Lennie Wynker
asked:
Maybe I'm being extra, but am I the only one who's weirded out by the turn in the romance in this book? Ceda suddenly being in love with Sumeya even though she's spent the first three book pinning after Emre and book 3 ended with them making love together. Besides, they are literally half-sister. Honestly, I'm curious what made the author chose this sudden turnaround.
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Beneath the Twisted Trees,
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Sky
It seems like many of the characters are in love with more than one person. Emre cares deeply for Haddad even though he's in love with Cheda; Davud seems to be in love with both Esmeray and Anila, at least to some extent, and he appeared to have a crush on Cheda for a long time before that. Cheda's feelings for Sumeya are not the same as those she has for Emre, but she does love both of them. And she seemed to sort of love Ramahd for a time. I think the idea is that one can love different people in different ways.
It also seems a bit like love is a question of circumstance. Characters are thrown together by exigency rather than choice, and they come to care for and respect those around them. To some extent, their feelings may just be a result of reaching out for some connection in desperate and uncertain times.
At least that's the impression I get from the story so far. It doesn't seem like the author is interested in setting up monogamous true love so much as exploring the different kinds of relationships people can have with one another.
It also seems a bit like love is a question of circumstance. Characters are thrown together by exigency rather than choice, and they come to care for and respect those around them. To some extent, their feelings may just be a result of reaching out for some connection in desperate and uncertain times.
At least that's the impression I get from the story so far. It doesn't seem like the author is interested in setting up monogamous true love so much as exploring the different kinds of relationships people can have with one another.
Rebecca
I agree somewhat, it seemed a bit rushed, moving from sisterly love to sex pretty quickly without much emotional foreplay. I think if that transition was explained more it would have made sense. The half-sister thing is weird, but I'm thinking maybe Ceda's dad is someone else? Either way I appreciate the polyamorist nature of the romantic relationships in this book, "one true love" is not reality for many and I think the author does a service to the readers in acknowledging that.
Heather Turiello
Note: Please mark questions with "spoiler." I just picked up the book and saw your reveal. :( Still super excited to read the book. But I'm a fan of Emre, too.
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