After an incredibly busy October that included 3 birthdays (all within the same week!)- and one being a Sweet16; all I can say is that I was sooo looking forward to the respite that November would bring. And now that November is finally here, I find myself overloaded with books to read and reviews to write. That’s OK, I love it! In fact, my compulsion has led me to join in 2 more reading challenges. I’m not nuts or anything(well maybe a little) but there is a practical side to me as well..so, I’m making sure that besides the reading-for-fun thing; these also fit my reviewing schedule;
Besides the ones I'm already participating in; which are:
‘The challenge will begin on November 1, 2009 and will end on February 28, 2010. Each book you read can only be used for one category. You can ‘read’ up to ‘2′ audiobooks if you choose, but you don’t have to.You can read books you are also reading for other challenges’. See categories and point system here.
I have sort of an ongoing list for this challenge- and so far, it looks like this:
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher,Kate Summerscale
The White Queen, Philippa Gregory
an Elena Vidal book, set in France
No Wind of Blame, Georgette Heyer
Gwenhwyfar, Mercedes Lackey
O’Juliet, RobinMaxwell
This next Challenge gives me a bit more time to complete since, like the Plaidy one, it’s a year-long challenge:
Women Unbound is a book blog related to Women’s Studies and they’ve just announced this challenge for November 2009- November 2010. I originally learned about this on my friend Lilly’s blog: Reading Extravaganza and thought it would be fun to join; especially since all I read is mostly about women in history.
In Pendragon’s Banner, by Helen Hollick, the tale of Arthur, the grand King and warrior, holds no place for Lancelot-types and ladies in distress. In this meaty epic, you’ll find a hero in the midst of endless battles, strong-willed women, questionable loyalty, heart-wrenching deaths, and true love.
Arthur possessed not only those majestic qualities loved in a king that’s hero; he was also capable of extreme emotions and actions that could destroy, refute (as in the case of his first son by Winifred…I had a very hard time understanding this…) and could also literally ‘dispose of’ mercilessly as a means to an end. Those passages led to very intense reading- where I just could not put the book down.
I appreciated the author’s realistic in –the- times approach to this King Arthur who also proved to be endearing and vulnerable when it came to true love. I admired Arthur for the ruler and lover he was (though some of his swaying motives lost him some points…but those were different times…). Hollick brought her characters to life –drawing me to strong emotions, precisely, I imagine, as intended. Her portrayal led me to despise and wish cruelty on the venomous Morgause; understand the validity of Winifred’s motives, while disliking her altogether; and then, there was Gwenhwyfar…
For me, she was the real heroine of this novel. I must admit that although I passionately read through the battle scenes, scheming plots, horrifying situations and the saddest of deaths-It was Gwen who kept me hooked to the storyline. What a heroine! In Pendragon’s Banner, Gwenhwyfar is strong, loyal, incredibly skilled mentally and physically (she could whip a sword as well as any Artoriani!) Her devotion, as well as her determination proved unshakeable in the worst of fates. Her fiery temper was no less passionate in the face of love for her husband and children. In all her intensity, Gwenhwyfar was also capable of great compassion, kindness and giving towards others in their time of need. Based upon Hollick’s fantastic character portrayal of Gwen in this rich novel, I have a renewed love and admiration for Arthur’s glorious Queen.
Pendragon’s Banner is a rich and gripping tale, but not without its light and often comical moments which the author interjects throughout the novel. Actions, motions and scenes are regularly described, with visual editorial type moments for vivid effect. It also helps alleviate the heavier scene being dealt with. For those who enjoy this type of thing, here’s an example:
Bottom of pg. 351, ‘Arthur slid his thumb through his sword belt, and rocked forward onto the balls of his feet and back to his heels.’
And, here’s another:
pg.312, ‘Arthur’s expression was his familiar, implacable, grim squint of right eye half shut, left eyebrow raised.’
Pendragon’s Banner, although quite chunky, is a relatively smooth read (difficult names and words have a pronunciation guide at the front). In addition, all chapters are only 3 to 4 pages long, easily readying you towards the next transition of events.
Arthurian fans will enjoy this tale portraying Arthur and his Lady in a different, yet more convincing light than ever read before.
AND Now…for the WINNER of Pendragon’s Banner…drum roll…
Kris Waldherr is an all-around fantastic book/story creator. Her novels are filled with history accompanied by strikingly beautiful artwork that’s absolutely mesmerizing. After having read Doomed Queens, and having been totally enthralled by it (read my review here)- I now really look forward to reading and reviewing The Lover’s Path. I’m especially excited because the novel is based on 16th c Venice, a courtesan, palaces- and all the stuff I’m crazy about. So, be sure to come back and read my review very soon:)
Knowing how fascinated I am about Venice, its splendid beauty and rich history, you can just imagine how thrilled I am to present to you today the amazing Author/ Artist, Kris Waldherr! Kris has graciously agreed to answer some questions for Enchanted by Josephine.
Welcome Kris Waldherr!
As you probably already know, here at Enchanted by Josephine…we’re very Venice-inclined;) So, we’d love to know what is your fascination with Venice? Where –or- what would you say was the most enchanting place you’ve visited or seen there?
The short version is that it's the most beautiful city I've ever visited. When I first visited Venice almost twenty years ago, I felt bowled over by the architecture, the art, the sea, the history -- my senses were stunned by everything I experienced. While I didn't succumb to Stendhal syndrome in Venice, I felt opened up to artistic inspiration in a way that I hadn't before. Afterward I became determined to use the setting of Venice in my art and writing. From there, THE LOVER'S PATH developed organically over the years, along with the art for the love-themed tarot cards that accompany the book. These ultimately made their way into the Love Tarot iPhone app.
There are so many places that I love in Venice that it's nearly impossible to choose one. I find the Ca' d'Oro to be especially enchanting. It definitely inspired the palazzo where my heroine Filamena lived in THE LOVER'S PATH. Though it's not in Venice proper, I also adore La Malcontenta, a villa in the Brenta River valley. That would be my ideal fantasy house!
How did you learn about Filamena and what inspired you to write about her?
Interestingly, I first learned about Filamena's sister Tullia Ziani -- it was Tullia who led me to Filamena, my heroine of THE LOVER'S PATH.
Tullia's character was based upon the similarly named Tullia d'Aragona, a famous courtesan who lived in sixteenth century Italy. The real life Tullia was known for her intellect and lute playing. When she wasn't seducing powerful men, she was also a poet and a writer who published a book entitled DIALOGUES ON THE INFINITY OF LOVE. She used her publication of the book as an venue to avoid penalties under the 1543 sumptuary laws enacted in Italy; these punitive laws especially affected courtesans and their abilities to make a living.
While I was researching Tullia, I learned that she had a much younger sister. Though there was little documentation about this sister save her name -- Penelope -- and her death at an early age, I knew that this was where my book needed to start from. After reading about Tullia d'Aragona and her sister, I wondered what it could have been like to be related to such a notorious courtesan; how it would affect your ability to love romantically, to create a life. In my novel, I named my Tullia's sister Filamena, inspired by the Greek myth of Philomela, who escaped attackers by transforming herself into a nightingale.
So Filamena's character was created from a combination of fact and fiction.
If you had to compare your heroine with a woman in today’s time, who would it be?
That's a great question! In some ways Filamena reminds me of a diva like Maria Callas. While Filamena is very young in my novel, she grows into her talents and becomes powerful despite scandals and heartbreak, just as Callas did. Both women share an element of fate affecting their lives despite their best intentions. However, Filamena has far less of a tempestuous personality, though she's quite passionate.
How important has Tarot reading become in your own life and in your creative endeavours?
I'm very interested in Renaissance imagery, such as that found in the tarot or alchemy manuscripts. It was a natural for me to incorporate these into THE LOVER'S PATH, especially after I learned that courtesans of this era sometimes relied upon fortunetelling to empower themselves. For example, there's a scene in my book where Filamena is given a rather eventful tarot reading with the cards that appear in the Love Tarot app.
From a creative standpoint, tarot can free up inspiration when you feel stuck. At the very least, they give you another opinion to consider! If you spend any time perusing tarot cards, you'll see stories within stories on them, something which Italo Calvino plays with in his novel THE CASTLE OF CROSSED DESTINIES.
I've been working with the tarot since I was a teenager. I do read tarot for people, but I approach my readings from a Jungian-psychological standpoint rather than as a fortuneteller. That written, sometimes surprising facts emerge during a reading that can't be explained away by coincidence. It can be eerie.
Any recommendations for newbie-at Tarot reading and Tarot iphone users?
Sometimes people invest tarot cards with powers they don't possess. Ultimately, the cards are a tool to examine your life and (hopefully!) gain guidance. Though the Love Tarot app includes written meanings for each card, I always encourage people to trust their own instincts. What usually happens is that after working with the tarot for a time, you'll start to get a feel for how a card relates to your life. I also tell people that if you don't like what a tarot reading suggests, your next step is to find a way to transform your situation. You always have free will -- nothing is written in stone.
Where do you go from here? What interesting new projects will you be venturing in?
I'm at work on a follow up to DOOMED QUEENS about princesses in culture and history. I'm very excited by the way the book is unfolding, but it's a more complicated story to research and write than the one-two punch of DOOMED QUEENS. The book is turning into an exploration of women's aspirations and expectations. I also have other iPhone apps I'm planning to design. I've been yearning to venture into the digital frontier of publishing for some time now, so iPhone apps are a good fit for me. My work studio also doubles as a gallery that I curate exhibits and events for.
Frankly, I'm rarely not at work on a creative project these days! I just need to find more time to do it all.
Why am I telling you this? Well, this week I will have a wonderful guest post by Kris and along with this there will be a GIVEAWAY of this amazing Love Tarot iPhone app!
But that's not all- to wrap this all up, I've also received The Lover's Path for review...along with the review will come the GIVEAWAY for this splendid novel!!
Anyone as crazy as I am about Venice will revel in the 16th c story based on Filamena Ziani, part of Venice's history, museums and palazzos, music, courtesans,love, tarots and more...Can't wait to share!
- Both giveaways, courtesy of Kris Waldherr-Thank you:) And also a special Thank you to Diane Saarinen for putting this altogether:)
Happy Friday Everyone! The weekend is almost here- time to relax...except if you live at my house (I think the weekends are even scarier!)
Today I want to share with you a fun thing that happened last week...
Ever since I started blogging (almost a year ago!), I've met so many wonderful bloggers- some of the kindest, friendliest, smartest and most interesting people ever...too bad we only get to know eachother online--BUT-- This wasn't the case last Thursday evening!
A local Chapters Indigo here in Montreal was hosting a book signing by Kelley Armstrong and I had read through some of my favourite blogs, and Twitter, that a few Montreal bloggers were going to be there. It just so happened I had an appointment somewhere with my daughter that evening- right close by to Chapters...so I made it a point to pop in.
It was almost closing time as I snooped in and started checking for familiar blog faces- and there they were!
I finally got to meet Cindy from Cindy's Love of Books, Linda from Bambi Reads and Donna from BookBound. We just got to chit chat for a bit before heading off to our own homes. It was great to be able to see the person behind that teeny blog picture:) These ladies are major readers and their reviews rock! If you haven't already done so- go check out their blogs now- they're great!
Here's our picture of the happy meet-up; which BTW, we're planning on doing again real soon....Donna isn't in the picture unfortunately (she's the one taking it...oh, and here's an update...Donna just opened a bookstore!)
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