The Game of Kings

[Lauracs5]

Okay so, for the sixth time in five years I am attempting to read Dorothy Dunnett's "Game of Kings". The first of the Lymond Chronicles. Why do I keep persevering? Because my mum is a huge DD fan, and it would mean alot to her if I read it. I lost count of the number of books she's read based on my recommendations over the years and it doesn't seem fair that I can't even read her favourite book!

It's definately not my normal choice of fiction but hey ho, I like to try and approach books with an open mind; I'm actually quite enjoying it this time too! Lymond's pretty hot ;)

So, I guess I'm posting this thread in the same way that smokers tell people when they're trying to quit - moral support. If I tell people I'm reading it, hopefully this time I won't put the book down and fail to pick it up again.

[David]

Laura, I have moved your post into historical fiction, which this seems to be from a quick search on Amazon. Posts on specific books need to go in the relevant section rather than Central Library, which is for general book discussion. :)

[Lauracs5]

ooops, sorry!

[David]

No need to apologise!

[Jo Beverley]

"Okay so, for the sixth time in five years I am attempting to read Dorothy Dunnett's "Game of Kings". The first of the Lymond Chronicles. Why do I keep persevering? Because my mum is a huge DD fan, and it would mean alot to her if I read it. I lost count of the number of books she's read based on my recommendations over the years and it doesn't seem fair that I can't even read her favourite book!"

Laura, I love Dunnett's books, especially the Lymond Chronicles, but Game of Kings can be tricky to get into. Her style is often complex and even that of the trickster. The reader learns to read between the lines and to interpret -- and to expect to often get it wrong, but in the way that leads to "why didn't I see that?" moments.

By accident, I started with The Ringed Castle, the 5th book, which grabbed me from page one even though I was often confused about what was actually going on. I wanted to find out.

I suggest getting one of the later ones out of the library and trying it. But if you get sucked in, I recommend promptly stopping and returning to Game of Kings. It's a series best read from beginning to end.

Jo

[Lauracs5]

Only 90 pages to go!!

It is quite difficult to read but like you say, once you get into it it's a really great story. I'm racing towards the end now, got to know what happens!