It’s week two of the KUSHIEL’S DART read-along,and this was quite an… intense… section to read. It’s the most graphic and explicit the book’s been so far, but interestingly, they handled it all in a distant, clinical way. I expect this will change as the story carries on.
Poor Alcuin was the highlight of this section, stealing hearts and sympathy.
Week 2: May 17, Chapters 1-8, is hosted by Tethyan Books. You can find the read-along schedule HERE, and anyone and everyone is welcome to join in. There’s also a Goodreads group for SF/F read alongs.
**SPOILERS FOR CHAPTERS 9–18 BEYOND THIS POINT**
1) In these chapters, Phèdre finally gets to have her own dedication ceremony. Were you surprised by what they did with the dove? Also, do you think it is fair to ask people to make a life decision about serving Naamah at such a young age?
Oh man, that’s SUCH a good question. The ceremony was really surprising, and very cute, but it really contrasts with how sinister the ceremony would be in the real world — it’s like an indoctrination.
It’s definitely not fair to ask a young lassie to make big, world-changing decisions about her sex life at that age. She’s got almost no experience to know what she actually *wants* out of life, and the whole set-up of things seems likely to rush teens into things before she’s emotionally ready.
4) Phèdre seems to be making a name for herself as an anguissette, known for never giving the signale. Do you think she would ever actually choose to use the signale, even if she were in real danger? Do you think her inability to do so might get her into trouble?
I really hope she *would* use the signale: it’s very clear that it’s a massive faux pas not to use it, and even the douchiest of douches make sure it can be clearly given. Honestly I’d be really disappointed if Phèdre refuses to use it in a time of need — it’s such a neat example of the Teree d’Ange’s respect for the arts of Naamah, and how sex is supposed to be enjoyable for both parties.
5) Do you think Alcuin is enjoying his career as much as Phèdre, or do you think he has a different focus? Do you think their differing appeals and tastes will drive them apart?
Poor Alcuin really seemed miserable at the start of his career, that was hard to read. I’m glad he seems to be happier now, and I hope this keeps up — he’s a lovely lad, he deserves happiness.
If you’d like to hear other answers to these questions, the other participating websites are below:
Week 1: May 10, Chapters 1-8, Hosted by DAB OF DARKNESS.
Week 2: May 17, Chapters 9-18, Hosted by Allie at Tethyan Books
Week 3: May 24, Chapters 19-26, Hosted by Lisa at OVER THE EFFING RAINBOW
Week 4: May 31, Chapters 27-36, Hosted by Caroline at Beauty Is a Sleeping Cat
Week 5: June 7, Chapters 37-45, Hosted by Igret at Igret’s Corner
Week 6: June 14, Chapters 46-54, Hosted by Grace at Books Without Any Pictures
Week 7: June 21, Chapters 55-63, Hosted by Dolce Bellezza at Dolce Bellezza
Week 8: June 28, Chapters 64-73, Hosted by Lynn at Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 9: July 5, Chapters 74-83, Hosted by meeeeeeee!
Week 10: July 12, Chapter 84-END, Hosted by Lisa at OVER THE EFFING RAINBOW
Michael says
Speaking as a former teenage boy, I can tell you that such a demonstration as part of sex ed would DEFINITELY led to comments from the audience. Well, at least the guys.
I recall a friend who after sex ed classes said he wished that they’d just use the cruder names for parts of the anatomy and just show us some videos of how it all worked so we’d know. I have a feeling they’d appreciate a demonstration like we read about here.
EMaree says
Thanks for stopping by, Michael! Yeah, I imagine the poor performers would have to put up with some awful heckling from teens. I hope they’d be paid well….
I can definitely see your friend’s point — knowing the medical and biological side of things definitely has its advantages, but a more practical explanation of things would be a good accompaniment to it. And since all teens learn in different ways, there’d probably be some kids who prefer the textbook route, others who snooze through the textbooks until the videos.
Lynn says
The one thing that I do like about the whole serving Naamah is that both Phedre and Alcuin will be working off their debt and eventually become free. I can see why they would make the choice, even though I don’t like it really, because at the end of the day, they’re never really told what the alternative is.
Yeah, I thought the ‘showing’ was really useful. It was all about enjoyment and respect.
Alcuin – I feel sort of a bit sad for him at the moment. He seems to be hopelessly enamoured with Delauney and also a bit unhappy with his role – I wonder if at the back of his mind he’s hoping that Delauney will rescue him again.
Lynn :D
Allie says
Now that you mention it, the idea of going to a ‘Showing’ with my middle school classmates from years ago is really awkward. I think it would be more useful than secretly googling porn, but maybe society would have to get to a point where people would respect the situation and not get embarrassed first. I also hope Alcuin gets happiness, he seems like a good kid so far!
nrlymrtl says
Teens are often asked to make decisions about their sex life at a young age. Think of most religious dedications, where you swear to uphold the main tenants of the religion for life, including views on sex (abstinence until married, sex only for procreation not for fun, etc.).
Good point about the Showing versus modern porn. There is no control or guidelines as to what anyone including teens, can dig up with adult entertainment on the web and so much of it is not the mutually loving art as show in the Showing.
Totally agree about Alcuin. He’s a great young man and I want to see him happy.
James Witherspoon says
In regards to the Showing versus Porn, I’m reminded of an episode of Freaks and Geeks (one of my favorite TV shows ever). The main character gets hold of a porn movie and watches it with his friends. He is so disgusted by this first viewing of sex that he doesn’t understand how anybody could even do those things, and can’t even look at his parents, knowing that they must have done that for him to be born.
It’s so true that porn is frequently a young person’s introduction to sex. I wonder how much different the world would be if people were introduced to sex with a Showing like this, where they can see that it can be a beautiful thing between two consenting people.