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Mulling Over GRACELING
I finished GRACELING by Kristin Cashore a few days ago and have been mulling over what I think of it. There is no question that the writing is beautiful and smooth, but I have some other reservations about the novel.
I guessed what was going to happen way ahead of time—and was correct every time. Perhaps this is because I’m not the intended audience and because I read a lot of fantasy. I also guessed that this story was preparing the reader for a sequel long before I knew there was one. Though I loved her descriptions and the world, my writer brain was annoyed by the number of country names and similar sounding king names that were piled on the reader at the beginning of the story. The repetition about eye color and graceling gifts made me think that Cashore needed to have a bit more respect for her reader’s intelligence and her own ability to get across the world she’d created.
I loved a majority of the secondary characters. They were skillfully created, well rounded and unique—and fun. I like Po. But the main character, Katsa, was not a girl I could relate to—which has nothing to do with the story or the writing and everything to do with my taste. I didn’t detest being in her head, but I became bored with her. I think my real issue was that I never doubted that she would survive and come out on top. The story had a feeling of inevitability to me and didn’t offer surprises.
The reason I picked up the book was that several people recommended it to me as an excellent example of romantic tension. I do think this book was successful in this area. And, where as some of my lj friends had a problem with Po and Katsa’s romance blossoming as they beat each other to a pulp, I didn’t feel that way. I felt that Katsa’s character was such that she wouldn’t experience fighting with Po the same way a normal person would, so I thought the fighting/ romance felt true to her character.
I can’t say I won’t read the sequel and it is likely I’d read another novel by Cashore which was not in this series—but it is also likely that I won’t rush to buy the next book in this series. Love of books is always subjective and GRACELING didn’t speak to my heart.
So do you know any kids that read GRACELING? What did they think of it?
Angie, I think you are exactly right about the strength of Katsa's character. I felt like some of the secondary characters had more depth. And I too started skimming once she and Po parted--and during some of the earlier mountain crossing scenes.
I'm sure half my trouble with the book was just all the hype I'd read in advance -- and yes, a lot of my teen friends (though not all) thought it was great. To me it read like a promising first novel from a writer who was very young and still learning how to plot. If I'd looked at it that way going in, instead of expecting something that would blow me away, I would have liked the book fine.
I had some problems with the worldbuilding and with Katsa's inexplicable hatred of marriage (which seemed like the author projecting).
Those problems were significant enough that while I read it quickly and enjoyed the time spent, it left a lingering bad impression.
I didn't mind the premise of her being opposed to marriage, I just was annoyed that there was no discernible character motivation for it -- which would have been pretty easy to include.
Now I am over thinking, perhaps.
I'm assuming she thought Po could do better?
Am I the only person who though Katsa's pill making cousin was gay?
I also have notice from watching her, and her friends, that they like the couples to struggle, but be cute too. Happy endings are a must, and if it doesn't happen it spoils the book. They say that chivalry is dead, but I think that in her case, and many of her friends, they like that sort of gallantry and as they say 'cutenes'.
Next on her reading list is The Amaranth Enchantment so I'll wait to see what she thinks. I loved the book, but I'm always looking forward to what she thinks.
Edit** You are not the only one who thought that Katsa's cousing was gay. On regards if she thought that Po could do better, her answer was no. In fact her opinion is that they are not suited for each other. If she was writing the book they wouldn't end together.
Edited at 2009-06-01 07:03 pm (UTC)
I'm thinking it's is a matter of being able to get lost in the world the writer created. I may not have related to Katsa, but that didn't mean I didn't find myself envisioning what the characters would do beyond the confines of the written story.
I suspect/wonder if your daughter has created her own story about what should happen between Po and Katsa.
This desire to reimagine is what I think made the Harry Potter books so strong--adults could think about what it would be like if they were a HP parent or teacher and kids could envision their own adventures set in the world.
Love the "cute" factor.
If you're interested, here's an informal poll of favorite romantic (and nonromantic pairings) from books -- many of the responders are teens and some are adults.