Louise de la Valliere by Alexandre Dumas

Summary:

Now that the turbulence has passed, we're able to see what life at court is really like for the next generation.  Instead of wrestling for power in war, we find the members of the court vying for position through romantic intrigues and political maneuverings.  Focusing more on the Vicomte de Bragelonne and his peers, we're seeing that the older generation has become dissatisfied with the new order, but only Athos is content to retire to his property.

Response:

The poor Vicomte de Bragelonne, has been utterly heartbroken and I find it difficult to be angry with Louise de la Valliere.   On the one hand, she didn't realize she wasn't actually in love with Raoul until she fell completely in love with the King.  The King, never having really been loved by a woman, is immediately drawn to Louise.    I am, however, angry with Princess Henrietta for suggesting Louise as a possible cover for the illicit affair she was having with the King.  Without this suggestion, the King would not have been in a position to overhear Louise's confession of love and she might have gone on to marry Raoul after all.  Though, if she wasn't actually in love with the Vicomte then perhaps this was all for the best.

The Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later

Summary:

Ten years after the close of Twenty Years After, and thirty years after the events at the end of The Three Musketeers, We find that d'Artagnan has lost his position as the Captain of the Musketeers and has been demoted back to Lieutenant.  He is a personal body guard to the King and has become very disenchanted with his lot in life.   The Cardinal rules over Louis with an iron fist to the point that Louis is unable to help his friend, Charles II, to reclaim his throne in England.

Aramis is now the Bishop of Vanne, Porthos is aiding him in his political machinations, and Athos is desperately trying to control the budding romance between his son and Louise de la Valliere while fulfilling a promise he made ten years earlier.

D'Artagnan asks for leave to retire from the Musketeers and undertakes the task of returning Charles II to his father's throne in England.  Unbeknownst to him, Athos is attempting the very same thing.  Soon all is resolved and Charles is returned to power.

Response:

I was surprised to see D'Artagnan so quickly demoted after the events of the previous novel and concerned about the weakness of the King.  But was greatly impressed at the way Dumas bends his story to fit the historical framework.

Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas

Summary:
Twenty Years after the events of The Three Musketeers, France has a new King, a new Cardinal, and d'Artagnan hasn't progressed past his promotion to Lieutenant in the Musketeers.  The four friends, d'Artagnan, Aramis, Athos, and Porthos, went their separate ways in the end of The Three Musketeers, but are reunited only to discover they're on separate sides of the intrigues at court.

Athos is now a father and living comfortably on his estates in the country.  He takes an interest in the political intrigues against Cardinal Mazarin and then  goes to England to help King Charles I fight for his kingdom during the English Revolution.

Aramis is an Abbe, but is experiencing a case of the "grass is greener."  While a Musketeer he dreamed of joining the church.  Now a member of the clergy, he dreams of his days as a Musketeer.  Aramis joins Athos in his quest to help the British Monarchy.

Porthos is a widower and has come to realize that all his riches are useless without someone with whom to share them.  He's persuaded by d'Artagnan to work for Cardinal Mazarin for the spirit of the adventure and a promise of a baronetcy.

Response:

I was slightly disappointed to find that d'Artagnan hadn't progressed much past the final pages of The Three Musketeers.  There's a new cardinal and a new king, but he seems lost without his friends around.  He goes to seek them and discovers that Aramis and Athos are on the opposite side of the political unrest in France.  They actively support the deposed king of England and are endeavoring to have Charles reinstated.  D'Artagnan and Porthos are the agents of the Cardinal who only supports Charles' efforts in words.

One of the more touching scenes in my opinion is the failed rescue attempt for King Charles.  Clearly, we know that history and that there is no hope for Charles, but with every turn of the page I hoped Dumas would write an alternative ending.  I wanted the Musketeers to succeed and possible have a fake executed in Charles' place.  But, alas, Dumas stays true to the facts and we are left with this beautiful scene of Athos trapped under the gallows during the execution.  It's something I would love to see in a film one day - if it hasn't already been attempted.

I'm looking forward to the next few novels and the further adventures of these men.  Though I read a spoiler the other day that makes me hope it was wrong.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

Summary:D'Artagnan arrives in Paris, on a yellow horse, to make his fortune but finds himself caught up in the political intrigue at the court of King Louis XIII.  Foiling attempts by Milady de Winter lands him permanently on her bad side and thwarts the plans of the Cardinal Richelieu.  With the help of his new friends, the Three Musketeers, d'Artagnan is able to navigate these tumultuous times and win his heart's desire - a Lieutenant's Commission with the Musketeers.


Response:The Three Musketeers has always been one of my favorite novels.  I read it for the first time after seeing the Disney Movie, starring Chris O'Donnell, at the age 12.  I remember it being entertaining and immediately declaring it my favorite.  Though, looking back now, I think this had more to do with the film than the actual book.  Over the years I've reread it several times and find something new each time.  When I read it at 20, I laughed out loud at some parts. At 27, the historical aspect of the stories intrigued me and I realized there was actually witty banter between the friends.  At 33, I'm more interested in views on women and the characterization of Milady de Winter and Constance.  Obviously, this says more about me as the reader than it does about the author or the time period in which it was written.

Based on real life events and  Les mémoires de M. d'Artagnan, by Gatien de Courtilz de Sandras, d'Artagnan is an interesting character, to say the least.  In the first novel of the d'Artagnan Romances, by Dumas, he's portrayed as headstrong and, at times, impulsive but also very clever in his dealings with the royal court.  There are events in the novel which make me think d'Artagnan is simply an asshole and yet we see how loyal he is to his friends.  He's an imperfect character much in the same way that we are imperfect people and I love this about the novel.

An event, that I think will be revisited in the next novel of the series, Twenty Years After, will be the advantage taken with Milady de Winter.  While searching for his lady love, d'Artagnan becomes enamored of  Milady de Winter.  When he learns that she is actually in love with the Comte des Wardes, and is merely stringing him along at Richelieu's orders, d'Artagnan disguises himself as des Wardes and sleeps with Milady.  It's in this manner that he learns Milady's true identity and her terrible secret.   Even though *Spoiler Alert* Milady is executed at the end of the novel, d'Artagnan will have to face consequences for this action, possibly at the hands of des Wardes.

Changeless by Gail Carriger

After reading Soulless, Book 1 in the Parasol Protectorate series, I simply had to pick up Book 2 and, again, I have not been disappointed. Gail Carriger has the ability to write a fantastic story that just draws you in.  (I'm already starting on book 3, Blameless.)

I am very pleased with this series. The characters are engaging and well rounded.  It's like the child of an Austen novel and insert your favorite vampire/werewolf novel here (Except that one - you know which one I mean).  I would reccommend this to anyone looking for an intelligent and fun series. 

***Note: if you have not read Soulless or Changeless, there may be spoilers in this post.  Also, the links to Changeless on Amazon contain several major spoilers***

Changeless opens with Alexia immersed in her new life as Muhjah to Queen Victoria and wife to Lord Maccon.  She has to deal with Werewolf politics and a strange type of plague of Humanity upon the Supernatural set.  Her investigation takes her to Scotland where she becomes acquainted with Lord Maccon's former pack.  Spies, assassination attempts, and a passel of bickering women follow her.

My new favorite character is Madame Lefoux.  She dresses in men's clothing, loves to tinker with technology, and has great chemistry with Alexia.  I love how, even with her association with Lord Akeldama, Alexia is completely oblivious to Madame Lefoux's attraction to her.  I kind of see her as Alexia's Q, supplying her with all sorts of fun gadgets and an interesting ally.  What I love most about her is that she refuses to play by society's rules.  Alexia doesn't care for most of the societal rules, but she is still guided by them, and while she greatly admires Madame Lefoux's practical clothing choices, I don't think she could bring herself to "cross the line" that much.

I won't spoil too much, but I just have to say that the ending broke my heart.  Throughout the entire book, we see how much Lord and Lady Maccon truly care for one another and the ending just made me weep openly.  It was quite fortunate that I was reading into the wee hours of the morning and my roommate didn't see me sobbing over the pages.   

Gone With the Wind: Chapter 29

Summary:

In April, the Confederacy surrenders and the war is over but it's not until two weeks later that the news reaches Tara.  Neighbors start to return to what's left of their homes and Scarlett is simply glad because she won't have to worry about thieves anymore.  The Fontaine boys return and stop in to visit Tara.  They discuss the problems of marriage now that the war is over and everyone is left with nothing.

Cathleen Calvert comes by a few days later to announce her marriage plans with the Yankee overseer at her parents farm.  She is unable to accept congratulations as she is only marrying him out of necessity.  Melanie seems to understand instinctively and scolds Scarlett when she asks if Cathleen could possibly be in love with the overseer.

Katiebug's Response:

Scarlett can't get her head around Cathleen marrying the overseer for security.  Even though her own marriage to Charles wasn't for love and she's convinced that Ashley really loves her and not his wife, it seems that Love is the only plausible reason for marriage in Scarlett's mind.  Melanie, of course, understands the emotional complexity of the situation.  Which really makes me think Scarlett has the emotional depth of a puddle.  She is a strong willed woman and her instinct to survive will get everyone through the lean times.  But she helps these people out of loyalty and duty rather than love and generosity as Melanie would.  The two together will make a strong and powerful pair.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 28

Summary:

Cold weather sets in and Scarlett realizes that her claims of the worst being over were premature.  The neighbors have less to share, though they all do their best to help one another.  Pork is able to trade, steal, or buy necessities from neighbors and towns with the money from the dead Yankee's pockets.    Scarlett starts to have a recurring nightmare and takes to sleeping in the bed with Melanie so she can be awoken when the dream is upon her.

Christmas brings Frank Kennedy and a troop of soldiers to Tara's door.  They were sent by the Confederate Army to secure provisions from the citizens.  The troop is able to share news of Atlanta and Frank reveals that citizens have started to rebuild the city.  Aunt PittyPat's home is still standing and it is suggested that she will return soon as well, but no one has news of Ashley. 

While the residents at Tara don't have much to share, they treat the soldiers to a Christmas celebration.  It's during dinner that Scarlett notices how happy Suellen is with Frank and when Frank asks Scarlett for permission to propose marriage to Suellen she wholeheartedly agrees.  She even arranges for the two to have privacy during the proposal.

Katiebug's Response:

Like Scarlett, it's been easy to forget there's a war going on elsewhere in the country.  The commissary troop serves as a reminder of the desperation facing the entire Confederacy in the last days of fighting.  But their visit also serves as a direct contrast to their lives before the war started.  Normal life events aren't going to be as easy as they were before.  Men will not be able to support wives without an income or livelihood.  The slaves will not come back to help work the fields and the farms are going to be reclaimed by the wilderness in less than a season.  The aristocracy will be reduced to the same socioeconomic level as their white trash neighbors.  Still, people are going to fall in love and life is going to move on.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 27

Summary:

A meager but filling breakfast is interrupted by Sally Fontaine spreading the news that "the Yankees are coming."  Everyone freezes for a moment and Wade's worst fears are realized.  Scarlett digs down deep into her anger and starts ordering the residents at Tara to scatter the livestock and hide what they can before disappearing into the swamps.  It's Melanie that reacts the fastest and jumps onto their lone horse to drive the cows into the swamp.  Scarlett races back inside to hide whatever valuables they can and gather up Melanie's baby.  She has a clear path to escape but Tara calls to her and she refuses to leave.

The Yankee soldiers overturn everything in the house and take everything of value.  It's only when Scarlett sees they've appropriated Charles' sword, that is her son's only birthright, that she protests.  The Sergeant she appeals to allows her to keep the sword much to the chagrin of the lowly soldier that had claimed it.  Before leaving, the Yankees burn all of the cotton they'd managed to save over the summer and a fire is started in Tara's Kitchen.

Refusing to give up, Scarlett rushes into the kitchen to fight the flames.  Just when she thinks she is beaten the door to the kitchen opens and Melanie is there to aid her.  Together they fight back the fire and save the house.  Scarlett awakens on the porch, she had passed out in the smoke, with her head in Melanie's lap and she realizes that she has a new found respect for her sister-in-law.

Katiebug's Reaction:
We're seeing the continued development of mutual respect and friendship between Melanie and Scarlett.  When Scarlett starts barking orders, to save whatever provisions they have, it's Melanie that jumps to action.  We see that Melanie is not as weak as Scarlett has always supposed her to be and has almost as strong of a will as Scarlett herself.  Scarlett is not the only one that can adapt to a new south.

Melanie further proves herself to be as stubborn as Scarlett when she returns to help fight the fire left by the Yankees.  I think this is what Scarlett is coming to admire in her relative, even though she still feels she's a rival for Ashley's affections.  Together, though, these women will be able to withstand anything this new and dangerous world has to throw at them.

With the cotton gone, the residents at Tara have no source of income.  I suspect this will be a problem later when it comes time to pay taxes on the property.

Gone With The Wind: Chapter 26

Summary:

Scarlett is two weeks at home when a massive and infected foot blister renders her unable to work.  She has come to the realization that her father is never going to return to his normal self and the responsibility of taking care of the family has fallen to her shoulders.  Just when she is lost in her own thoughts she hears hooves on the road to Tara and looks up to see a lone Yankee soldier making his way into the house.  She arms herself with Charles' pistol and heads downstairs.  It's the sight of her mother's sewing box in foreign hands that drives her to action, but it's his threat to her safety that causes her to pull the trigger.

Roused from her sickbed by the shot, Melanie makes her way to the stairs with Charles' saber.  Scarlett and Melanie have a mutual moment of understanding and admiration before Melanie soothes the invalids with a quick lie.  They agree to clean up the body and not let anyone know of the murder.  Rifling through his pockets and knapsack, they find gold pieces and green union dollar bills.  But it's really the gain of his horse that is an answer to everyone's silent prayer.

Mobile once more, Scarlett sets out to investigate the neighborhood.  She finds the Fontaines at their home, Mimosa, and discovers they still have plenty of provisions to share.  Grandma Fontaine suggests that Scarlett pick what remains of the cotton in Tara's fields and, though Scarlett balks at the idea, Grandma Fontaine shames her into doing what must be done to survive.  Before she starts for home, Grandma Fontaine takes Scarlett aside and asks about Ellen.  Scarlett reveals the whole history and confesses that she's faced the worst that can happen.  Grandma shares with Scarlett that she, too, had faced the worst in her past and that it had caused her to fear nothing in her life.

Scarlett, Dilcey, and Prissy are the only ones to successfully work at picking the cotton.  Even Melanie attempts to work through her sickness while the others in the household make excuses to stay inside.  With the cotton picked, money in her pocket, and fresh provisions from the neighbors Scarlett feels that the worst is over and she can start climbing out of the despair surrounding Tara.

Katiebug's Response:

The mutual respect between Scarlett and Melanie continues to grow.  I'm really liking how Melanie is being displayed as a stronger character than in previous chapters.  First it really highlights how desperate things are for the women at home during the war.  Second, it makes her more well rounded and makes me believe this book is really about a strong friendship rather than a romance with Rhett.

The scene with the Fontaines reminded me that while this area is mostly settled it is nothing like it is today.  Only one generation back from Scarlett the farmland was wilderness and these people are holding on to what they've been able to carve out of it.  It puts the Civil War in a different perspective for me and I can understand why these people believed in "the cause."

Gone With the Wind: Chapter 25

Summary:

Waking up with the first hangover of her life, Scarlett goes to join her father for breakfast only to find that his mind is far more gone than she had suspected.  He is, in fact, waiting for the deceased Mrs. O'Hara to joing them at the table and won't allow anyone to start without her.  Mammy discourges Scarlett from correcting him and it's then that she realizes the full responsibility waiting for her at Tara.  Unable to express her distress, Scarlett is too abrupt with the remaning servants and orders them to scavenge from the neighboring farms.  When they protest, she declares that anyone at Tara, the O'Hara's included, not willing to work can leave.

Scarlett finds her way to Twelve Oaks only to find that it, too, has been burned to the ground.  She start to think of Ashley and how he will feel about this turn of events but pushes away her feelings to focus on foraging.   She finds a small vegatable patch in the slave quaters where she is suddenly overcome with hunger and attacks a radish.  The introduction of food into her hungover and mostly empty stomache is too much and causes her to wretch.  It's only then, alone in the field, that she allows herself to mourn everything that's been lost.  Then she makes the choice to move forward and utters the vow that she'll "never be hungry again."

In the subsequent months we learn just how isolated Tara has become and how the war seems like a horrible memory or someone else's problem.  Everyone complains and begs to Scarlett for more to eat.  Everyone that is except Melanie.  She is willing to give up her share so that others won't starve.  Melanie is kind and sympathetic while Scarlett is hard and uncaring.  People gravitate to Melanie for comfort and Scarlett finds Melly's kindness more annoying than all the begging and complaining from the others.

Scarlett begins to feel that everything is completely changed and that everything her mother tried to teach her was useless.  She is irritated with her family, her child, and most of all Melanie.  But her feelings for Tara are still strong and she finally realizes what he father meant all those years ago when he told her the O'Hara's have a tie to the land.  She recognizes that she is willing to fight or do anything to hold onto this piece of land.

Katiebug's Response:

I think it's interesting that Scarlett and Melanie have taken up the Caregiver and Caretaker roles in Tara.  Scarlett is focused on keeping everyone alive at any cost, even at the expense of kindness, while Melanie is focused on making sure everyone is able to remain in positive spirits despite the ruins around them.  It's almost as if Scarlett is immitating her Father's role and Melanie her Mother's.  Though Scarlett is far more effective than Gerald and Melanie isn't really running everything behind Scarlett's back.

I can't imagine the stress that Scarlett must be experiencing right now.  She has her mother's nature to care for everyone even at the detriment of herself, but she has her father's stubbornness interwoven with it. So she has the capacity to want to care for everyone but not the kindness to explain her actions.  Everything that she has known is gone and she has to figure out how to survive in this new world.  And it's not just her survival that's depending on this learning curve, it's her entire family and Ashley's.  Had Rhett come back with her, she would have made it his problem and probably fought him every step of the way.