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

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

DQs
6 July Chapter 34 -44

12. Have you read any of Baduga’s books before? I’m finding this quite different for her dipping into HF. Your thoughts if you have read the others? If not, are you interested in picking up some more of her books?

First book. I've finished and really enjoyed the subject and the writing so I'll definitely be checking out more from this author.
13. Many of the characters are changing from what they were first presented as. If there anyone you are finding you like more than you did originally?

Definitely Santangel. The author slowly unwraps his character like a present. There are many layers to this immortal man and she explores them well.
14. Do you believe there will be a HEA here? Or is Luzia doomed?

I haven't read this author before so I don't know if she has a penchant for dooming her characters. Although I know what happens, at this stage of the book I was really hoping Luzia and Santangel would sail off together into the sunset!
15. Bardugo’s family were expelled from Spain during the inquisition and she said in a People interview “This was something I was passionate about learning about, because it's my own family's history”. Do you think this adds to the story that she has a personal connection ? Is there anything in your family history you wish you could research more?

History is big in our family and my cousin and daughter have researched it on both sides. Some interesting and sad things were uncovered, a lot like everyone's I guess.

When is a TV series ever better than the book?

The only book I can think of is Anna Karenina. Reading that is like pulling teeth. I'm not really a fan of the storyline but it does film well with the landscapes and costumes.

Maybe the BBC Pride and Prejudice with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth? Or North &South with Richard Armitage?

Anyone else got one where the tv/film adaptation gets it right?

Eldarwen wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Whoah .. Book 4, Chapter 14 -

[spoilers removed]"

You know what makes me laugh about this?

Kristoff gets so many pissy messages about how it is so frickin' obvious ..."

Really.. people had complaints about that scene? Worked for me, LOL . And definitely those particular words could happily be retired.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Sounds good E!

I finished the Familiar and started my Nature book on the plane last night. Will update properly when next on a computer"

I've finished too and really enjoyed it. I'll have to have a look at some of the author's other titles. Good mix of history and fantasy.

I've volunteered for DQ's. I am kicking myself that I wasn't quicker to nominate the sequel. Hopefully I'll be lucky in the randomizer.

Finally finished my doorstopper so that takes care of Golem.

New monster is Sea Devils - (Doctor Who)

I took one of the Windows with a 6.5 - more book points than my other one.

BOM DAY 3

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 3 DQ's Chapter 24 - 33

9. We keep hearing how people smell. Luzia of orange blossoms, Perez of plums and amber. Why do you think the author keeps mentioning this? Do the smells mean more than just an odor?

Describing the smells as well as the surroundings and the emotions are a way of bringing the reader into the scene and adds atmosphere. The author does this really well in this book.

10. We are over halfway through the book. What has been your favorite part/scene/person/line so far?

I really like the slow reveal of the relationship between Luzia and Santangel. Each encounter bringing them closer together. I really enjoyed the scenes in the Chapters 32-33, the trial going awry and then them being together. The description of him brushing her hair and then her behind the screen bathing were really nicely done.

11. Valentina and Marius seem to be rekindling their marriage, finding love where there wasn't before. Why do you think the author is adding that part of the story when she could have left it out?

It does add to the story. All the characters were fairly cold and distant at the beginning of the book and they are slowly flowering as the plot progresses. Is it magic maybe in the form of clever storytelling.

11. Now we are over halfway and know more of Luzia, the competition and this world. Why do you think the publisher and possibly the author chose this cover over any other possibilities? If you could remake the cover, what would you want it to look like?

I really like the cover, it's intriguing and has all the components of the story in a subtle way. Remaking the cover, maybe a suitable medieval painting?

Eldarwen wrote: "Any decimal variation will be accepted for the windows. So, yes, it can also be a .7 and your book example would work.


The only thing that is important in that respect is that the window books ar..."

Great. Thank U. I'll keep that one in mind if we need some more windows books at the end of the challenge. Someone might have one with more page points.

Captains, a Mini enquiry -

Re the Windows. - It's saying a .5 book can be used... is it only .5 or can any fraction be used eg. Yellowstone Homecoming Book 5.7

Thanks,

BOM - DQ'S

DAY 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQs Day 2 Chapter 13 - 24

5. Luzia’s refranes combine elements from diverse cultural traditions, creating a powerful form of magic tied to her Jewish heritage. Does the portrayal of Luzia’s magic suggest that blending different cultural traditions enhances personal power and resistance, or does it emphasize the delicate balance and possible loss of identity in such a blend?

Really interesting question. Now, having mixed race heritage where a person is free to be proud and know all their heritages is a big plus. Unfortunately in past times people hid their heritage because they may be persecuted like the family in this novel.

6. Characters like Valentina and Hualit demonstrate varying levels of ambition and moral compromise on their paths to security and success. Is pursuit of personal safety and financial security a justifiable reason for ethical compromises, or should ambition be tempered with moral integrity?

Another thought provoking question. The easy and politically correct answer is morals should never be surrendered whatever the reason. But in reality it is not easy to take the high moral ground when a family's safely and security is in question. There are many examples in history where people have died defending people and the right thing. Putting their own family in danger. They are to be admired and revered.

7. Have you done other reading set in late-16th-century Spain? If not, are you having any problems following the political intrigues and social mores? What’s your favorite time period to read for historical fiction?

I love European historical fiction and have read many books about this time period. And the Spanish Inquisition - what an evil institution. The Tudor period and the French Revolution are two of my favourite periods to read historical fiction about.

8. What do you make of Santángel? At one point we get the line, “And Santángel would be free.” Free from what, do you think?

I kind of like him. Maybe a curse which is tied to his boss's family? I wonder if it is broken whether he still will be immortal or it is all tied together?

Nosy bonus question. Are you reading this book for historical fiction, for fantasy, for romance, and/or for DQ points for your BG team? 😉

All of the above. I'm quite enjoying it and book points are always a bonus!

BOM

Day 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 1 DQ’s
1- Although Valentia feels shame in her actions to confront Luzia and her magic she still threatens her to use it at her dinner party. What were your thoughts and do you feel bad for Valentia and her desperation?
Valentina is powerless in her own way, as desribed in the opening of the novel but superior in class to Luzia. So she uses her superior position to command Luzia to feel better about herself. It's a situation as old as time. Unfortunately despite this Valentina isn't a very likeable person so no I don't feel bad for her all.


2-Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house and gave her extra chores. Why do you think Valentia did not want Luzia to leave the house?

She wanted to keep her under her control.
3-How did using music and song to make Luzia magic work make you feel or think of.

It's like chanting to centre her energy to become in tune with wherever the magic comes from.
4- Don Victor(De Paredes) shows up at Casa Ordobos to make sure Luzia has a room with and even hints at having her join him if not. Why do you think having Luzia in her own room benefits either of them?

He can have privacy with her, at first to tutor her and maybe to have his evil way with her..

Andy wrote: "great to see the 1000+ pagers being read by Ashley and Lisa, hope they're going well

not sure I'm ready to reread Monte Cristo
interested to hear how the Michener goes for you Lisa, haven't read a..."

Andy, I decided to read this book to try and get some understanding about the history of the Middle East. I'm at pg 815 at the moment so getting there. I'm finding it fascinating although the writing and style can be a bit dated. But it is definitely thought provoking.

Great to have a new teamie. Welcome Steph.

Eldarwen wrote: "Kristoff does like to torture his readers, doesn't he... :-p"

Yep, in the most delicious way, LOL.

Oh me too. The Dragon one. I've been eyeing it off and it's going to be available at my library soon.

As for Bridgerton, I read it back in the day. The show is a whole other thing. Enjoyable in its differences.

Keep reading. It's pretty cool, isn't it. 😍