The Lady and the Unicorn

This is the fourth novel I’ve read from Tracy Chevalier. And like so many authors, artists, and singers before her. I have been grasping for the greatness, that I saw in her first work. But have sadly not found in anything she has produced afterwards. I don’t know if this is my own mistake. If a younger version of myself saw things with wider eyes, and so celebrates them as better. I still have to say, that although Beyoncé’s songs have been amazing. Nothing for me will be better than ‘Crazy in Love’.

Maybe the same is true of Tracy Chevalier. Her novel ‘The Girl with a Pearl Earring’ surprised me by how good it was. And after reading ‘Burning Bright’, then ‘The Virgin Blue’, and now finally ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’. I feel as though she is on a downward spiral away from the book that she is now known for.

Although I feel this is her worst book, all of her books are still good. They are entertaining, and easy to read. And they have definitely drawn me in, some more than others.

The Lady and the unicorn is a historical fiction novel like all of Chevaliers other works. The historical part are the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries which are center stage of the book. There are six tapestries, which were discovered in 1841 and are now in display at the Musée du Moyen-Âge. These tapestries are considered by some, the greatest works of art from the Middle Ages.

The remainder of the book, which is shown from different first peoples perspectives. Shows the characters that have something to do with the tapestries. From the commissioners, to the painters, to the weavers themselves. Many of the characters are also connected through sexual tension, which by all means is released throughout the book.

My favorite thing about this book are the tapestries. They are amazingly described, and the process is laid out, so that I’m sure I could make them myself. The tapestries and the little story’s that go along with them seem beautiful.

My least favorite thing about the book, are the characters, and their lack of depth. I didn’t get to connect with them and their struggles as I did with ‘A Girl with a Pearl Earring’.

Still this is a very good novel, if you approach it as a fun light summer (or winter) read. It was easy and enjoyable, and I don’t regret reading it. I just wish it was more than it was.

3.5/5 for me.

Check my video on YouTube about this book!

I am addicted to ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’.

Wow what a bold and eye-catching statement, some will say. But then there are others, those who have criticism and sarcasm at their fingertips. Who would say that it’s far from bold, and more towards a cliché.

Being one of those people in the latter group, I would have to agree. But looking closely at my supposed addiction, I have to give some credit to those still pure of heart people who say ‘wow’. Because if I’m not completely addicted to this incredible book series. Then I should at least be half way addicted, whatever that may be.

This is because I’ve been consumed reading the books, I’ve had to put them down on several occasions because I’ve been too annoyed or upset about the decisions or events of that chapter. That shows me that I’m invested in these characters, and my goodness me, I’m only on the second book. How much more I’ll care about the world of Westeros is bound to increase.

I’ve also made many, many videos on YouTube reviewing and discussing these books, I filmed my expedition to the bookstore to get them, and now I’m writing my first real blog post talking about them. If it can’t be said that they have taken over my life, than it can at least be said that they are in my life more than is appropriate. But who acts appropriately anymore?

So down to what this post is actually about. Why you should become addicted to ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’; and then how to get over this half-addiction.

First off, if you haven’t read A Game of Thrones, this is why you should:

1. It’s a freaking AMAZING book.

      2. It’s written incredibly, with great prose, and descriptions that will take you into its medieval and fantasy land.

      3.The twists are amazing; the way the plot seamlessly floods out in front of you and shifts you off your feet is hard to believe.

      4. And above all, the characters. The people presented in this book, are so life like, and so complex that at times you find yourself hating and loving the same person.

Ok so now you’re addicted to these books. What do you do now? I shouldn’t really be asking this question as I’m still obsessed. But my answer for now is, read some other amazing book, preferably in a different genre. If you’re at a loss for what book to read, then check out my book review channel for some ideas. (Wasn’t that self advertisement seamless?)

http://www.youtube.com/bookswithdylan

I have to say before I go; that being addicted to these books is not a bad feeling, but remember when you’re under the blankets reading the next book, that soon enough this series will be over. Who knows what we will do then? I certainly don’t.

I HAVE A BLOG!!!

So this is my first ever blog post on my first ever blog! Isnt that moderately cool... Yay for moderation..

If you dont know who I am, Im Dylan from bookswithdylan on Youtube. I do book reviews and other random things like that. And so this blog is going to be for book reviews as well, specifically little things I dont add in my videos, and also books I dont want to put a video up about.

It will also be as most blogs are, about me and the things I want to tell you. So thats enough of that.

Subscribe to my book review and vlog channel on Youtube if you want..
www.youtube.com/bookswithdylan
www.youtube.com/vlogswithdylanw

Ok so thats my awkward little intro, my next blog will be more interesting, I promise!

Dylan