The Curse of Chalion

I have to admit that it was with reluctance that finally decided to read Lois McMaster Bujold's first attempt at fantasy. Very few authors can make the jump between fantasy and scifi, and maintain the high quality for which their books are known in their genre of predilection. Stephen R. Donaldson is one writer who has managed to do that. L. E. Modesitt, jr. is another. But for some reason, I had nagging doubts concerning Bujold.

The advance praise received by this novel was eloquent. Defying comprehension, it was somehow nominated for best novel for both the Hugo and the World Fantasy Awards. And yet, after nearly 5 years, very few "mainstream" fantasy fans have read this book. How could something supposedly so good be so little known?

I have read nothing but rave reviews for Bujold's scifi novels. And I am persuaded that she deserves the praise. However, how The Curse of Chalion ended up on the final ballot for those aforementioned awards is, in my humble opinion, quite a mystery. It's not that The Curse of Chalion is a bad book. Far from it. But it is nowhere near as good as they try to make it sound.

Lois McMaster Bujold is a gifted writer. Her prose is above the norm in today's market. The narrative flows quite easily. But I found the dialogues lacking throughout the novel. Several times while I was reading, I continued to tell myself that this felt like a YA (Young Adult) book. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, given the immense market for such novels and series. To me, however, most facets of this tale did not live up to the hype that surrounds this author.

The worldbuilding is particularly weak and leaves a lot to be desired. This is not a work that resonates with much depth, I'm afraid. Hence, after reading books by Neal Stephenson, R. Scott Bakker, Robin Hobb and Katherine Kurtz, the universe contained between the pages of this volume left me wanting for a lot more. Contrary to what someone called a «beautifully layered world,» I found that the story takes place in a mostly static environment.

The pace is also a major factor. The storytelling is at times sluggish, making you wonder what the author is trying to convey. But that is not true for the entire novel. For the most part, The Curse of Chalion reads easily. Too easily, to tell the truth.

The characterizations are nothing special. Cazaril is the sole three-dimensional character. It would have been interesting to see Bujold work a little more on the rest of the characters which populate this tale. The potential was definitely there, but seldom exploited. With just a little more effort in that particular area, the book would have been much more enjoyable. As it was, no character but Cazaril underwent character growth that is worth mentioning. For the better part of the book, it felt as if I was reading a Forgotten Realms novel. . .

The main plot and the subplots form a very linear storyline. This is no multi-layered fantasy epic. Personally, I prefer convoluted plotlines and a lot of mystery. But I am aware that there is a multitude of readers out there who will find The Curse of Chalion satisfying because it has an easy-to-follow storyline. But for a novel that was nominated for both the Hugo and the World Fantasy Awards, I was expecting a little more than this linear storyline. . .

The curse and how it affects the royal family and those close to them was interesting. Although, again, I believe that there was potential for more. For me, the most interesting facet of this tale is how Cazaril is God-touched and how it has repercussions throughout the book.

All in all, not a bad book. It's just that The Curse of Chalion doesn't live up to the hype. My biggest disappointment is that nothing stands out, nothing shines through. Reading this novel has left me totally indifferent. . .

The final verdict: 6.5/10

6 commentaires:

Anonymous said...

Dear Patrick,
I am astonished that CURSE left you cold. I think it is a marvelous book. But I have been reading Bujold for over ten years now, so maybe my familiarity with her themes maybe helps me appreciate this book. It is definitely not your average run-of-the-mill fantasy novel and has a very unlikely hero. But if you don't appreciate the theological belief system that Bujold created and that permeates the whole book, I think you'll find it difficult to appreciate the book. A lot of people reacted indifferent to the book, but still it was a runner-up on the NY Times bestseller list, so it must have sold quite decently.
However, please consider checking out her other novels set in this universe. PALADINS OF SOULS and her new book, THE HALLOWED HUNT.

PALADIN won even more awards than CURSE. It won the HUGO, the NEBULA and the LOCUS for best (fantasy) novel of the year. That must account for something.

Olaf Keith

Patrick said...

Hi Olaf!

Well, the theological belief system is all right, but nothing truly special. Not enough to give much depth to this novel.

I am quite certain that Bujold's scifi books are great. And as you said, perhaps being more familiar with her work has helped you appreciate THE CURSE OF CHALION more.

I am currently reading PALADIN OF SOULS, but I'm afraid that I have difficulty getting into this book as well. This one has more depth, that's true, but the bar wasn't set very high by its predecessor. And again, the characterizations are not of the first order. They are often lacking, truth to tell.

I feel that it's the fact that so many people clamored that Bujold is a "great" author which is leaving me disappointed to such a degree. Had I read this sort of novel from a new writer, I would have considered it to be okay and moved on. But if such books win some prestigious awards, then I feel that I am entitled to read something special.

But as I mentioned on the message board, it all comes down to a question of taste. More and more, it seems that Bujold just ain't my cup of tea...

the Joneses said...

I loved both "Curse" and "Paladin," but I agree that it may simply be a matter of taste. For example, I've heard many people rave on and on about C.J. Cherryh, but I've never been able to finish even one Cherryh book.

--DJ

Anonymous said...

Hmm...I have read more than a dozen Bujold books and none has yet disappointed me.

Maybe it really comes down to taste. I think Bujold has well deserved her many awards.

Olaf

The Tattooed Librarian said...

I've never read any Bujold before but I'm currently reading Curse for a YA book club. It has taken me a week to get to page 75. The narrative is just over the top for me. It's so full of description it has gotten to the point where I am skimming just to be done in time. I don't see how my Teens are going to get through the beginning and give it a chance. The first few pages had about a 3 words even I didn't recognize.

Hopefully the plot will kick in soon so I can get through it.

Kathy said...

I liked Curse well enough but the next book, Paladin, was weaker, and I gave up on the series after that.

Bujold is one of my favorite science fiction authors. She manages to combine fascinating characters with such fun plots and dilemmas that you get caught up in the book. I own most of her science fiction novels but got rid of all of her fantasy novels that I bought. They just aren't very good.