Reading 1001 discussion

Read 2017
A fantasy story by David Gemmell written in the seventies when the author was told he might have cancer. He wrote it to distract but also as metaphor for the battle against death. The author later found out he did not have cancer, put away the book and later resurrected it and finished it up and published it in 1984. He went on to write a series called the Drenai Tales. The first book is about Rek (a fearful warrior) and Druss The Legend and a battle they fight against Ulric, the warlord of the North. The story is much like Lord of the Rings, Conan the Barbarian and in that respect it is not original. The plot is action with dialogue. It is complete, through the story the reader knows that death is the expected end. (as would be if you were diagnosed with cancer). The characters are said to be unique in that they are ordinary, not extraordinary. This is especially true of Rek. It was readable.

I liked this quote: “Man alone, it seems, lives all his life in the knowledge of death. And yet there is more to life than merely waiting for death. For life to have meaning, there must be a purpose. A man must pass something on—otherwise he is useless. “For most men that purpose revolves around marriage and children”

Achievements: the author was successful in selling this book. It earned this award; Prix Tour Eiffel (2002), it also is a 1001 Book You Must Read before you die. Style is action and dialogue. Nothing too unique in style but fits the story. No political overtones, this is a battle to live. No problems with excess foul language or sexual content.

I liked reading this in the context of it being a cancer metaphor, that was neat. The action and fantasy world itself was decently entertaining, but not extremely engrossing. I agree with kristel that it wasn't too unique: it felt very "Conan the Barbarian" meets the battle of Helms-deep from LOTR for me.

One thing I really didn't care for was the level of machismo and paternalism in the book. Like, it's not horrific, but the way it is presented, it ironically reads as dated to the 80s to me than reflective of mediaeval Europe.

On the other hand, one thing I did like was the the idea that the Nadir horde aren't evil, and were just doing what the Drenai Empire had done itself eons before.

I gave it 3 stars.

Pre-2017 review:

*** 1/2

This fantasy novel really felt different other fantasy books I have read before. First, the humane side of the characters was much more highlighted than the brutality of the action and of the war. Second, despite its apparent medieval setting, the dialogues (especially between Rek and Virae) made it feel much more modern. There was also a welcomed touch of feminism with Virae and Caessa cast as fiercely independent, against the grain of the more subdued medieval role of women. Overall, this was an enjoyable although somewhat predictable story, but not enough for me to rush and buy the rest of the series.

I have not read fantasy novels in a long time and this one rekindled a memory of exactly why I did read them in my teens. There is action and romance being driven by themes of honor, friendship, loyalty and exactly what is worth fighting for. Death is presented as a constant presence rather than as something far off and unmentionable. There are two women that have unique personalities and are able to think for themselves and physically defend themselves. All other women, however, are not even in the picture except as mothers and workers who we do not meet. I liked the fact that there was sorcery and mind surfing and a dedication to "The Source", but no trolls, witches, dragons, etc. The world was one that was largely recognizable right down to the jesting modern dialogue and a nod to a "muslim" culture that, of course, was not muslim in the book.
All and all a treat to read, although I can't see what exactly it is doing on the list. It certainly was not one of the first fantasy novels, maybe just one that solidified the conventions?
At any rate, I gave it 3 stars.