froutopiau363f

** spoiler alert ** The second book in a trilogy is always the most difficult to write. (Or so I've heard, not that I've ever completed writing so many books!) However, despite the fact that this is only Rothfuss' second book--it certainly is still amazing. Basically, I would summarize my feelings and review of it this way. The beginning is exciting. It's at the University. We know what's going on, are familiar with the people and the plot ideas--squabbles, money problems, music and learning. Still, it is fun to catch up with characters we love and see what mischief and problems they are getting into now. Also, there is more information about truly puzzling questions and cliffhangers that have been bugging us ever since the first book. A few answers, mind you. And probably more like hints of them, rather than anything ever being so clearly stated. Then in changes. Suddenly, the University story becomes a Court story. It focuses more on court life, court intrigues and musicians. Kvothe's role changes slightly, but not frustratingly so. And it certainly is not boring. Rothfuss adds just enough difference to the culture to keep us interested, and yet enough sameness to our own historical courts that we aren't flailing around, nor is he having to explain every third motion, item, etc. To be honest, this part truly adds a depth to Kovthe's character--it seems to make him work at fitting in and helps us realize some of his subtle brilliance. (Unlike parts at the University where he--meaning Kvothe--liked to basically shout it at us. Or, rather, spoke in a not-so-subtle Edema Ruh stage whisper.) Another change. Travel story. (I'm not certain if there is a proper literary term for this. I am feel there is, I just don't know it and couldn't find it.) For a part of a story that can generally be terribly boring, Rothfuss does a good job. He does have the aid of a specific search going on that causes the traveling and it does bring to light a new culture that has not been shown before. However, and this is a very personal reason, I generally found it the most boring. Meaning the section in the woods and the fey part--I will get to that--directly afterward. Yet I find those sections the most difficult to tolerate in any book, so that I continued reading without skimming actually shows worlds of how much I loved this book and the interest I kept. (Furthermore, I forgot to mention, in between the University and Court sections, there was what I consider the best way to deal with a travel story--skipping. And it was done wittily and without hard feelings. Bravo!) Third change draws us into a fey story. This section explains a lot and sets the background--or at least you read it with the feeling that it probably is setting the background--for a lot of future events. One that won't even take place in this book. Plus it gives Kvothe his awesome new cloak. Otherwise, it is a little sluggish. (Personal note again: I expected it to last several fewer chapters...) It does a wonderful job, though, in reminding us that we are not reading strictly a story about over-exaggerated rumors, that truly fey and magical things did happen to Kvothe. And then we are whisked away from the fey, back into reality, only to suddenly discover that we are not returning to the Court story, but have been tricked and are moving into another change. This can only be described as Bildungsroman. (A coming of age story. Which, I suppose, you could make the argument the entire trilogy is about...but I won't until I see the final novel.) Here, we watch as Kvothe comes to realize--or to not realize, but realize with his Sleeping Mind--things about the way of the world. And himself. This holds true throughout his entire time with the Adem and rescuing the girls. And it makes us wonder who exactly he will become, before he becomes Kote. And then...it begins to recap, to return to where it began. We wander--traveling--with Kvothe, we reenter court life until finally we return to the University. Honestly, to mimic Kvothe's own feelings, it feels like we are returning home. The last section of the book reads with the faint glow of warm homecoming. That is...until Kvothe stops telling of his life and the reality of the inn, the Chronicler and Bast come sinking in. That, and the silence of three parts. They serve to draw away that happy glow and remind you of what must happen to cause this story to be told in such a manner. When you finish this book, your heart echoes some of the silence.

2022-09-28 08:33