Erik Reuter wrote:
I didn't like him or dislike him as much as I empathized with him. He had been at the top of the world when everything came crashing down around him. His profession, his family, his friends - all gone. Beyond that it was necessary for him to lead such a structured, disciplined life to ward off the effects of his disease. I don't remember him being whiny as such - just determined not to give in to the fantasy that he was sure that he could not afford to believe in.I suppose like is too vague a word. I wouldn't want TC as a friend, nor would I try to emulate him in most things, but I do like to read about him. He is a complex character with realistic flaws and some virtues, and he goes through conflicts that I think many people have experienced, albeit to a lesser degree. He is also a strong, rational person who refuses to give up when his life takes a horrible turn for the worse. He certainly has some admirable qualities, and I think he provides a lot of food for thought in considering one's own behaviors. The Unbeliever is a very believable character! Plus, the whole backdrop of a fantasy world that -- rather than being "real" but obscure as is common in fantasies -- is quite likely just in the main character's mind is quirky and unusual, which I always prefer to cliched, me too stories.
As is obvious from the polarized opinions on the story, it's not for everyone, but the story is striking in its originality and stands head and shoulders above the Eddings "cookie cutter" kind of fantasy or the Jordanesque stretched-to-the-breaking-point monotony.
Doug
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