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Book rec- "Under Heaven" by Guy Gavriel Kay
This may well be one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. The prose is elegant and paints such a vivid picture I caught myself reading in open-mouthed joy and appreciation on more than one occasion.
It is a historical fantasy. It is a character study. It is a stunning piece of writing that pays tribute to the beauty found in everything- horses, women, poetry, movement, clothing...I could keep that list going on forever, and it would only belittle what this book does. It is a wondrous tribute to Tang Dynasty China, and more.
The plot itself centers on a man who struggles to bury the victims of a brutal battle by the side of a lake. In doing so, in honoring the dead of both armies, he draws the attention of royalty and is granted a treasure beyond understanding- an awe-inspiring number of Western horses. This gift throws his life in conflict as men of all stations in life rush to gain his favor, and others attempt to kill him to keep the horses from rivals. The intrigue is wonderful and is revealed perfectly, without rushing. Everything unfolds so naturally.
This is not a book for those who want non stop action. This is a novel of elegant court life and the dark, bitter violence that is hidden, never fully engaged in public, lest is mar the perfection each individual is striving towards. And in the middle of it all we have a man who has been apart from the world for two years doing nothing more than burying fallen soldiers and must relearn to be subtle.
That being said, there are murders and fights aplenty, but it is spread through a rich tapestry of intrigue and elegance, and even the violence seems unhurried at times.
Beautiful. Engrossing. A must read.
It is a historical fantasy. It is a character study. It is a stunning piece of writing that pays tribute to the beauty found in everything- horses, women, poetry, movement, clothing...I could keep that list going on forever, and it would only belittle what this book does. It is a wondrous tribute to Tang Dynasty China, and more.
The plot itself centers on a man who struggles to bury the victims of a brutal battle by the side of a lake. In doing so, in honoring the dead of both armies, he draws the attention of royalty and is granted a treasure beyond understanding- an awe-inspiring number of Western horses. This gift throws his life in conflict as men of all stations in life rush to gain his favor, and others attempt to kill him to keep the horses from rivals. The intrigue is wonderful and is revealed perfectly, without rushing. Everything unfolds so naturally.
This is not a book for those who want non stop action. This is a novel of elegant court life and the dark, bitter violence that is hidden, never fully engaged in public, lest is mar the perfection each individual is striving towards. And in the middle of it all we have a man who has been apart from the world for two years doing nothing more than burying fallen soldiers and must relearn to be subtle.
That being said, there are murders and fights aplenty, but it is spread through a rich tapestry of intrigue and elegance, and even the violence seems unhurried at times.
Beautiful. Engrossing. A must read.
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...oh, and of horses, too....
Western horses? Any particular breed?
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Either way, now I want to spend the evening looking at ancient Chinese art.
This is my first venture into Kay's works (shameful, I know) are they all amazing like this?!
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