Evan Peterson
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
My apologies if this is too personal a question.. I have read a majority of your books and just finished reading Penric's hardcover editions and re-reading the rest of the World of Five Gods series...and I notice a recurring theme of older/younger romances. Betriz/Cazaril Fawn/Dag even Penric and Desdemona. Drawing from personal experience or drawn to that dymamic for purely the tension it adds?
Lois McMaster Bujold
It's merely a variant. There are only two choices of age-spreads for romantic partners; dead-even ages, or some degree of uneven ages. You are just noticing the more uneven ones preferentially. (Although indeed it can add a dramatic element, depending, like any other disjoint cultural aspect that must be worked through by one's characters.) There are lots of even or nearly even pairs as well, that pass by unremarked. Miles and Ekaterin, ferex. Ingrey and Ijada are pretty close, as are Fiametta and Thur, Ista and Illvin, Simon and Alys... the list goes on, but no one makes breathless comments about the near-age-pairs; invisible, I guess.
Ta, L.
It's merely a variant. There are only two choices of age-spreads for romantic partners; dead-even ages, or some degree of uneven ages. You are just noticing the more uneven ones preferentially. (Although indeed it can add a dramatic element, depending, like any other disjoint cultural aspect that must be worked through by one's characters.) There are lots of even or nearly even pairs as well, that pass by unremarked. Miles and Ekaterin, ferex. Ingrey and Ijada are pretty close, as are Fiametta and Thur, Ista and Illvin, Simon and Alys... the list goes on, but no one makes breathless comments about the near-age-pairs; invisible, I guess.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Tyler
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
In a past post years ago you mentioned that you listened to the music of Dave Carter and Tracy Grammar a lot while writing the Sharing Knife series. Because of your mention I now own all those albums - Big fan - Carter will be missed. Their "When I Go" album perfectly compliments the Sharing Knife series. Which begs the question....Is the Sharing Knife series the Ultimate FanFic for Carter & Grammer's music?
Kate Davenport
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I don't see an actual story here, but I wonder how Bosha is doing as a co-parent in the house of two very busy, strong willed adults, a role he must never have envisioned. Also because someone I know is living with her daughter, son-in-law, and three boys under the age of 8. She is starting to chafe under the apparent assumption that, since she is retired, she will always be available for child care. (?)
Steve
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
*New Scientist* has just put out its writers' list of favorites science fiction novels, and "The Vorkosigan Saga is on the list. A nice blue ribbon for you? The attention is well-deserved, and may attract some new readers. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2433037-our-writers-pick-their-favourite-science-fiction-books-of-all-time/
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more