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A review by borborygm
The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye by A.S. Byatt
3.0
A work by Byatt is a lesson in language and stories. She deftly weaves history and literature within her layered works. Most of the time I don't know the underlying references but when I do I nod appreciatively (and feel learned which is a clever way to get someone to like your work.) While I genuinely enjoyed some of the tales, most would not have been interesting without Byatt's splendid use of language. A much bigger problem is with the titular story in which our protagonist wishes the djinn to love her. While the djinn professes to be honored by the wish, it is troubling. Later in the story Byatt writes:
Gillian said, 'I am ready now to make my third wish.' ... 'I shall almost believe you are trying to prevent my wish.'
'No, no. I am your slave.'
It is clear that the djinn, despite the playfulness of their relationship, is in fact bound to grant Gillian's wishes, independent of his own desires. Forcing your slave to love you is disturbing. And simply wrong.
It is even stranger that earlier Gillian tells us how as a young woman she was sexually assaulted by an older, more powerful person.
Gillian said, 'I am ready now to make my third wish.' ... 'I shall almost believe you are trying to prevent my wish.'
'No, no. I am your slave.'
It is clear that the djinn, despite the playfulness of their relationship, is in fact bound to grant Gillian's wishes, independent of his own desires. Forcing your slave to love you is disturbing. And simply wrong.
It is even stranger that earlier Gillian tells us how as a young woman she was sexually assaulted by an older, more powerful person.