George R.R. Matin

Didn't pick up a War of the Roses analogy. I read the first volume but he killed off too many people he had first made me care for. I felt manipulated. I don't mind it when a writer kills off one or two of the people he invites you to become attached to, but this was pretty wholesale.

Paula

Chris_in_the_Valley

21 years ago

Paula, any reading of the War of the Roses leaves one heartbroken at the number of worthy people who die in a way that appears to 21st Century eyes as arbitrary.

Lilbit, A Song of Ice and Fire is situated in a world very like the Middle Ages. The Starks and the Lannisters clearly represent the Yorks and the Lancasters. But while inspired by the War of the Roses, Martin takes off and makes the tale his own.

ell_in_or

21 years ago

I LOVED those books and will likely re-read them all in preparation for the next book to come out. And, having just checking his site, I'd better get busy. Looks like A Feast for Crows will be out in November! Yay!

I can't believe I missed the War of the Roses reference. Duh! Any suggestions on a good historical novel or two for that time period?

Here is a link that might be useful: George R. R. Martin site

Chris_in_the_Valley

21 years ago

Do you know the Thomas Costain history of the Plantagenets? The Conquering Family, The Magnificent Century, The Three Edwards and The Last of the Plantagenets? They read like novels and are wonderful.

litlbit

21 years ago

Chris-- thanks for the Thomas Costain reference, I will add those to books to look for...I really enjoy reading about that time period. (or really, almost any historical period. I'm not very particular, LOL!) I "got" most of the references the second time I read Ice and Fire. Actually, what I was more curious in your comments was why you are "predestined" to love it?? ;-)

Rosefolly-- some of those "deaths" are not quite what you think, but I understand what you're saying...however, my biggest complaint is the wait between volumes!

take care,
litlbit

johnjohngw

21 years ago

Quiet as a shadow, light as a feather, quick as a snake, smooth as summer silk, swift as a deer, slippery as an eel, fear cuts deeper than swords.

"Winter is coming"

J C

21 years ago

I have several friends who love Martin's work. Personally I find them too brutal; in particular I cannot read anything involving violence against children and animals. But he spins a rolicking good tale and is an excellent writer. Just depends on whether or not he is your cup of tea.

rosefolly

21 years ago

Ah, now that it is pointed out to me, I get the York/Lancaster analogy. I didn't see it on my own.

Paula

Chris_in_the_Valley

21 years ago

Litlbit, I've just always been fascinated by the Plantagenets. At every point in their history I identified intensely with one or another of them and felt their hatreds, betrayals, and heartbreaks. Sigh, I guess I'm a Plantagenet groupie.

georgia_peach

20 years ago

Dredging up an old thread because I just finished the first book, A Game of Thrones. I think the book blurb on Amazon also says these were loosely inspired by Ivanhoe as well. I can see that, and I love the intricacies of the political intrigues.

Now I'm chomping at the bit to read the rest of them. Went down to the little bookstore in my office park and as luck would have it, only the first book was on the shelf (ordinarily, they have at least the first three, just not this week). Now I'm going to have to make a mad dash to my local B&N and hope they have at least the second and third books. I think I can wait until the 4th one comes out in paperback in September, but I really want to read the first three of these in succession. I think I've been ensnared!

George R.R. Matin

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