The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
18 November 2014
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Patrick Rothfuss, The Slow Regard of Silent Things
This is going to be a slightly different and maybe somewhat unusual review but one that I think is perfectly fitting for a very unconventional little book.
I was very excited to pick up the Slow Regard of Silent Things. Firstly, it’s by Rothfuss. Secondly, it’s about one of the characters from the Kingkiller Chronicles that I thought I would enjoy reading about. And, thirdly, and very fickle of me, its an absolutely gorgeous little book, beautifully written and beautifully illustrated – which again seems perfectly fitting for a tale about Auri. Check it out:
I won’t elaborate on the plot – I say this quite often in my reviews but in this case I’m not going to elaborate further because, to be frank, there isn’t a plot. This is a snippet of time from Auri’s life. Not even a full week. Literally six days, during which we follow in the footsteps of Auri as she moves purposefully along the ancient passageways of Underthing, collecting, making and depositing things along the way.
In terms of characters – well, if you’re expecting a robust cast you’ll surely be disappointed. This is the Auri show. Nobody else makes an appearance and there is no dialogue or conversation, no witty repartee! Again though, I felt like this fitted with the story as the places that Auri takes us to almost have a reverential feel to them, or a scary one when seen through her eyes, so much so that lots of dialogue would feel a little like shouting through a megaphone whilst in a library! Auri is an unusual girl. Waiflike and alone. Not lonely though. She sees things differently. Some things frighten her and others make her unspeakably happy. To Auri, there’s a place for everything and everything has to be in it’s place. The inanimate objects around her seem to almost have feelings and personalities. It’s a very unusual world!
The setting is Underneath – a labyrinth of passages that run beneath the University where Auri was once a student. This is a very strange and fascinating place indeed and perhaps one of the only criticisms I have is that I would have quite liked, in fact I would have loved, an illustration of the layout, but that’s just a personal whim. I was fascinated with Auri’s world. It feels like an enormous place with twisting tunnels and secret rooms. I couldn’t help thinking of the Phantom of the Opera – don’t even ask my why, it’s just a strange fancy that I had when reading. I’d love to know what the dressing room was for example!
Anyway, to the crux of the review. The writing. The writing is beautiful. It’s lyrical and whimsical and a little bit sad and Rothfuss is undoubtedly a master of words. If Kvothe knows the name of the Wind then Rothfuss know the name of Prose! I can’t deny that I adore writing like this – it’s one of the reasons why I love writers such as Gaiman and Valente. The words are magical and the imagery they depict is captivating.
Okay, if you’re expecting a start, a middle and a conclusion to the story then get ready for disappointment. This isn’t that type of story. If you’re expecting to find out a little of Auri’s history or what happened to drive her into this strange and self imposed solitude – again this isn’t the right book – in fact, I think if we’re going to find out about Auri it’s more likely to be through others telling her tale. Other things you can forget about: this doesn’t take the Chronicles forward in any way whatsoever, we don’t meet up with Kvothe or any of the others, it’s not epic, dramatic or adventurous. It’s unconventional and Rothfuss is plainly aware of this as he states in the foreword ‘You might not want to buy this book’. Again, unusual to say the least and probably enough to give any publicist palpitations!
I really enjoyed it though. If you’re keen for a glimpse into the world of Auri then this is for you. It’s a bittersweet insight that leaves you frankly wanting more and also makes you feel strangely protective of this ethereal girl! I think the clue is in the title really – ‘the slow regard of silent things’ it’s basically what you’re doing here as a reader. You’re having a little peep into this unusual, slow paced and very silent world.
Recommended with the provisos pointed out by the good author himself!
The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
2 June 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear
Just finished reading The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. Wow, what an amazing storyteller Patrick Rothfuss is.
This book continues the story of Kvothe started in The Name of the Wind. I came across The Name of the Wind totally by accident and thought it was a great story. I confess that I was almost worried about reading book No.2 in case it didn’t live up to the first installment but there was no need to worry as this installment is excellent and wonderfully told.
I’m not going to elaborate on the story itself. We once again follow Kvothe and his adventures at the University and further afield. He develops his magic and mastery of naming, he meets fey, overcomes bandits and starts upon a path of learning that is totally new.
I love the world that PR has created. It is rich in detail. I have no problem imagining the places or the people and whilst it’s detailed it’s not overly so. I felt that everything in the story was necessary and added the next layer to Kvothe’s ever building personality.
In terms of the characters it’s strange to admit but neither Kvothe or Denna are my favourites – which probably seems really odd as I’ve just finished reading the second of a very large book based mainly on Kvothe but also circulating quite a lot around Denna also. But, I will stress, I don’t dislike them, I like Kvothe very much and I love reading about his escapades but there are so many characters in this book that are easy to have feelings for. I always love the ‘crazy professor’ types so Master Elodin is one of my favourites. I think Kvothe has a wonderful circle of close friends with Sim, Wilem and Fela, Devi is wickedly lovely and I thought the addition of the Adem people with their different culture and the introduction of Tempi with his unusual ways was excellent. Add to that the slighty ethereal character Auri and we have a totally great bunch of characters. So, although Kvothe, and to a lesser extent Denna, is central there is an impressive cast of supporting characters.
I really don’t know how the author has come up with all of the information he packs in. It’s mind boggling. Everything has been thought through. Each place you travel to with Kvothe you learn about the traditions, the people, a bit of their history and because it’s been so cleverly put together it’s easy to picture and doesn’t leave you with niggles as you progress through the story. I loved the way new places were brought into the tale. Ademre is a really fascinating place and the introduction of Vintas and the Maer with all his courtly intrigues added yet another layer. Plus, I love the University aspect, it sort of gives the story a realness to it. You’re in a strange place, with magic, demons and fey and yet here we have a University, which reads like any University. Squabbles between students. Masters who hold grudges for slights. Tuition fees. Admissions. Archives. Old buildings set on a sprawling campus and a magnificent, dark and twisting Archive. (Did I mention rooftops and underground passages???)
In terms of criticisms. Well I don’t really have any proper criticisms. I guess I wasn’t overly fond of the Felurian aspect to the story but I can see why it would be necessary. I don’t suppose Kvothe seems to have moved forward a great deal since book one (probably gaining a couple of years in total. The thing with Kvothe is that sometimes he can be irritatingly rash or to be honest plain bloody stupid and irritating but then I would remember his age and his circumstances, his lack of experience or family and forget his faults and thinks about all that he has achieved through strength of will). And, I suppose it’s a bit of a stretch of the imagination to believe that this was entire book is based on day two of Kvothe’s retelling of his past to Chronicler (day one being the story told in The Name of the Wind). That would be a very long day methinks!
The above aside though I think this is a truly amazing piece of writing. Beautifully told, interesting and humorous.
I think that if you enjoy fantasy you will love this new series. It doesn’t have any huge, large scale wars between good and evil (at least at the moment it doesn’t), it’s more like the coming of age of a young man and his adventures as he does so and I realise I’ve probably made that sound a bit mundane with that description but it really is anything but!
I can’t wait for number three, particularly as this book ended on such an intriguing note – clearly something is afoot!
Rating A+
The Wise Man's Fear
Books and travelling with Lynn 