The Eagle Of The Ninth: Rosemary Sutcliff

[poliphilo]

Marcus derives from Kipling's young Roman officers who derive in turn from his idealized Indian Army subalterns. I can just about believe in him, though he's a bit of a Mary Sue.

Esca, on the other hand, is that figment of the Imperial imagination- the noble savage-cum-devoted side-kick. (Think Man Friday, think Tonto.) I can't believe in him at all unless, of course, he's head over heels in love with Marcus- but that's not something Sutcliff- writing for kids in the 50s- is in a position to explore. If he's not in love with Marcus then he's just a quisling- a house negro.

This is a story of imperial adventure. The natives are colourful but the Romans are sahibs. It's very well done, but I'm fresh from reading Kim which covers the same ground with very much greater subtlety and penetration...

Comments

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

Most of Kipling's prose does things with much greater subtlety and penetration than most other authors.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Agreed!

[chochiyo-sama.livejournal.com]

Many years ago, the librarian at the high school where I taught decided to purge the library. She threw out hundreds of older books. I was able to rescue scores of them before they went out to the dumpster. I saved several Rosemary Sutcliff books. I enjoy them a lot.

I will always regret missing the group that contained all Robert Heinlein's adolescent fiction. I could just choke her for sending all those charming vintage science fiction books to the dump.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I think it's wicked to throw books away. Books are sacred,

[jfs.livejournal.com]

There are few books that can follow something like Kim, much like there are few foods that can follow a deeply textured spicy (but not hot) curry. I usually try to read a couple of palate cleansers before tackling anything too meaty post Kim.

(subliminal: now I'm hungry.)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Mmmmm... curry!