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

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

Tina wrote: "DQ Set 3: Pilgrimage to Canterbury - end

11. We see three different aspects of London in the Middle Ages - the "classic" City of London experience of illegal whoring and such like, contrasted to t..."

Me too, Tina. I got a tear in my eye when I read the letter at the end. I enjoyed the book a lot as well. Combining the feel of the age and the lifestyles of the people as well as an engaging story, Brooks did a fine job.

Tower Teams IX - Woo Hoo. Let the games begin..

Hyde

Edward Hyde has a strange gift-or a curse-he keeps secret from all but his physician. He experiences two realities, one real, the other a dreamworld state brought on by a neurological condition.

When murders in Victorian Edinburgh echo the ancient Celtic threefold death ritual, Captain Edward Hyde hunts for those responsible. In the process he becomes entangled in a web of Celticist occultism and dark scheming by powerful figures. The answers are there to be found, not just in the real world but in the sinister symbolism of Edward Hyde’s otherworld.

He must find the killer, or lose his mind.

A dark tale. One that inspires Hyde’s friend . . . Robert Louis Stevenson.

Cat wrote: "Team challenge starts thereabouts"

Ah ha, yes.. and us faithful BOM readers will get the benefit of not only great discussion but Team advantage!

LISA'S LINKS FOR PARTICIPATION -

SET 1 - MESSAGE 15 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

set 2 - MESSAGE 20 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Set 3 - MESSAGE 31 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQ Set 3: Pilgrimage to Canterbury - end

11. We see three different aspects of London in the Middle Ages - the "classic" City of London experience of illegal whoring and such like, contrasted to the approach in Southwark, with the relative freedoms there, plus the new (to me at least) "free zone" of St Martins le Grand. What did you think of these different aspects of the big town life? Of all the locations (from the first manor through Mervyn's house in Bath) which did you find the most real / want to live in yourself?
I did enjoy being transported to medieval London, I've read lots of historical fiction regarding English Monarchy and the War of the Roses, so all the different settings including the Sanctuary were known to me. I love London but if I was transported back in time I'd definitely have to be Lady Lisa, the squalor and occupations of working class people of the time do not appeal to me at all, LOL.

12. Jankin gets his comeuppance! What did you think about this part of the story?

The resurgence of Jankin, now that was a surprise. Good that he got his just desserts I suppose but it was bittersweet that it took the loss of Lowdy for this to occur.

13. How did you like the ending? Do you think this final presentation of the intent of Chaucer in writing The Wife of Bath Prologue and Tale works?
I thought the ending was fitting, Geoffrey's letter trying to explain what he meant in writing his tales. And Eleanor and Geoffrey acknowledging the depth of their friendship and love. Here we are 700 years later still discussing. That's immortality.

14. Overall, how effective do you think Brooks has been at creating a real life out of the fictional sources? And the tying in of historical truths?

I really enjoyed it, and because I don't really know The Canterbury Tales except by reputation it meant I wasn't continually comparing the original text. What I most liked about Eleanor was her resilience She always seemed to be able to pick her self up and go on and make the best of the situation. And she definitely grew as a person by the end of the book despite life's ups and downs but intrinsically was still herself. A really enjoyable read and discussion.

Cat wrote: "@Lisa,re 6: yes, I agree - definitely crossed my mind too. And shades of Eleanor needing her in many ways that might also be thought to cross from platonic sisterly.

re Geoffrey as an end husband ..."

Yes... them sleeping together in the bed together when Eleanor was married. I was wondering if there was any extra curricular/unmentioned stuff going on.

As to Eleanor and Geoffrey.. it plays into the age old question.. Can men and women ever be just friends?

Melindam wrote: "Which just made me check whether there has been a Muse of medicine.

Apparently not (there has been a goddess of health, Hygieia), though there is a medication called "Muse" ... the next bit of in..."

Ohhhh.. does that mean the Backroom BOM is going to be revived for Tower Teams. We have to get back to Dino Island Part III and find out what Hot Prof and his groupies are up to.. didn't we leave them on a cliffhanger?

Days 2 Discussion Questions Chapters 17 - 32

6. With the exception of the advent of new husbands now and again Alyson is the main supporting character in this novel. How would you sum her up?

Alyson is to quote Her Majesty, Eleanor's "strength and Stay." She is a loyal to a fault and her quiet and not so quiet support as Eleanor's back up can't be underestimated in Eleanor's success. Even when Eleanor's headstrong ways get her into trouble, Alyson is always there. It did cross my mind that Alyson may be in love with Eleanor that's why she never has a relationship or left to marry.

7. Geoffrey describes women as "like a unicorn or dragon - a mythical creature that man search for but fail to find" . Do you see more of the unicorn or the dragon in Eleanor and/or yourself? Is this an apt description.

Typical male comment reflecting more on the lack in themselves than the women! Like all women Eleanor is a mixture of all sorts of character traits, I suppose a little Unicorn and a little Dragon.

8. I know religion was a huge part of life in this time period. There is a mention of fines for not going to church in the narrative. However, Eleanor's response to catastrophe, I am not altogether sure catastrophe is the right word, (the deaths of her husbands) seems to be to go on a Pilgrimage. Is this realistic? What impact Do you think the Pilgrimages have on the narrative?

I 'm not actually seeing Eleanor's Pilgrimages as all that religious. More a girl's own adventure and a way to combat the boredom of every day life. For Eleanor it's like a change of scene (or pilgrimage) is as good as a holiday.


9. Eleanor asks for Geoffrey's unreserved Friendship but he says it depends on what she does next - what do you think of this response?

Mmmm.. I guess it's difficult when you give someone advice which you really think is best for them continually and they do exactly the opposite. It would strain the best of friendships. And Geoffrey is also coming from the place that he is still a man of his time who thinks he should be listened to and obeyed. But there have been gaps in their relationship over the years, I'm sure they'll patch it up and their friendship will continue.

10. The final chapters of this section lead up to an extremely violent outcome did you see this coming and how do you think it will change Eleanor / Alyson

Wow, I didn't see Alyson's death coming at all. How devastating. I think we're going to see a change in Eleanor without her trusty wingman. I don't think she'll join a convent but it may give her pause to think through some of her hasty decisions especially in regards to men. Will Alyson/Eleanor end up with Geoffrey? Is that what happens in the original text... I hope not, it would ruin the whole deep and significantly platonic relationship between them.

Sonia wrote: "I hope you have a wonderful trip too!

Although, why would someone prefer to visit the Tower of London instead of the Belem Tower, is something that doesn't compute on my book.

I'm pretty sure the..."
Those tarts are pretty epic... but afternoon tea at the Shard is pretty special as well. Enjoy your trip, Steven.

DAY 1 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 1-16

1. The Good Wife of Bath is an retelling of one of the most famous pieces of English literature ever written, The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. What is your knowledge of the original? If you were forced to study it at school did you enjoy it /hate it/couldn't understand it or is the original unknown to you and you are reading this book with fresh eyes?

I've heard of the Canterbury Tales and in particularly The Good Wife of Bath but didn't do it at school many moons ago and haven't picked it up since. I really hate wading through Old English texts, so I am approaching this with fresh eyes.

2. The Tales of Husband the First, Fulk Bigod - The first section paints a vivid picture of life in 14th Century England... dirt and sh** in all it's glory. The main theme seems to be the place of women in this time, discuss in regards to Eleanor, Alyson and Fulk's sister, Loveday.
Life was brutal for most people of the time but particularly for women and poor women in particular. We think it is quite disgusting for a twelve year child to be married but it was par for the course in these times. And any women of wealth who married, their property went to their husbands. Eleanor seems to be able to make the best of any situation, Alyson reacts to life as she finds it and poor Loveday, what a sad end. Unfortunately again I'm sure this happened frequently in these times.

3. As in the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer is a character in the story. Why do you think he takes a sympathetic approach to Eleanor and her plight? What do you think his continuing role will be throughout the novel?
Chaucer observed what was around him then wove his tale accordingly. The Chaucer of this book will probably act in the same way, popping in and out adding his subtle insight and guidance where he feels it is needed and most of the time where it is not.

4. What is you opinion of Eleanor and her schemes so far? Do you think she is atypical for women of this time?

I'm really enjoying Eleanor as a character. An uneducated young woman but with smarts who takes life in her stride and endeavours to improve herself and those around her. I don't think she would have been typical of her time, it's hard to break through the poverty and discrimination cycle. You have to be determined. Fortunately there are other women throughout history that have broken through despite their circumstances. But change is so slow.

5. The Canterbury Tales was known to be fairly saucy and The Good Wife of Bath seems to be continuing in a similar way. Has anything made you smile so far or do you find some of Eleanor's language a bit on the crude side.

I've literally LOL at some of Eleanor's descriptions, especially of her second husband's manhood.. or lack thereof. I'm enjoying the earthy tone of the novel, it adds realism to the story.

DAY 1 QUESTIONS - CHAPTERS 1-16

1. The Good Wife of Bath is an retelling of one of the most famous pieces of English literature ever written, The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. What is your knowledge of the original? If you were forced to study it at school did you enjoy it /hate it/couldn't understand it or is the original unknown to you and you are reading this book with fresh eyes?

2. The Tales of Husband the First, Fulk Bigod - The first section paints a vivid picture of life in 14th Century England... dirt and sh** in all it's glory. The main theme seems to be the place of women in this time, discuss in regards to Eleanor, Alyson and Fulk's sister, Loveday.

3. As in the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer is a character in the story. Why do you think he takes a sympathetic approach to Eleanor and her plight? What do you think his continuing role will be throughout the novel?

4. What is you opinion of Eleanor and her schemes so far? Do you think she is atypical for women of this time?

5. The Canterbury Tales was known to be fairly saucy and The Good Wife of Bath seems to be continuing in a similar way. Has anything made you smile so far or do you find some of Eleanor's language a bit on the crude side.

Looking forward to starting.

LISA'S LINKS FOR CHALLENGE ADVANTAGE

DAY 1 DQ'S - Message 17 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 2 QUESTIONS - Message 20 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY 3 DQ'S - Message 25 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DAY F DQ'S - Message 27 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Jenny
4534 books | 205 friends
see comment historyDay 4 Chapter 43 to Epilogue

16.) The clans have a huge influence on the island and its inhabitants, and it seems the greater world wants jade and the power it bestows. What do you think of this world, and the power so few wield over so many?
Also, what did you think of the Interludes that described the origin myths of the gods and jade?

Well, this supposed fantasy world is just the same as our real world. People wanting power and doing anything to get it...It's so heartbreaking really. Greed and power are part of the human condition. We've just got to hope that good and the best of humanity prevails. As for the interludes I always enjoy a good myth. And trying to fit their relevance into the storyline.

17.) We all wanted to get more of Wen and Ayt, and we got more. Do you think you could be a White Rat for your family? What do you think of Ayt’s plan to take over the world? Or, Hilo’s for that matter?
The plans of the two horns were really interesting especially in light of what is happening in the world today. I thought the last third of the book really picked up the pace, I had been struggling with it before the big showdown. And Wen was a lot more than she was allowed to be. Being a White Rabbit would be too nerve wracking for me, but allowed Wen to feel she was contributing to the Clan in a more positive way.

18.) Anden has some life changing moments towards the end. What do you think about what he did, was able to do in the fight? How do you think Hilo knew it would work? What do you think about his refusal of the jade at graduation?

This was a really enjoyable part of the book. I had guessed that Anden would play a big part somehow and this was pretty big. And then refusing the legacy because of the evil power he feared he wouldn't be able to control. And walking away... for now. Epic.

19.) The book definitely ends with a bang. Were you surprised by how the book ended for any of the characters? What happens next for Doru and Bero and the rest?
Did you like the ending, or the book in general? Will you read the sequel? Any predictions on where the sequels will go?

Doru is pretty much finished. I think further books will revisit the Mountain Clan/No Peak struggle for supremacy. But a big part will be the return of Anden and Bero will also play a significant part, maybe as an alternative to the established Clans in a power struggle. The scene where he is at the cemetery going to dig up Lan for his Jade. Oh my..
I did find this book a bit long winded in parts but it improved by the end. I may pick up the sequels especially if they are future BOM's!

Day 3 Ch 29 to Ch 42

11.) Bero, Bero what to do with you. How does someone fail so spectacularly while successfully overachieving at the same time? No glory or reward, but still a dead Lan. Do you think this is the last we will see of Bero? Or is he our permanent bad penny, destined to reappear?

I'm not surprised that Bero is playing a big part in the story, I sort of saw that coming. But the early death of Lan, major surprise!! But it does move the story forward and becomes the catalyst for the huge clan war so I actually approve.

12.) Guuuuurrrrrrl, Shae busted her jade out and BROUGHT IT. What do you think of her as Weather Man so far? Making good choices? Do you think she and Hilo will be able to break their childhood pattern and figure out how to work together as adults?

Again, I saw that coming. I'm thinking they will grow with their roles and shine.. and crush those Mountain people big time!

13.) Anden, I feel for this guy. Do you think the guilt will crush him or drive him to be the best Fist there is? Potentially all the way to the Horn given time. Will he manage to give himself the grace of forgiveness?

I'm thinking that Anden and his growth to adulthood will be one of the major plot points of the overall series. I'm guessing he will become the Pillar by the end.

14.) Hilo, having to rise to a position of power he never wanted and doesn't think he's right for. Do you agree he's not wired to be a good Pillar? Or is that all in his head with crap his grandfather put in there Hilo's whole life? Or is Hilo (and almost everyone else) selling himself short?

I quite like Hilo's character and we do get to see behind the obvious with his love for Wen and some of his internal doubts. But I'm thinking he's the place holder for Anden. But in saying that Shae and Hilo will be effective in holding the clan together and ultimately winning the clan war.

15.) I wish we'd seen more of Wen and Ayt by this point in the story. There is a lot of unknowns about these women and I am intrigued by them both. Example, I feel like Wen would make a better Horn than her brother with some of the shrewd observations she's made to Hilo. And Hilo seems to not take her seriously for a variety of reasons. Are there characters you wish had more page time by this part of the story?

I think we will learn more about them through the series. Ayr is particularly mysterious at this time. This book seems to more about the No Peak clan's perspective. There does seem to be a lot of world building detail and fighting scenes. Maybe it's first book syndrome but parts of it are dragging on for me.

DAY 2 - CHAPTERS 14-28

6. Even though the island of Kekon and its capital the Jade City of Janloon is a fantasy setting there is a strong influence of Asian countries and culture from our world. I'm interested to find out which real life county you think Kekon is modelled on - Japan, Hong Kong, China.. or maybe another or a combination. And how about the countries of Shotaria and Espenia? Does is make a difference to how you absorb the plot and descriptions of the land and culture or do you read it as pure fantasy?

7. I find Shae one of the most interesting characters in the story and her indecision where she fits in to the legacy of her family. Lan sends his sister on a fact finding mission to the Jade mines and she finds something sinister is going on. In light of what we know about the Weather Man Doku do you think it's possible he is in cahoots with the opposition or is his influence slipping and he's also being played? And do you think there is any way that Shae is not going to end up in his position by the end of the novel?

8. After Hilo's life is threatened it looks like all out clan war is inevitable. The grandfather lashes out blaming Hilo and labelling him an "impulsive hooligan". Is this the rantings of an older man past his prime or is there something in what he says?

9. Beru seems to have fallen onto his feet. How does his meeting with the nameless Mountain Man play into the plot considering what we know about the Jade deposits going missing at the mine? Is he going to play a major part in the story do you think?

10. Chapter 28 brings a revelation when Anden discovers Lan's use of SN1 after his fight with Gam and acquisition of his Jade. How important do you think this will be to the plot moving forward. And what will Anden's ultimate role be in the Clan?

DQ's Day 1
Ch 1-13

1. The opening chapter was a great introduction to the world of the novel, explaining a lot in a short amount of time. We meet Hilo, a Horn of the No Peak clan and get an idea of his character and how he handles his responsibilities. He did what he thought was right and returned Shon Ju’s jade to him, and he has clear ideas of what to do with the boys. Do you think that the young would-be robbers, Bero and Sampa, received punishment fit for the crime, or will the Pillar’s decision come back to haunt them later on?
It looks like within a few chapters it's going to come back and bite him. One of the boys (Bero) already looks like he's up to mischief.

2. The concept of jade granting mystical powers to those that possess it is a really interesting plot concept. Do you think you’d be able to handle the powers that it bestows on those with the right bloodline and learn to fight and use Jade at the Kaul Dusheron Academy?

It is an interesting concept but there is quite a lot of world building to get through early on in the book. This is quite a different fantasy style for me. I don't have any interest really in becoming a Jade fiend however, with great power comes great responsiblity yada, yada...

3. The new Pillar, Lan, seems to be a very different sort of person from his younger brother, Hilo. From what we learn, Lan is more thoughtful and less prone to violence than the rest of the family. Do you think that their Grandda is right that he’s too soft and not man enough to rule the No Peak clan and has lost face in the eyes of the other clans?

It's the old story of the older generation thinking the younger are not as proficient as themselves. I think Lan will do fine, he does take everything into account. Doku the Weather Man does make somegood points and gives mainly sound advice but he was his Grandfather's advisor and Lan has to become his own man and rule for his own time.

4. When Anden is kidnapped by the Mountain clan, he gets an offer that he come work for them when he graduates from the academy. He’s also given information on future SN-1 production that will affect Kekon on the international stage. Do you think he will take them up on their offer? Do you think that the Mountain clan has the right to sell the drug to Ygutan?

Anden will remain faithful to the Peak group. I'm sure he'll be one of the main character's stories we'll follow throughout the story. Looks like the Mountain scheme and the Peak group foiling it will one of the main storylines of the book. It's going to be a catastrophe waiting to happen.

5. Shea’s return to the family after she left Kekon for a foreign man and education seems to have been inevitable to her family. She very obviously just wants to remain a normal person and is working hard to remain so. Do you think she should have said yes to Lan’s request of a favor or said no to stay out of it?

Probably should have stayed out of it but there was no way she could. It's always hard for people to extricate themselves from family business!

Me too! 😊

Ooh, just noticed that my nomination got up! Yay, looking forward to reading it and doing the DQ's! Hope we all enjoy it.