So, let's talk about Stephen R Donaldson

[lazarus]

Poll question: So, let's talk about Stephen R Donaldson

I thought we could start a discussion about him through a poll.

I'm torn between "Mordant's Need" and the GAP sequence. The GAP novels are so beautifully dark and ambitious, but I just love "Mordant's Need" as well. I'll have to vote for Mordant.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

1. Mordant's Need

But I think I have the same feelings as you about his works. I'm also torn between the GAP series and Mordant's Need.
For some reason, Mordant's Need felt more...real (as fantasy worlds go) and although there were some confusing areas (Donaldson's famous for that) the motives of all the characters came through crystal clear by the end of the series. That's why it's my preferred series to read by Donaldson.

Gonna have to dig those two books out again.

[haele]

2. His first short story collection is pretty awesome...

Very tightly written, exploring how various types of personalities deal with social issues, personal strengths and weaknesses - and not alot of the "victim overcoming adversity" issues that many people dislike the Covenant Chronicles for. And there's quite a bit of dry humor in them, too.

For those who are not familiar with Donaldson, I'd recommend the short stories collection and the Mordant's Need series. The others can be a bit too psychological, dark and involved for people who aren't expecting it.

Think of Donaldson as the David Lynch of the SF world.

Haele

[kaitykaity]

3. Is this a book we love or a book we hate?

I hated Thomas Covenant. Hated him. He was so whiny.
All he did was complain. I was like oh, God, I know too
many people who whine and complain already.

(Whiny enough for you?)

I own all six of the first books. Never got through
Book 1.

[lazarus]

4. Sorry, I should have said "book you love"

Try Mordant's Need. It's a whole lot different from the Covenant books. More fun, too.

The magic is all done with mirrors. Literally.

[kaitykaity]

5. I kind of figured.

But I'm like okay, I'm really gonna flick you
shit now.

:evilgrin:

Fun, fun, fun!

[Walt Starr]

6. I was introduced to Donaldson via Lord Foul's Bane

so the first covenant series holds a special place to me. Especially since I started the damnable thing three seperate times before I could get past the rape scene without throwing the book against the wall and leaving it sit for a couple of months!

[lazarus]

7. Yeah, same here

but I was able to get past the rape scene more easily than others, for some reason.

Maybe I just naturally assumed from the beginning that Covenant was an anti-hero. I also understood why he did it. Doesn't mean I approve of what he did, but I understand the motivation, and so the rape wasn't just a power grab the way most rapes are.

For clarity here: One can understand motivation without approving of the actions.

This was about a character losing power over himself. He also had that "unbelief" thing going, so the part of his mind that would normally stop these things may have just disconnected, believing it was all a dream.

But I do understand why people found it repellent. No matter what the motivation or circumstances, rape is a repellent thing.

Also, let's all remember that Covenant paid for it in a big way.

That's what I like about Donaldson's writing in general. For instance, the GAP novels are much, much darker than the Covenant books. Seemingly every character is "raped" in one way or another, even down to the genetic level.

But I knew that the redemption at the end would be amazing. And it was.