Guy Gavriel Kay writes the most wonderful novels. Science fiction fantasy. Historical-type novels about made up countries and societies…but very much like the real historical past. I’ve just finished reading River of Stars. And yet again, I find interesting insights – yes, even in novels.
— “The world is not going to allow you to be what you might be. You understand? Nor need you challenge it with every breath, every encounter. You will break yourself, as if on the rocks.” So says a man to a young woman who aspires to be everything she can be – and that isn’t accepted or allowed in her society. The young woman recognizes the truth. But I suspect she won’t give up. I suspect she’ll speak out and fight against her culture and her society.
— “Power was not a dependable condition.” So says a man who destroyed others on his way to power – and anticipates that he will soon lose his power. I wonder if the powerful fully recognize how fleeting their power might be. I don’t think that the powerful are sufficiently cognizant of how much unearned privilege has produced their power.
— “He was, he thought, a man easier with giving gifts than accepting them.” Perhaps that is good, to be more comfortable giving than receiving. On the other hand, gracious acceptance of a gift is, in itself, a gift to others.
