A SONG FOR ARBONNE BY GUY GAVRIEL KAY (BOOK REVIEW)

Hello dear readers and fellow bloggers! I'm back with another fantasy book review and a beautiful location to match.  The location where these images where taken was beach Medena in Seget (near Trogir town, Croatia). The book I will be reviewing is a fantasy novel by Guy Gavriel Kay, a prolific and celebrated Canadian author, known for this unique blend of history and fantasy. 

Published in 1992, A Song for Arbonne is a novel I've been set on reviewing for the longest time.  If you are new to my blog: ' Hello, I'm an avid reader. Nice to meet you.'  I've always loved and perhaps I'll always love reading. I also like to review books, often in as much detail as possible. Sometimes I write my lengthily blog reviews upon finishing a book, sometimes I write them months or years after I finished reading something. It's never too early to start reading (or writing blog reviews) and it's certainly never too late. 

 I've received this book as a present about eighteen years ago or so. I still have that copy of A Song for Arbonne. Ever since I've read it, I've carried this novel in my heart. A Song for Arbonne is a  beautifully written and well crafted fantasy novel. It features a memorable set of characters and a convincing setting. The world building is extraordinarily well done. As someone who studied literature and is absolutely fascinated by troubadour culture, I immensely enjoyed this novel. This was my second novel by this author, and the one that turned me into a fan.  So, I can't wait to share my review with you!

A NOVEL ABOUT LOVE AND A ROMANTIC LOCATION TO MATCH THE REVIEW

Besides writing book reviews and recommendations, I like to edit photographs to match the book review post. Sometimes this takes a bit more thinking on my side, sometimes less. This time I decided to use photographs of me in a summer floral dress. All photographs were like taken by my lovely husband (whom you'll have a chance to see in this post as well for there will be a collage of the two of us).  However, back to the topic of the review. How do the photographs and the novel connect? 

A Song for Arbonne is a book that dives into differs themes, cultures and covers a great deal of interesting events, but it is also a novel about love. Afterall, isn't love the eternal inspiration? Aren't all books about love in some way? Of course, what we call love and how we define it might defer. Moreover, there are many types of love, romantic love being just one of them. There's also paternal and sibling love as well as true friendship. This novel presents all kind of loves, even the false ones. Sometimes we use the world love when lust or desire would be more appropriate, but that does not necessarily taint the word. Love is mixed with great many things, lust being a feeling that might grow into something more. 

With its troubadour inspiration and all, we can imagine that the inspiration for A Song for Arbonne was Italy and France, perhaps even Spain and Portugal. At any case, it was inspired by an European Mediterranean country. Therefore, Croatian seaside seems like a suitable background for this review. Croatia also has a tradition of troubadour and Renaissance literature and culture, so I feel like the location for these photographs is well chosen. My outfit isn't historical but it has a romantic print that appeals to me, especially with the hat and all. 

Yes, it looks like this post that will combine photography, literature, fashion and my meditations on life. As I explained in one of my recent posts, these days I'm taking a slower approach to blogging. Are you ready to dive into this beautifully written (and hopefully beautifully reviewed) fantasy? 

“Even the birds above the lake
Are singing of my love,
And even the flowers along the shore
Are growing for her sake.

All the vines are ripening
And the trees come into bud,
For my love's footsteps passing by
Are summoning the spring.

Rian's stars in the night
Shine more brightly over her,
The god's moon and the goddess's
Guard her with their light.

Even the birds above the lake
Are singing of my love,
And even the flowers along the shore
Are growing for her sake”

 A Song for Arbonne, a fantasy novel by Guy Gavriel Kay

“We must be what we are, or we become our enemies. ” quotation from A Song for Arbonne

WHERE THERE IS LOVE THERE IS ALSO HATE

Where there is love there is also hate. If you love something or someone, you hate whatever or whomever opposes it or threatens is. Where there are friends, there are also enemies. If someone wants to harm your friend, he is your enemy. We all have friends and enemies, things or people we love and hate. This novel is filled with characters that love and hate. Sometimes their love turns to hate, sometimes it is the other way around. Sometimes it is countries or groups of people that hate or love one another, sometimes it is individuals. 

“He was still on his feet, and before him was a man who stood in the path of...what? 

Of a great many things, his own dream of Gorhaut not least of all. 

Of what his home should be, in the eyes of the world, in the sight of Corannos, in his own soul. 

He had said this two nights ago, words very like this, King Daufridi of Valensa. 

He's been asked if he loved his country. 

He did. 

He loved it with a heart that ached like an old man's fingers in rain, hurting for the Gorhaut of his own vision, a land worthy of the god who had chosen it, and of the honour of men. 

Not a place of scheming wiles, of a degraded, sensuously corrupt king, of people dispossessed of their lands by a cowardly treaty, or of ugly designs under the false, perverted aegis of Corannos for nothing less than annihilation here south of the mountains.” *

* Quoted from the novel, this passage talks about love for one's country (in this case Gorhaut), but it also hints of Gorhaut's hate towards the Southern country (Arbonne) that worships goddess Rian. The character who says these words learns to love both Arbonne and Gorhaut. 

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL POTRAYAL OF CHARACTERS IS WELL DONE

Not all of the characters appearing in this novel are studied in-depth, but they all appear quite real. They seem to belong into this world Kay created. When it comes to main characters, their portrayal is well done. We can understand the motivations for their actions and we can sympathize with the feelings they feel. The atmosphere that Kay creates help us feel closer to Kay's characters. Kay employs dialogues to how us relationship dynamics between different characters. When it comes to principal characters, he shows off their thoughts and feelings. Moreover, Kay gives his character opportunity and means to undergo significant character development. Many of them have to make hard choices and brave their fears, go against the tide by defying customs and sometimes their own culture. So, as far as characterisation is considered, Guy Gavriel Kay did a fantastic job in this novel. The writer creates memorable characters that the reader feels inclined to root for, and that stay with the reader long after the novel is read.

“What is my sin, Blaise? Rudel was like that. A knife in the voice and in the thought behind. Quicksilver bright, insubstantial as a moon on water sometimes, then sharp and merciless and deadly as ... as an arrow dipped in syvaren. And the sharpness in his perceptions, as much as in anything else. A man from whom it was difficult to hide.

For the sin, the transgression, lay— and Rudel knew it, they both knew it — in his having given Blaise exactly what he wanted.”

THE FEMALE CHARACTERS ARE PARTICULARLY IMPRESSIVE

What I remember best about this novel are the female characters. The hero of this novel, the protagonist Blaise, is a well developed character. He undergoes positive character development and takes on a number of new responsibilities. However, as a hero, Blaise is somewhat predictive, if charming. He fulfills his role well, but it is the female characters that really shine in this novel. 

There are a couple of female characters in this novel that simply capture one's attention: Beatrice, Signe, Ariadne, Lisette, Lucianna and Rosala.

 The priestess of Rian Beatrice that announces Blaise's arrival is a vivid and interesting character, if not portrayed in detail.

 The old and wise ruler of Arbonne, Signe and her late daughter are both headstrong, intelligent, decisive but also passionate female characters. Signe is more politically savy than her daughter, whom we only meet in the prologue but who was obviously guided more by her heart. The story of Signe's daughter Aesis is one that is very important for understanding of the culture of Arbonne, but more about that some other time. 

Ariadne, the Queen of Court of Love is an open thinking and liberated woman, that is also intelligent, so it is no wonder that many readers appreciated her portrayal.  

There's also a female character that is a professional singer in Arbonne-and her name is Lissete. Now, this is not something very common, a female professional singer, even in troubadour Arbonne, but this singer Lissete plays a significant part in the plot and has chapters told from her perspective. I cannot say that I remember her especially well, but this character plays her role and I like how her story was interwoven with all the others. 

Finally, there is one woman that is not from Arbonne that undergoes significant character development, and that is Blaise's sister-in-law - Rosala. She makes a brave choice to flee her country in search of independence and freedom. 

Another female character is Lucianna, a former lover of Blaise. She is depicted as sensual and cunning, but also loyal primarily to her family, who marry her off to different husbands to expand their influence. There is an episode in the book where Blaise  upon winning a knightly tournament if I recall well) gives a red rose to Lucianna representing desire, and a white rose to his sister-in-law. 

As the hero of the novel, Blaise gets involved or crosses paths with all of the significant female characters, but the emphasis is not solely on him. Indeed, Kay can be credited with creating believable and powerful female characters that often set things in motion and are not there to entertain the hero. 

When the wind that comes from Arbonne

Sweeps north across the mountains,

Then my heart is full again, even in far Gorhaut,

Because I know that spring has come to Tavernel and Lussan,

To the olive vineyards of Miraval,

And nightingales are singing in the south.*

*quotation from A Song for Arbonne

ARBONNE IS A FICTIONAL COUNTRY THIS NOVEL IS SET IN

Arbonne, a country our author has set this novel in, is based on twelve century Provence. Arbonne shares borders with a number of countries: Arimonda, Gorhaut, Götzland, Portezza and Valensa. All of these countries have their own political interests. Arbonne is ruled by a woman named Signe, an old and wise matriarch that shows both her soft and hard side. There are also a few powerful aristocrats, but unfortunately for Arbonne the two most powerful dukes are at odds with one another (to describe so their old love fueled feud is an understatement). There is also another notable female character, the intelligent Ariane, the ruler of so called Court of Love, that is a troubadour queen of sorts. 

Arbonne is a country where love rules in many ways. Tell me what your art focuses on, and I'll tell you what kind of country you live in. Art is always indicative of a certain place, and we can learn a lot about a place from studying its art. Kay does a great job here by portraying a country with all its intricates. He doesn't just show us a country, he shows us its art and poetry. He shows us the driving force behind the society. Poets that sing about love are praised, and the poetry of choice is troubadour poetry.

TROUBADOR CULTURE IS A MAJOR INSPIRATION FOR THIS WORK, GAY GAVRIEL KAY EVEN DESCRIBED IT AS A LOVE LETTER TO PROVANCE

I don't think one needs to do much historical research to enjoy this book. However, if you do like history then you might want to read a bit more about the fascinating culture of troubadours.  It can only add to your enjoyment of this novel. You might also want to check out the list of books that Guy Gavriel Kay recommended (his bibliography). 

I'm going to cite from https://brightweavings.com/histories/  to give you a little insight into the historical period this novel is based on, but you're more than welcome to do your own research. 

In A Song for Arbonne, GGK went further still into the field he has made his own – historical fantasy. 

Arbonne tells a tale of art, courtly love and religious warfare inspired by medieval France and the Albigensian Crusade.  

 'A Song for Arbonne draws on the history of Languedoc, the region that is now southern France. During the High Middle Ages (c. 1000-1200 C.E.), this region was independent of the French crown, and it developed a vibrant culture of its own, which greatly influenced all of Europe. 

Central to this culture were the troubadors. These poets (and the singers who performed their songs) were the first in Europe to celebrate romantic love. Their poetry helped to develop the culture of courtly love among the nobility throughout Europe. 

Under the influence of the doctrines of courtly love, knights, who had been nothing but brutal warriors, began to serve ladies, seeking favor through civility and grace. 

This change was crucial to the revival of art and learning all over Europe. 

This region was also, however, the birthplace of the Cathar heresy, the first major heresy in Western Christendom. Persecution of this heresy led to the downfall of the region and its courtly culture.

 With the Pope’s blessing, the King of France mounted a crusade against the Cathars. The Languedoc nobles, anxious to preserve their freedoms, protected the Cathars, and so the crusade also became a war of conquest for the King of France. 

In a conflict marked by extreme atrocity, the Cathar heresy was exterminated, Languedoc was brought under French rule, and the glory of the region’s culture was largely destroyed. (The particulars of the Cathar heresy, by the way, bear little resemblance to the divide between the cults of Corannos and Rian in Kay’s work.)

I'm not sure I agree with everything written that I cited. For example, I don't think knights were brute warriors before troubadour culture set it. There is a long tradition of knights following a spiritual path and aspiring to become an ideal chivalry. Afterall, the troubadour culture didn't spring out of nowhere, rather it built on foundation of chivalry that was already there. Sure, some knights were brutes, but generally not all of them were. Even before the troubadour times, many knights aspired to a spiritual ideal. However, it is entirely true that troubadour culture was something exceptionally influential and revolutionary in that it shapes our modern views on love up to this day. The troubadour culture celebrated romantic love openly, and that was something very new, scandalous and extraordinary for its time. So, I definitely agree with the author of BW site author about the importance of the troubadours and like her- I suggest that you read GGK bibliography on this subject. 

DESPITE DRAWING FROM HISTORY, GAY GAVRIEL KAY CREATES AN UNIQUE WORLD THAT FEELS AUTHENTIC

Arbonne is neither a copy of France nor is this fantasy world identical to our own. For start, it has two moons. That might seem like an insignificant detail, but is it really? Isn't there more to it than meets the eye? How do the two moons influence art, science and the way they think about life? Nothing is insignificant when it comes to building this fantasy world. 

 

The world building in this novel is done exceptionally well. There are no lengthily descriptions, but rather the author draws you into the mythology, religion and culture of this world. As the plot unfolds, so we learn more about this world. We meet countries not just through their descriptions, but also through its people. Characters from different cultures come into contact and interact quite often. A question of identity is one that is raised on a number of occasion. Is our identity determined by birth? Is is determined by upbringing, our family? Is the country we have grown up in our home? Or is it the place we have chosen? Is our family name something that writes our destiny? Or do we make our own way and form our own identity?

“False. I will always be a Savaric, my lord. 

Do not deceive yourself. What I was born to may not be taken from me.' 

She hesitates.

 'It may only be added to.” 

A Song for Arbonne

There is a cultural contrast that is apparent in this novel, especially when it comes to  two main opponents on the political scene, two countries divided by religion and culture. Besides learning about countries through people, we also learn about them through their art and interest. Different ethical groups, people and countries described in A Song for Arbonne have different interests and fields of expertise. We get to know this world through its art, poetry, customs and culture. It's a rather extensive and detailed view the author is providing us in A Song for Arbonne. It could be said that he paints a vivid and life like picture, making it seem more alive with every stroke- or to move from a painter metaphor to a writer one- he breathes life into his world with every word.

A CLASH OF CULTURES AND RELIGIONS, BETWEEN ARBONNE AND GORHAUT

Kay uses contrasting to show us two different countries. One of them is said to be ruled by women, the other by men. Things are never that simple, but certainly in one of these countries women are more influential in society. Songs are sang about the beauty of women and great deeds committed to win their favour. This troubadour country, where women are celebrated with poetry, is contrasted to another more rigid and war like culture. Men and women in these two countries have different customs and beliefs. There is war on the horizon. Arbonne worships a goddess Rian, and Gorhaut worships a god Corranos. These deities are more than just symbolical, the war god Corannos and the mother goddess Rian have an obvious influence on their worshipers. The clash of religions is often a clash of cultures. In Arbonne, women serve as priestess, something unthinkable in Gorhaut. Indeed, almost everything about Arbonne is unthinkable to Gorhaut. This tension is present from the start, a conflict between the north and south. 

“The world was full of things one needed to know to survive; he didn’t have the time to fill his brain with the useless chaff of a patently silly culture.”

As a reader, one is more inclined to feel sympathy for Arbonne, the country of learning, art and worship of a goddess. However, the author makes the interesting choice of choosing a protagonist who belongs to the other culture. A protagonist who is not a bad man at all, but rather the hero of our story. In this way, he humanizes the other country (that is Gorhaut), the one that worships the war like god and does not allow women in public service. This choice of a norther protagonist allows us to study Arbonne through the eyes of a foreigner. As Blaise (the protagonist of the novel) journeys into Arbonne, so we journey with him. 

Still, while Kay clearly wants us to fall in love with Arbonne, he doesn't paint it as a paradise. He paints it as vulnerable in many ways, but all the more precious for it. Arbonne is not immune to intrigue. Its ruler Signe is well versed in political intrigue. This matriarch did not hesitate to force a political marriage on her beloved daughter, despite enjoying a marriage blessed with love herself. This decision ended in tragedy that still haunts and divides Arbonne, making it vulnerable to foreign invaders and attacks. Arbonne is not a completely idealized country, and while we do get a dreamy image of it through its art and poetry, the author shows us realistic bits as well. There are many plots and sublots, and enough Machiavellian scheming to go around. 

A PROLOGUE THAT INTRODUCES US TO AELIS THE DAUGHTER OF COUNT AND COUNTESS OF ARBONNE

The  prologue is written as a dramatic episode that is quite relevant for the history of Arbonne, as it shaped a decades long feud and division. It is in this intense episode that  we meet the proud and passionate Aelis, the daring daughter of the Count and Countess of Arbonne, future rulers of Arbonne. Despite having an ideal marriage, Aelis parents did not hesitate to force a political marriage upon her. While Signe is described as emotionally warm person in general, as a ruler she is more Machiavellian than maternal in her actions.  Thus Aelis becomes the wife of Urte de Miraval, while being in love with Bertan. The prologue describes an episode where the two lovers meet. It is obvious that Ariane loves only  Bertran (who as the the younger son of the Duke of Talair was not a powerful enough match for her parents). So, there is love and infidelity at the start of this story. Next we are transported twenty years forward and our story begins headed by a northern hero Blaise. 

A NOVEL THAT SYMBOLICALLY COVERS FOUR SEASONS

This novel starts with Blaise arriving to Arbonne. He has its reasons for abandoning his home country, and his story gets interwoven with many others. There are quite a few plot driving characters in this novel, and while protagonists often sets things in motion, there are many players in this game. 

Before there was A Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire, there was A Song for Arbonne. While this novel is more poetically written, it also has its bits of realism, especially in regard to politics. When Kay writes about politics and the power games, his prose feels quite realistic and descriptive. I do not think this novel is any less real because it has poetry in it. Some might argue that art itself (with literature and poetry being a bit part of it) is what is the most real. Art is what essentially makes us human, isn't it? 

This novel that spans over a single years covers many events and sometimes ventures into past. At times, the writer takes time to explain past events that are relevant for the plot, but these digressions are never without reason. In fact, they greatly enrich both the story and the plot. As I already explained, the novel opened with a digression, but one very important for both the plot and the culture of Arbonne.

Sustainable fashion files: a mini floral dress (second hand, worn here), red bag (gifted, worn here), bw straw hat (old, here) and tropical floral sandals (old, worn here)

BLAISE, A NORTHERN MERCENARY WITH HIGH CONNECTIONS FINDS HIMSELF AT COURT OF LOVE

When the novel opens, Blaise is a mercenary, albeit one with royal connections. Blaise's father de fact rules their own country instead of a puppet king. Blaise is devoted to a war god, and such soldier is called a Conan. He fled his country and a family conflict. There is unfinished story between him and his brother's wife Rosala, something that might haunt his future. 

“'I have no right to ask for anything,' he heard his brother whisper. Blaise looked over his shoulder then and saw Rosala standing there, tall and grave. 

'I know you do not,' she agreed quietly, adhering, even at the last, to her own inner laws. 'But I have the right to grant what I wish.' ”* 

quoted from A Song for Arbonne

As I already said, at the start of the novel Blaise sees the country through his Gorhaut prejudices, struggling to understand why anyone in their sane mind would sing songs to a married woman and why that could help elevate the status of the husband. Platonic love is not a concept Blaise can understand. Why is a man more estimated if other men sing praises of his wife's beauty? That is a complete mystery to Blaise, in whose home country women's behaviour is strictly controlled. Women are simply not present in the public sphere of Gorhaut. In Arbonne, women are priestesses, rulers, artists and muses. Women are present everywhere, and this very shocking to his Gorhaut eyes. Nevertheless, as much as Arbonne differs from his home country, as much as Blaise is shocked by this cultural contrast, he is wise enough to appreciate Arbonne's beauty and charm. Slowly but steadily, Arbonne grows on him. 

THIS IS A STORY THAT DELIVERS ROMANCE, ADVENTURE, INTRIQUE, POETRY AND PHILOSOPHY

Blaise is more than just a mercenary, his father is Galbert de Garsenc, the chief influence on and counsellor of Gorhaut's king. Blaise is the younger son, but his father might have plans for him. Blaise's employer is also a powerful man,  Bertran, Duke of Talair. Bartain and Duke of Miraval have been in conflict that divided Arbonne for two decades, ever since Aelis' death. Soon into the plot, Blaise clashes with the Duke of Miraval by killing his men (also corans) in self-defense. 

As the plot develops, Blaise gets involved not only into this feud, but also into political intrigue. Kay creates character that are layered and grey. There are no typical bad and good guys. It seems everyone has an agenda or plan of some kind, and many believe theirs to be the only just one. Travelling with Bertran, Blaise ends up  in the port city of Tavernel at Carnival time where he has the opportunity to observe joglers/singers and troubadour culture and interact with it. In Tavernel, Blaise meets the intelligent Queen of the Court of Love, Ariane and another interesting female character - the joglar Lissete. 

Indeed, there is much going on in this novel. Sometimes the plot moves more slowly. In many ways, this is not an action packed book. It cannot be described as  a page turner. Still, there are subplots that are pretty impressive, assassination attempts that spring out seeming of nowhere. A Song for Arbonne delivers intrigue, romance and poetry joined by some quite philosophical passages. You do have a feeling like the author has a message to share and questions to ask. There is food for the mind in this novel, it's not just a fun fantasy read. It is also a novel that questions the eternal questions of love, identity and fidelity. What are we really loyal to? What is our true identity? What is love?

GORHAUT AND ARBONNE ARE IN A STATE OF CONFLICT THAT MIGHT EASILY TURN TO WAR

Throughout the novel, there is constant tension as the two countries remain in state of conflict. The shadows of the war are darkening Arbonne's sky. For at its beauty and art, Arbonne is under theat. 

IS ARBONNE READY TO FACE THE NORTHERN INVADERS, ESPECIALLY WHEN DIVIDED

The question remains- is Arbonne ready to face the Gorhaut's invasion? What role will Blaise play in all of this? Will love for Arbonne be enough to join its people together? Can poetry win over war?

At Bright Weavings site, its author wrote an insightful article about how both Gorhaut and Arbonne use poetry and language to their own means. Man of Gorhaut mock poetry, but their religious leather develivers a speech that is melodical.  Arbonne is at home when it comes to poetry- and art can be powerful! When Duke Bertran composes a song to mock Gorhaut, he delivers a deathly blow. So much for poetry being only for women! 

I love Kay for putting forward the idea that the men of Arbonne are all the more men because they are inspired by woman. There is much strength in the Arbonne's feminine energy and goddess. Duke Bertain is not just a poet, he's also a warrior. So are other men of Arbonne!

But immediately prior to the events of the novel, Arbonne’s most celebrated troubadour, Duke Bertran de Talair, composes a song mocking Gorhaut’s recent political troubles with another of its enemies, the country of Valensa, a song that sets the novel in motion:

Shame then in the springtime for proud Gorhaut,
Betrayed by a young king and his counsellor.
Sorrow for those whose sons were dead,
Bitter the warriors who had battled and won –
Only to see spoils claimed by their courage
Disposed and discarded like so much watered wine.
Shame in the treaty and no pride in the peace
Ademar allowed to vanquished Valensa.
Where were the true heirs of those who had died
For the glory of Gorhaut on that frozen field?
How could they sheathe their shining blades
With triumph gained and then given away?
What manner of man, with his father new-fallen,
Would destroy with a pen-stroke a long dream of glory?
And what king lost to honour like craven Daufridi
Would retreat from that ice-field not to return?
Where went the manhood of Gorhaut and Valensa
When war was abandoned and pale peace bought
By weak kings and sons long lost to their lineage?

In brief, Gorhaut and Valensa had fought for years over a particular piece of land on the border, and Gorhaut had recently won a crushing victory in the ongoing struggle. But instead of routing the forces of Valensa, the king of Gorhaut signed a treaty ceding the land to Valensa in exchange for a great deal of money. This poem seems to exert some of the power of language we are used to seeing in the fantasy setting, but, in fact, just the opposite is true. 

A LOVE CONFLICT THAT DIVIDED THE COUNTRY A LONG TIME AGO

The conflict between two dukes that loved the same woman still hangs in the air. I loved how the tragic atmosphere of this past love story still soaked the pages. 

PERSONAL FIGHTS AND MORAL DILAMMES ENRICH THE PLOT

“There was a familiar, hard bitterness in him now, and a curiosity he could not deny, and a third thing, like the quickening hammer of a pulse, beneath both of these.”

This is not a black and white novel. The characters are layered. There are no clear bad or good guys. Things are not so simple, are they? 

“For all his frustrations and his chronic sense of being overburdened. He was proud of that; he’d always felt that it was worth doing a task properly if it was worth doing at all. That was part of his problem, of course; that was why he ended up with so much to do. It was also the source of his own particular pride: he knew--and he was certain they knew that there was no one else who could handle details such as these as well as he.”  A Song for Arbonne

OFTEN THE NOVEL REWARDS US WITH GORGEOUS POETICAL PROSE

Besides poetry, this novel can boast with poetical prose. Indeed, Kay's sentences often read like poetry. His metaphors are absolutely stunning and wonderfully original. There is so much poetry hidden in this book. As it should be, for it is a novel inspired by troubadours. 

“And so saw, by a trick, an angle, a flaring of torchlight far down the dark river, how the arrow—white-feathered, she would remember, white as innocence, as winter in midsummer, as death—fell from the summit of its long, high arc to take the coran in the shoulder, driving him, slack and helpless, from the rope into the river amid laughter turned to screaming in the night.”

HOWEVER, THIS BOOK  HAS ITS SHARE OF REALISTIC WRITING AND MOMENTS

The novel switches between dreamy prose and realistic one. Sometimes characters make sharp and rapid observations. Not everything in this novel is romantic. There's talk of war and death. There's a rational (zero nonsense tolerated) approach to many things, from politics to combat.

“The problem was, it was as easy to be killed on a foolish quest in the company of fools as on an adventure of merit beside men one respected and trusted.”

A LOVE FOR A COUNTRY CAN BE A POWERFUL THING

This novel often examines identity, especially in regards to love for one country. Many characters are motivated by the love for their country or family. Sometimes belonging to a certain country can feel like belonging to a family, your countrymen becoming your extended family. What makes us belong to a certain place or culture? 

What is love for one's country at its core? Is it a good thing? Can it be both? We see different characters feel love for their country, being willing to die for it if needed. They are not described as silly men or women just because they believe in something greater than themselves. Sure, sometimes love for one's country can make one xenophobic or rigid, but it is a complex subject.

This novel shows us characters that are often aware of the flaws of the country they live in, and yet they still believe in their country in a way. They want to make it a better place. They believe in its potential. So, patriotism or nationalism, whatever word you want to use- at its core is a love that can be just as complex as family or romantic love. 

“Rudel Correze is far from the first to seek to aid me in my passage to Rian. But I find myself still among the living, and I have discovered that I value this world for itself, not merely as a matter for someone's song. I love it for its heady wines and its battles, for the beauty of its women and their generosity and their pride, for the companionship of brave men and clever ones, the promise of spring in the depths of winter and the even surer promise that Rian and Corannos are waiting for us, whatever we may do. And I find now, your highness, long past the fires of my heart's youth and yours, that there is one thing I love more, even more than the music that remains my release from pain.'

'Love, de Talair? This is a word I did not expect to hear from you. I was told you foreswore it more than twenty years ago. The whole world was speaking of that. This much I am certain I remember. My information, so far distant in our cold north, seems to have been wrong in yet another matter. What is the one thing, then, my lord duke? What is it you still love?'

'Arbonne.”*

*Quoted from A Song for Arbonne

What is a book review without a cat? Meet 'Medo', that is 'Bear', a tomcat that has been my companion for months in Medena and always kept me safe during late shifts. Unfortunately, he interpreted my absence (while I was in hospital) as abandonment and now he avoids me. I guess he's still upset I left (even if it really wasn't my fault I was hospitalized). Now, that my company has sent me to a new location to work, I don't have the opportunity to make amends to Bear. Maybe he will come around one of these days when I visit him.

CONCLUSION- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A SONG FOR ARBONNE!

As you must have concluded from this review, I absolutely loved this fantasy novel. It is a wonderfully written and engaging story, filled with memorable characters and beautiful poetry. What more could one want for in a book? A Song for Arbonne is simply perfect for lovers of fantasy, history, poetry or strong female characters. 

Thank you for reading and visiting!