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3.0 AVERAGE
3.0 AVERAGE
This book is fascinating, and it's amazing to see such a brilliant mind at work. Her prose is a bit dense though, and it's something you should be definitely be in the mood to read. More thoughts here: https://elysareadsitall.wordpress.com/?p=5942
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Sorta bug nuts. I had the pleasure of having someone ask me what I was reading and responding aloud with whatever passage I was on, some philosophical conversation with Bear-men or Lice-men probably, and seeing the confusion on the asker's face. Such a fascinating object, and nothing like what I expected from utopian fiction (ala Charlotte Perkins Gilman's [b:Herland|531509|Herland|Charlotte Perkins Gilman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403189138l/531509._SY75_.jpg|83484] or something).
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cavendish is bonkers love her
This collection of Margaret Cavendish' stories caught my attention after reading about pioneers of early science fiction (in other words: women). I purchased this book alongside Jirel of Joiry, which was a prototype for Red Sonja and later I found out, for Dark Agnes. The reason I bring up C.L. Moore's work is because these two novels epitomize two very different approaches towards "feminist" or female lead science-fiction novels. Smith's character is feisty, adamant and hot-tempered and she isn't afraid to fight anything as long as she has her trusty sword. Her adventures vary from trips into a hellish underworld, to tracking down a wizard to outwitting a supernatural deity and his marriage plans. In summary, the character of Jirel was admirable and relatable; she was someone that pursued the good fight, protected the land of Joiry and experienced lost.
The Blazing World, on the other hand, lacked depth and treaded within the realm of a fairytale. This manifests in the choice of leaving the main character without a name except for the titles of Lady and Empress. Initially, I liked this concept but upon reading further into the novel, I felt disconnected from this character. This fact paired with the style of writing caused the story to be tedious. There were many pages, where Empress was conversing with her subjects on philosophical, scientific, metaphysical subjects etc., that I thumbed through. Although interesting, I did not understand the character's motive or even the issue with her current world. What drove her intellectual? What did Empress find disparaging or intriguing about her surroundings? There was no understanding or development of her character that could warrant her actions or desires. (If they even existed)
Upon reaching the section where the Empress began to converse with the Duchess and left her body, was when I lost all hope in the novel. Even the main character herself was dissatisfied with her role in the novel. At this point, I began to conclude that the Empress was an outlet for Cavendish to espouse her views and desires in a time when female expression was restricted. This novel wasn't about developing a world or multi-dimensional characters but a platform to lament on the misfortunes of the author. I do concede that numerous authors have comparably done the same, but it wasn't so obvious and outlandish. This novel, as my fellow readers have said before, lacks a plot, a conflict, and a climax. If Cavendish wanted to complain about her circumstances then why does the world, where the Empress was held "captive", accommodate her needs and desires. (I mean, the emperor let her do whatever she wanted!! What was there to complain about??)
Alas, the character of Empress was disconnected from the narrative and consequently, her story lacked a conflict and climax. Perhaps, this is all due to a misconstrued synopsis on the novel itself, but I was disappointed with this early science fiction.
The Blazing World, on the other hand, lacked depth and treaded within the realm of a fairytale. This manifests in the choice of leaving the main character without a name except for the titles of Lady and Empress. Initially, I liked this concept but upon reading further into the novel, I felt disconnected from this character. This fact paired with the style of writing caused the story to be tedious. There were many pages, where Empress was conversing with her subjects on philosophical, scientific, metaphysical subjects etc., that I thumbed through. Although interesting, I did not understand the character's motive or even the issue with her current world. What drove her intellectual? What did Empress find disparaging or intriguing about her surroundings? There was no understanding or development of her character that could warrant her actions or desires. (If they even existed)
Upon reaching the section where the Empress began to converse with the Duchess and left her body, was when I lost all hope in the novel. Even the main character herself was dissatisfied with her role in the novel. At this point, I began to conclude that the Empress was an outlet for Cavendish to espouse her views and desires in a time when female expression was restricted. This novel wasn't about developing a world or multi-dimensional characters but a platform to lament on the misfortunes of the author. I do concede that numerous authors have comparably done the same, but it wasn't so obvious and outlandish. This novel, as my fellow readers have said before, lacks a plot, a conflict, and a climax. If Cavendish wanted to complain about her circumstances then why does the world, where the Empress was held "captive", accommodate her needs and desires. (I mean, the emperor let her do whatever she wanted!! What was there to complain about??)
Alas, the character of Empress was disconnected from the narrative and consequently, her story lacked a conflict and climax. Perhaps, this is all due to a misconstrued synopsis on the novel itself, but I was disappointed with this early science fiction.