Melinda
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
In Falling Free, the name of the pirated Earth holovid the quaddies watch in the clubhouse is "The Prisoner of Zenda". That's the name of a real book (an abysmally-terrible 1894 adventure novel that spawned a whole genre of works featuring British people messing about with fictional Eastern European countries in political turmoil). Why the nod to that book? Some any metaphorical connection I've missed?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Nothing metaphorical; it was just an adventure book (and movie, by the way) that would be utterly alien to the quaddies, but that modern readers would recognize, and thus recognize the absurd mismatch. (Well... maybe.) It has a sequel, Rupert of Hentzau, an early entry into the "let's explore the villain as a hero of his own tale" trope. I've read both, long ago.
Ta, L.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Kate Davenport
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Just gobbled up the Physicians of Vilnoc. Thank you. But I wondered, when divesting himself of chaos, couldn't Penric rot a condemned building from the top down or kill and rot a tree? (a wistful thought for me since I have several volunteer maples I will need to hire an arborist to remove) It would seem less efficient, but also less fraught.
Stjepan Cobets
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
First I would like to thank you for your character Miles Vorkasigen inspiring me to start writing my books. Miles decided to succeed despite all obstacles. I am an indie author from Croatia and my biggest problem is editing books in English because I can't afford it. My question relates to just that little detail. Do you know someone who could help me with pro bono editing? With all due respect, S. V. Cobets
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