K. Ancrum
Thank you! I believe that their relationship was unhealthy because of the codependency issues, but because the codependency was motivated by outside factors-- not internal factors--once those factors were resolved/mitigated they were able to seize the opportunity to learn to love each other properly.
Actually!! In book 2 of the series THE WEIGHT OF THE STARS, you get to see them in a healthy supportive poly marriage with a kid and there is a lot of discussion about the therapy they all went through post THE WICKER KING.
As for their physical relationship and the multiple issues people had with the roughness with which Jack treated August-- August is Submissive and Jack never does anything to him without checking his consent. He actually asks August 4 separate times whether "this is what he wants" before continuing. In addition, Jack recoils from this aspect of August's personality in confusion at first and /August/ is the one who coerces Jack into participating in a Dominant/Submissive situation with him (which is when Jack begins his consent checks). There is a part where August is bowing before Jack in the kitchen after fighting Jack's dad where Jack finally understands what August needs, and I believe the line used is "Jack looked at him in wonder and fear." which was Jack finally understanding that he holds this incredibly fragile desire of August's in his hands.
I think that people who read THE WICKER KING and are like "jack is bullying August" just don't have a point of reference to understand whats really going on in that regard(D/S). Its is a bit alternative for a YA book and Very Very Complex, so I'd never expect that everyone would be able to get that from it. So its nothing that I've gone out of my way to correct. But there are enough people who DID understand and relate to it that I feel as though I did that aspect of the book justice.
Actually!! In book 2 of the series THE WEIGHT OF THE STARS, you get to see them in a healthy supportive poly marriage with a kid and there is a lot of discussion about the therapy they all went through post THE WICKER KING.
As for their physical relationship and the multiple issues people had with the roughness with which Jack treated August-- August is Submissive and Jack never does anything to him without checking his consent. He actually asks August 4 separate times whether "this is what he wants" before continuing. In addition, Jack recoils from this aspect of August's personality in confusion at first and /August/ is the one who coerces Jack into participating in a Dominant/Submissive situation with him (which is when Jack begins his consent checks). There is a part where August is bowing before Jack in the kitchen after fighting Jack's dad where Jack finally understands what August needs, and I believe the line used is "Jack looked at him in wonder and fear." which was Jack finally understanding that he holds this incredibly fragile desire of August's in his hands.
I think that people who read THE WICKER KING and are like "jack is bullying August" just don't have a point of reference to understand whats really going on in that regard(D/S). Its is a bit alternative for a YA book and Very Very Complex, so I'd never expect that everyone would be able to get that from it. So its nothing that I've gone out of my way to correct. But there are enough people who DID understand and relate to it that I feel as though I did that aspect of the book justice.
More Answered Questions
Kyle
asked
K. Ancrum:
Hello you groovy literary Goddess; you Queen of alt YA ships! Your refreshing use of little-seen poly, D/S, and bi relationships makes me happy. It’s rare to find such complexity in the YA field— alternative lifestyles and characters are only ever winked at. I crave depth and f*cking REALNESS, and you delivered with characters crackling darkly. Can we expect more alternative relationships in future works? Thanks!
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