Christopher Buza
asked
Christopher Paolini:
I'm really interested in reading Gene Wolfe's work. I've heard people call his prose beautiful, but I've also heard the words "archaic" and "sexist" thrown around. I read your review of "Shadow and Claw," which is where I aim to start, and I was wondering what your take on these critiques is. Nonsense? Unfortunate reality? (I'm a Lovecraft fan, so I'm experienced with having to look past problematic author traits.)
Christopher Paolini
‘Archaic' isn’t a problem for me when it comes to fantasy. The genre is inherently conservative, so a certain amount of archaism is to be expected. As for ‘sexist’ . . . I’d say Lovecraft is probably more obviously offensive in that regard (he’s many things as a writer, but subtle ain’t one of them). Wolfe is primarily concerned with the use of language and with unreliable narrators. As a result, he gives short shrift to all characters outside his narrator, including of course, the women. Honestly, I haven’t read enough of his work to be able to give you a definitive answer. In fact, I feel as if I don’t entirely understand "The Book of the New Sun." It’s a densely wrought, enormously complicated hall of mirrors, and I’m still trying to decide how much to trust the main character. So . . . yeah. If you like puzzles, go for it (the language is awesome). Just realize most of the female characters aren’t going to have a whole lot of agency. But then, few people do in Wolfe’s world. For comparison, I would highly recommend "The Worm Ouroboros," by Eddison.
More Answered Questions
A Goodreads user
asked
Christopher Paolini:
I am wondering if you will try getting Eragon the movie remade at any point? I absolutely ADORE the inheritance cycle, and if it is done right I know that it would be a huge hit at the box office!! Inheritance cycle is my forever favorite!! I still have not found a book that can beat it!
Hot Chocolate Confessions
asked
Christopher Paolini:
This has bothered me for a long time: when Galbatorix steals his second dragon and kills it's original rider, why doesn't the dragon die? Isn't it supposed to die when the rider dies? And was Shruiken's natural color black, or did it change when he was twisted to serve the evil king?
Clint Carton
asked
Christopher Paolini:
Hi Christopher, I love the Inheritance Cycle so much that I have been inspired to try writing as well. I was wondering if you have an estimated release date for your sci-fi book. Could you tell us about your progress at all? (No spoilers just an update) Thanks!
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