think Taiwo and Kehinde would use to survive the arena?

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Hey team,

I've got this to read - 1979 -

Can this be used for N - Nineteen seventy nine?

Day 2: Chapter 6 - 10

5. It’s always interesting to watch a naive MC try to find authentic connections in a sea of people more practiced at hiding motives and personal feelings. Of those Òdòdó has met so far, who do you think will become allies? Or turn out to be enemies? Why?

There does seem to be a lot of intrigue in the Court. The Mother in Law is an obvious one, Beware! Kolo the First Wife seems to have her own Agenda but I don't think she is a direct threat to Ododo. Omosewa seems quite menacing.



6. Having been so steeped in western traditions where blacksmiths are always big, burly men, I’m loving the whole concept of a female sisterhood of blacksmiths, thought to be witches because of their connection to the Earth. Understanding that they were forced to join due to transgressing the female norms of the time, what is your impression of the blacksmiths? What do you suppose is going on with all the disappearing blacksmiths? Do you think Òdòdó’s mother is with the other blacksmiths or looking for Òdòdó?

Yes, the linking of the female Blacksmiths to Witches and the theme of their feminine "power" is one of the most interesting parts of the book. Definitely their disappearance will be a major part of the storyline going forward and it makes sense to think that her Mother has gone with them. Are they planning some sort of power struggle? We will see.

7. “After all what is love but a choice?” This quote from chapter 4 keeps popping into my head, so I’m curious what you all think: Is this true for general love only? Can it really be true for romantic love? Putting aside the retelling aspect for now, what do you think about the growing relationship between Òdòdó and Aremo? Do you think Aremo had an ulterior motive seeking out a blacksmith girl when they first met? (Yes, yes - I’ve gotten a touch cynical and suspicious in my old age.)

How you choose to react to something gives you power over the situation. Hard as that can be in some situations. A fair proportion of the world's marriages are still arranged and although it seems problematic to our Western ideas, they are successful. It is a choice accepted by the parties.
I think Aremo is pretty canny and probably marrying a Blacksmith girl is definitely more than he just fancied her. Given with what's going on in the background.

8. I’m finding Kolo to be more and more interesting as the story progresses. In the vein of “History is written by the victors,” what is your take on Kolo’s reaction to Gassire’s version of how Sangot came to be? What do you think about her tribal scars that opened when she saved Òdòdó? Are you hoping (like I am) that she secretly trained with the Ahosi warriors?

Yes, her motives are quite mysterious at this part of the story and I'm sure she is more than meets the eye. Especially when she is open about her marriage being political.

Vegetable lamb has been defeated (And was delicious!)

New Monster is La Befana (Holiday Italy)

Popping in from Team Garden as Karen's post just came up on my feed. (I'm a frenemy for this Challenge, LOL)

Oooh Scarlet Fever is one of those "old" childhood aliments which is making a come back. Hope all goes well for you and your son.

Happy reading everyone..

Day 1 DQs: Chap 1 to 5

Just a note for anyone who wants some context: Timbuktu is in Mali and then, we travel south with the main character to the fictional capital, Ṣàngótẹ̀. The historic Yorubaland and Oyo empire is further south, containing western Nigeria, and I believe parts of modern-day Benin, and the Gold Coast is current day Ghana. Taghaza, which is mentioned is in present-day Algeria. Distance are more than a little compressed as these places would take a lot more traveling time if you wanted to walk or camel caravan there.

1. What do you think of the choice of location for the book? Did the location effect your decision to read the book?
2. There is a lot of information dropped in this first section. Are you finding it awkward to read or well-integrated? Are there questions you still have on the setting?
3. We meet the blacksmiths at the start of the book including Òdòdó’s mother. How do you think her relationship with her mother characterizes her as a character and her request for her mother to join her? If you have not read ahead, do you think asking for her mum to be kidnapped was a good idea?
4. We have met two new important characters Aremo and his first wife. Do you think he is as vapid as he appears? Do you like stories with a forced/political marriage theme?

1. Full disclosure - I'm only reading cause its a BOM.But I am enjoying the different location and customs as it's not something I would generally pick up.
2. No, it seems fairly smooth to me. I find the blacksmith/witch thing fascinating. And thanks for the background information. My copy does have a map first up, although it is a bit tricky to read it on a kindle. Thank goodness for the increase size feature for old eyes, LOL.
3. Ahh, Mother /daughter relationships. They can be tricky but oh so rewarding. The Mum does seem a little tough but it seems her daughter takes it as caring obviously as she wants her Mother near her.
4. I don't see Aremo as vapid, he just has the "King" persona. And he's been brought up with entitlement.
As for the forced marriage trope, I've read a thousand of them especially in the era of the 80's bodice ripper. And in fiction it is nearly always romantised and the kidnapper always proves to be a stand up guy. And this is the problem for some readers. as IRL no way is it OK. I'm sure there has been many university level essays written on the subject. I think you have to read it as fictional and part of the story - just as all fantasy fiction is.
In this case, the Kidnapper King is young and kind and Ododo wants to escape from her world. It would be a completely different storyline if he was cruel and she was abused.

The map just magically appeared when I opened the book on the first page of my kindle. I thought ooh I’ll take that.!

As well as the author letter I think there is an A character and also fits Set in Africa . I’ll be starting today. 🥰

Great job team.

I found one for Journalism which I'll read in the next week or two so we can get rid of Tulip and Mr Pin who have been hanging around for a while.

Happy reading.

New Monster is up - Vegetable Lamb

So I've got the Emily Wilde book from the library for the ladder.

But the letters don't fit so far for Round 1, so hopefully it will fit better in Round 2 or subsequent rounds.

I've just put the Mini number in the Spreadsheet for now.

Judith wrote: "Lisa, I'm going to move your doorstopper to the 801+ category. Not sure how many of those we are going to have and I think challenge will pop up more often in text/title."

All good. I made a big dent in it yesterday (300 pages) so I'm on track to finish mid/end of this week.

I'm on Garden, so I'll be the backup's backup! 😁

Cool. I'm cracking open my much awaited door stopper.

It is bad that my husband is going away for work this week.. and I thought ooh more reading time.. 😁

Happy reading everyone!