Saltation may refer to:
* Saltation (biology), an evolutionary hypothesis emphasizing sudden and drastic change
* Saltation (geology), a process of particle transport by fluids.
* Saltation (Software Engineering), the antithesis of Continuous Integration
* Saltation (novel), a novel set in Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's Liaden universe.
Or, according to the headnote in Saltation (novel), a novel set in Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's Liaden universe: that which proceeds by leaps rather than by smooth and orderly progression.
Okay, that established, I'm still not entirely certain how it applies to this novel and I wish I had some inkling of the etymology. I suppose in the case of the book title it refers to the headlong development of Theo, introduced in Fledgling. With Mouse and Dragon, these go a fair way to round out the story between the "happily ever after" of Scout's Progress and Conflict of Honors in which the children are all grown up and the previous generation is dead or missing. Actually, it overlaps Agent of Change, Carpe Diem, and Plan B. It ends with a repeat of the final scene from Plan B, told this time from Theo's POV. And I still think it is a set-up for another story. Theo's situation is certainly not resolved at that point.
Also, minimal research has shown that Lee and Miller have quite a number of other pieces set in this universe. Probably most of them are short stories, but I expect that I will devote some time to digging them out. Some of them are likely included in the Omnibus volumes - so maybe they are already available.
Now, I really must reread Wuthering Heights.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Fledgling by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
I must have really been tired last night. I finished this and went off to bed without logging it. Perhaps this one felt a little heavy-handed compared to the rest of the Liaden books - or maybe it was just the first day of classes after Spring Break or the fact that it was initially written as a serial on the authors' blog. I will doubtless read it again and I can try to decide then.
Although this is set in the Liaden universe and there are several Liaden characters, most notably Daav yosPhelium, the Delm of Korval (in self-imposed exile), the action goes nowhere near Liad. The story centers on Theo, Daav's half terran daughter, who appears briefly at the very end of I Dare to set up a possible continuation of the series.
It is an interesting run at creating a matriarchy as well as a world which has academia as its dominant societal feature. The repressive female-dominated religion doesn't quite come off, somehow. The marriage customs are intriguing. Marriage as an institution for the production and rearing of children does not exist. A woman takes a partner as she wishes and may "set him aside" at any time she chooses. The man may decline the offer, however. In fact, there are suggestions that a man may instigate such a relationship. Childbearing is quite apart from these arrangements. A woman decides when she is ready to have a child and selects the sperm donor. The child is considered to belong to the mother entirely. It is suggested that the biological father is traditionally unaware of his role, after all, raising and supporting the child is none of his business. Daav, of course, has broken local custom and persuaded Theo's mother to at least obliquely tell him that he is indeed Theo's father.
Although this is set in the Liaden universe and there are several Liaden characters, most notably Daav yosPhelium, the Delm of Korval (in self-imposed exile), the action goes nowhere near Liad. The story centers on Theo, Daav's half terran daughter, who appears briefly at the very end of I Dare to set up a possible continuation of the series.
It is an interesting run at creating a matriarchy as well as a world which has academia as its dominant societal feature. The repressive female-dominated religion doesn't quite come off, somehow. The marriage customs are intriguing. Marriage as an institution for the production and rearing of children does not exist. A woman takes a partner as she wishes and may "set him aside" at any time she chooses. The man may decline the offer, however. In fact, there are suggestions that a man may instigate such a relationship. Childbearing is quite apart from these arrangements. A woman decides when she is ready to have a child and selects the sperm donor. The child is considered to belong to the mother entirely. It is suggested that the biological father is traditionally unaware of his role, after all, raising and supporting the child is none of his business. Daav, of course, has broken local custom and persuaded Theo's mother to at least obliquely tell him that he is indeed Theo's father.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Folly by Laurie R. King
This goes a long way toward making up for earlier disappointments. Different author, of course, but a stand-alone from the writer of series mysteries. Also granting that I have never managed to get too far into one of King's Sherlock Holmes books - but I'll try them again one of these days.
This one could be related to one of King's Kate Martinelli books. I spent most (all) of the book convinced that Rae was the eccentric aunt of Kate's partner Lee who lures her to her isolated island to recover from her injuries received in the first Martinelli book. I even went back into the Martinelli books to find the reference to the woman by name - and it wasn't her. Still, I think that Aunt Agatha must have preyed on King's mind until she wrote a story about a half-mad woman who saved her own life and sanity by going to live on an island in the San Juan chain.
Wonderful book. A beautifully twisted story of dysfunctional families, repetitive history, and murder. King's insight into depression is very convincing, and her attachment to the Puget Sound area is becoming more apparent all the time. Although Martinelli is set in San Francisco, the third book takes place largely in Washington state. Also, this is the second of her books in which an artist is featured - and the work described in persuasive detail. Wrap all that with intriguing characters and a satisfying plot and conclusion - what more could one ask?
This one could be related to one of King's Kate Martinelli books. I spent most (all) of the book convinced that Rae was the eccentric aunt of Kate's partner Lee who lures her to her isolated island to recover from her injuries received in the first Martinelli book. I even went back into the Martinelli books to find the reference to the woman by name - and it wasn't her. Still, I think that Aunt Agatha must have preyed on King's mind until she wrote a story about a half-mad woman who saved her own life and sanity by going to live on an island in the San Juan chain.
Wonderful book. A beautifully twisted story of dysfunctional families, repetitive history, and murder. King's insight into depression is very convincing, and her attachment to the Puget Sound area is becoming more apparent all the time. Although Martinelli is set in San Francisco, the third book takes place largely in Washington state. Also, this is the second of her books in which an artist is featured - and the work described in persuasive detail. Wrap all that with intriguing characters and a satisfying plot and conclusion - what more could one ask?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Artistic License by Julie Hyzy
I have enjoyed Hyzy's "cozy" mysteries and even more her earlier legitimate mysteries. Artistic License was her first novel. This book is disappointing in so many ways that I'm not sure I can fairly catalog them. I was hard put to actually finish it. Only the thought that I could then say what I thought of it here kept me reading.
Even granting that it was actually romantic suspense rather than mystery, it was banal and predictable. The main character is annoying and stupid - and given to whiny dependence on others. This is particularly striking, I suppose, because I just finished reading True Grit in which the heroine is a stubborn fourteen year old who never lets anyone put anything over on her.
Although it is possible for the reader to guess the main plot "twists" from the first chapter, it isn't necessary because there are neon lights at every corner telling you what to expect. Frankly, after reading this I am surprised that anyone gave Hyzy a second chance. I'm glad someone did - because she certainly got better.
Even granting that it was actually romantic suspense rather than mystery, it was banal and predictable. The main character is annoying and stupid - and given to whiny dependence on others. This is particularly striking, I suppose, because I just finished reading True Grit in which the heroine is a stubborn fourteen year old who never lets anyone put anything over on her.
Although it is possible for the reader to guess the main plot "twists" from the first chapter, it isn't necessary because there are neon lights at every corner telling you what to expect. Frankly, after reading this I am surprised that anyone gave Hyzy a second chance. I'm glad someone did - because she certainly got better.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
True Grit by Charles Portis
It has been years since I read this. Pretty good - maybe I remember the movie better than the book, though. So now I need to see the movie again. The old one. With John Wayne.
This is our book club book for next month and the hostess gave us some questions for consideration. So I thought I would consider a few of them here.
Do you think True Grit is typical of the western genre? Why/why not.
No, but what would I know because I have never read westerns. Well, a couple of Zane Greys and maybe a Louis L'Amour. But, with the exception of Betty Zane I don't recall any "feisty women." And the lawmen in this book were certainly not portrayed as pillars of respectability and virtue.
How does Mattie compare to Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games?
Now that is an interesting question --
Both of their mothers had essentially resigned their roles as the head of household to their daughters, leaving them as the primary support of the family as young teenagers. The situation of Mattie's family is far less dire than that of Katniss's family. In The Hunger Games, the family lives a marginal existence until Katniss wins the Games; the Rosses are actually fairly comfortable even after the murder of the father. Katniss is much more a victim of circumstance than Mattie. She is manipulated by things beyond her control. Even when she embraces the Mockingjay image, she has little or no choice in the matter. Mattie takes charge and controls her circumstances. She manipulates a couple of men who are accustomed to having things their own way into doing things that she wants and pretty much her way - at least into taking her along on the trip - because as she has made it clear she doesn't particularly trust either one of them.
What elements do you think have made this novel so beloved and successful?
I don't know. I liked the book, but I am not likely to read copies of it to shreds as I have books that I truly love. Mattie is a wonderful character - maybe that's it. I enjoyed the voice Portis gave her - it reminded me of my grandmother, because, after all, we are hearing Mattie as an old woman telling the story.
Much has been made of Charles Portis' ear for dialog. Do you agree? What are some examples?
There were definitely places when the dialogue made me laugh out loud, usually when Mattie scored on one or both of the men ("officers" as she refers to them).
I was disappointed that he didn't allow Mattie to see Rooster that one last time. It seemed unfair to send her off on her own again just to arrive and find that he was very recently dead. But I suppose in the greater scheme of things that is a minor point. I might have preferred to have the story end at the end of the story instead of wrapping up the next 25 years.
Lastly, the title: I expect that the reader is expected to observe that, while Mattie goes out seeking a man with "true grit" to pursue her case, she is the one who truly displays that elusive quality.
This is our book club book for next month and the hostess gave us some questions for consideration. So I thought I would consider a few of them here.
Do you think True Grit is typical of the western genre? Why/why not.
No, but what would I know because I have never read westerns. Well, a couple of Zane Greys and maybe a Louis L'Amour. But, with the exception of Betty Zane I don't recall any "feisty women." And the lawmen in this book were certainly not portrayed as pillars of respectability and virtue.
How does Mattie compare to Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games?
Now that is an interesting question --
Both of their mothers had essentially resigned their roles as the head of household to their daughters, leaving them as the primary support of the family as young teenagers. The situation of Mattie's family is far less dire than that of Katniss's family. In The Hunger Games, the family lives a marginal existence until Katniss wins the Games; the Rosses are actually fairly comfortable even after the murder of the father. Katniss is much more a victim of circumstance than Mattie. She is manipulated by things beyond her control. Even when she embraces the Mockingjay image, she has little or no choice in the matter. Mattie takes charge and controls her circumstances. She manipulates a couple of men who are accustomed to having things their own way into doing things that she wants and pretty much her way - at least into taking her along on the trip - because as she has made it clear she doesn't particularly trust either one of them.
What elements do you think have made this novel so beloved and successful?
I don't know. I liked the book, but I am not likely to read copies of it to shreds as I have books that I truly love. Mattie is a wonderful character - maybe that's it. I enjoyed the voice Portis gave her - it reminded me of my grandmother, because, after all, we are hearing Mattie as an old woman telling the story.
Much has been made of Charles Portis' ear for dialog. Do you agree? What are some examples?
There were definitely places when the dialogue made me laugh out loud, usually when Mattie scored on one or both of the men ("officers" as she refers to them).
I was disappointed that he didn't allow Mattie to see Rooster that one last time. It seemed unfair to send her off on her own again just to arrive and find that he was very recently dead. But I suppose in the greater scheme of things that is a minor point. I might have preferred to have the story end at the end of the story instead of wrapping up the next 25 years.
Lastly, the title: I expect that the reader is expected to observe that, while Mattie goes out seeking a man with "true grit" to pursue her case, she is the one who truly displays that elusive quality.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Mouse and Dragon by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
Another Liaden book!! It may require me to go back and reread the lot. This one falls after Scout's Progress, and continues the story of Daav and Aelliana - which is picked up again a generation later in I Dare. And I have at least one more in my queue, too.
It is solid, fits right into the series - and even though we know that Aelliana is going to die - because we have already read the next generation stories, we know it is all right because we have also read I Dare. Sometimes it is nice to know how they get from Point A to Point B.
I don't know what it is about the Liaden books. They seem almost YA in their directness and narrative simplicity, but the characters are totally compelling and I have read them repeatedly. When I finish a read through, I am tempted to go back and start again at the beginning. There are other books that I love and have read many times, but few that I am willing to reread back to back, not even the Vorkosigan books, or The Lord of the Rings, or Dune, or even Arrows of the Queen. And that has been the one I go back to when I am tired, depressed, or brain-dead and want something comfortable and familiar with a good ending. It could be that I go back to that one on bad days because I can read it in the bathtub - I have never read any of the Liaden stories on paper, only electronically. Are e-readers waterproof yet?
It is solid, fits right into the series - and even though we know that Aelliana is going to die - because we have already read the next generation stories, we know it is all right because we have also read I Dare. Sometimes it is nice to know how they get from Point A to Point B.
I don't know what it is about the Liaden books. They seem almost YA in their directness and narrative simplicity, but the characters are totally compelling and I have read them repeatedly. When I finish a read through, I am tempted to go back and start again at the beginning. There are other books that I love and have read many times, but few that I am willing to reread back to back, not even the Vorkosigan books, or The Lord of the Rings, or Dune, or even Arrows of the Queen. And that has been the one I go back to when I am tired, depressed, or brain-dead and want something comfortable and familiar with a good ending. It could be that I go back to that one on bad days because I can read it in the bathtub - I have never read any of the Liaden stories on paper, only electronically. Are e-readers waterproof yet?
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Thanks, Justin, I really enjoyed this. It didn't take nearly as long to read as I thought it would because I found it quite difficult to stop reading - thank goodness I waited until Spring Break to start. Of course, this is only volume one in this mmvfs (massive multi volume fantasy saga), subtitled "Day One." That refers to the structure of the story. The hero is telling his story to a scribe and they've only been at it for one day. Since he demanded three days of the scribe's time, one must assume that the plan is for three volumes.
One of the reasons that I found this more to my liking than the George RR Martin book was that it was far more focused. We follow the one character relentlessly, practically breath by breath - after about 800 pages he is still only sixteen or seventeen - rather than skipping around to share the story line with other casts of characters.
The story is consistent, the characters are persuasive, and the setting is appealing. And some elements are totally unexpected. What more can you ask from a mmvfs?
One of the reasons that I found this more to my liking than the George RR Martin book was that it was far more focused. We follow the one character relentlessly, practically breath by breath - after about 800 pages he is still only sixteen or seventeen - rather than skipping around to share the story line with other casts of characters.
The story is consistent, the characters are persuasive, and the setting is appealing. And some elements are totally unexpected. What more can you ask from a mmvfs?
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