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A review by lauriesand82
Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen by Lois McMaster Bujold
3.0
First, and most glaring, is the issue that has been discussed at length by other reviewers: the revelation that Aral and Cordelia's relationship was of a different nature than we all assumed and expected. I'll admit, I don't like it. It does not feel believable to me, based on my understanding of the characters, and I'm pretty sure that quirk was added only to liven up the otherwise plodding story of two older adults falling for each other. Less obvious, but also disappointing, is the writing itself. It presents a simulacrum of her earlier work, but the witticisms are mostly either forced or are "internal cliches" recycled from prior novels. I have admired Bujold's writing for having a "transparent" quality that allows the reader to feel immersed in the story. I did not feel immersed in this book. My final complaint: the book goes absolutely nowhere, with no conflict, mystery, tragedy, or noticeable growth for any of the characters.
However, I do think that "Gentleman Jole", "Cryoburn", and, to some extent, "Captain Vorpatril's Alliance" can be taken together and interpretted as an irritated yet tongue-in-cheek message from Bujold to her publishers and fans. First, in Cryoburn, we encounter a Miles who is settled into his job and takes no risks with himself. He spends most of his time wishing he was at home with his wife and kids. He's phoning it in at this point. Then, in Captain Vorpatril's Alliance (chronologically earlier but written after Cryoburn), Ivan and Tej share the refrain of "Why can't I just be an average person and lay on a beach sipping fruity drinks?" And ultimately are granted their wish! To cap off the trifecta, in Gentleman Jole Cordelia actually states, "I've given 40 years to Barrayar. The next 40 are mine." The whole message of Gentleman Jole is basically "I get that you feel like you know me, but in fact I am my own complex and evolving person, and it is not my job to stay the same just to make you more comfortable."
So, Lois, I think you got the job done this time. For your sake, I fervently hope nobody makes you write another Vorkosigan novel ever again. Cheers!
However, I do think that "Gentleman Jole", "Cryoburn", and, to some extent, "Captain Vorpatril's Alliance" can be taken together and interpretted as an irritated yet tongue-in-cheek message from Bujold to her publishers and fans. First, in Cryoburn, we encounter a Miles who is settled into his job and takes no risks with himself. He spends most of his time wishing he was at home with his wife and kids. He's phoning it in at this point. Then, in Captain Vorpatril's Alliance (chronologically earlier but written after Cryoburn), Ivan and Tej share the refrain of "Why can't I just be an average person and lay on a beach sipping fruity drinks?" And ultimately are granted their wish! To cap off the trifecta, in Gentleman Jole Cordelia actually states, "I've given 40 years to Barrayar. The next 40 are mine." The whole message of Gentleman Jole is basically "I get that you feel like you know me, but in fact I am my own complex and evolving person, and it is not my job to stay the same just to make you more comfortable."
So, Lois, I think you got the job done this time. For your sake, I fervently hope nobody makes you write another Vorkosigan novel ever again. Cheers!