Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Fictionwise Classic (2002), Kindle Edition
Description
While being a space-faring empire, Barrayar still harbors deep-rooted prejudices and superstitions, including those against "mutants." When a Dendarii hill-woman comes before Aral Vorkosigan seeking justice for the murder of her infant baby who has been killed because of her physical defects, the Barrayaran Lord sends his son Miles to a remote mountain village to discover the truth and carry out Imperial justice and at the same time attack these long-held barbaric beliefs.
User reviews
LibraryThing member aulsmith
One of my favorite Miles Vorkosigan stories. Miles is called upon to administer justice in a mountain province in his father's domain. The situation involves mutations and is fraught with difficulties for Miles. Of all the Vorkosigan stories, this one, for me, shows the most about how Barrayar
Show More
actually works as a society. Show Less
LibraryThing member RBeffa
I read the Hugo and Nebula winning "The Mountains of Mourning" following "The Warrior's Apprentice" and I am glad I did. This story, remarkable on its own merits, added a lot to the background culture of the planet Barrayar. I can see now how people would get hooked on this series of books and I
In the Mountains of Mourning, young Miles Vorkosigan is fresh out of the Academy on a short break before assignment. He finds a road-weary woman pleading at the gates of the estate and sends her to his father to hear her plea. Miles is then dispatched by his father the Count to solve a possible murder (infanticide) in a far district. The characters are really well defined and written, as is the whole story. This was very different from "The Warrior's Apprentice" which was almost too space opera for me, and I can't wait to read the next in the timeline, "The Vor Game".
Show More
look forward to reading additional stories in the Vorkosigan saga.In the Mountains of Mourning, young Miles Vorkosigan is fresh out of the Academy on a short break before assignment. He finds a road-weary woman pleading at the gates of the estate and sends her to his father to hear her plea. Miles is then dispatched by his father the Count to solve a possible murder (infanticide) in a far district. The characters are really well defined and written, as is the whole story. This was very different from "The Warrior's Apprentice" which was almost too space opera for me, and I can't wait to read the next in the timeline, "The Vor Game".
Show Less
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
Chronologically this novella is the fifth work in the Vorkosigan Saga, the second featuring Miles Vorkosigan, the character that made me fall in love with the series. I would think you should at least read the prior book, The Warrior's Apprentice to really appreciate what's going on in this book.
So when a backcountry woman is willing to press charges against the murderer of her infant daughter, Miles is sent to deal with the matter--as his physical deformities make him the best possible message and messenger in upholding the new laws against the custom of infanticide. But he finds it's not so simple--so this turns not only into a story that goes to the root of Miles' identity and growing responsibility, but aptly blends science fiction and mystery. This novella is also included in the Young Miles omnibus edition along with The Warrior's Apprentice and The Vor Game. Very much recommended as an entertaining read, and the stories this is sandwiched between are even stronger.
Show More
Miles is born a "Vor"--into an aristocratic family in a very traditional, military culture on the planet of Barrayar. That society had for a long time practiced infanticide--killing any child born in any way disabled. Due to an attack before he was born, Miles is short in stature and has various physical problems--particularly very brittle bones. His grandfather wanted him killed--in fact at a certain point tried to kill him. Miles had to fight hard for a measure of acceptance in his society and worked hard to earn the right to earn his commission in the military and someday will be the feudal lord over his father's domain. So when a backcountry woman is willing to press charges against the murderer of her infant daughter, Miles is sent to deal with the matter--as his physical deformities make him the best possible message and messenger in upholding the new laws against the custom of infanticide. But he finds it's not so simple--so this turns not only into a story that goes to the root of Miles' identity and growing responsibility, but aptly blends science fiction and mystery. This novella is also included in the Young Miles omnibus edition along with The Warrior's Apprentice and The Vor Game. Very much recommended as an entertaining read, and the stories this is sandwiched between are even stronger.
Show Less
LibraryThing member love2laf
Fantastic novella, arguing justice for the 'muties' in such a compelling way. I may wish for longer books, but this is exactly as it should be.
LibraryThing member satyridae
This novella blew me away. It put me in mind of Zenna Henderson, even. Bujold is subtle and tricksy and profound, meditating on what it means to change, what it means to be different, what it takes to see behind and through and beyond. Also there's a wonderful horse, and rapscallion clueless boys.
Show More
Not to mention one's duty to the dead. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member suzemo
This awesome little novella can be found in the Young Miles Omnibus between The Warrior's Apprentice and the Vor Game.
I like it a lot, because it explores some of the "old time" culture in the more backwater areas of Barrayar. It shows cultural attitudes and promise in a socioeconomically
I like it a lot, because it explores some of the "old time" culture in the more backwater areas of Barrayar. It shows cultural attitudes and promise in a socioeconomically
Show More
disenfranchised community on a fairly technologically advanced planet. This novella is not about action, it's about characters and attitudes. It's a fantastic vignette in the Vorkosigan universe by Bujold. Show Less
LibraryThing member page.fault
Miles Vorkosigan, crippled son of the Prime Minister and a new graduate from the academy, is looking forward to his first posting when he is derailed by a peasant woman who has come to his father's house to seek vengeance for her child's death. She claims that the father of her child murdered the
Ridiculously depressing. With Bothari gone, Bujold has the opportunity to move away from the theme of rape which has dominated the last three books. She replaces it with the cheery topic of infanticide. Lovely. On the plus side, we find out more about exactly how Barrayar ended up as it did. Miles also appears to be acting more like a responsible adult and less like a child on a sugar high--not sure how I feel about that.
I also think it's interesting that all of Miles' concern falls on impressing and living up to the expectations of his father--he totally discounts his mother, who of course has assassinated more Vor than any man currently alive in their society. But once she has her baby, the world moves on and only the man and the man's opinion is of any importance. I find that rather ironic, since Bujold herself is strongly feminist. To quote Bujold from the book's afterward,
It is a curious comment on our culture that this particular psychological profile, which to my observation appears in both genders, is never called "great man's daughter's syndrome." I wish that this were only an artifact off the power of alliteration.
As can be seen from this, as well as from her work, Bujold completely misses the fact that it is "great man's son" rather than great "great woman's son" syndrome--an oversight on her part that I find both amusing and disappointing. Apparently, in Bujold's world, women simply don't leave legacies that their children would find difficult to follow.
Why the whining on something that was only in the book's afterward? Well, I didn't find the message of the book itself to be complex or multilayered enough to be worth discussion--it's familiar to anyone who has been in that intolerant jungle colloquially referred to as "high school" and has been hazed, I didn't find the story particularly entertaining, and the "mystery" was laughably transparent. I think part of the problem, for me, was that this was a novella. All of the main characters, other than Miles, were new, and the brevity of the story meant that Bujold didn't get the opportunity to fully develop the characters. Overall, I think it follows more of what I consider the "traditional scifi format": a brief glimpse of another world and a set of characters whose major role is to send a very direct message to the reader.
Show More
baby because it showed signs of one of the mutations so hated and feared by Barrayarans: an (easily corrected) harelip. Miles' father sends Miles himself to investigate-- a highly political move, since Miles himself, so stunted and fragile, has suffered from transmutation at birth. But Miles soon discovers that he must not only convince the populace that infanticide of a "mutie" is wrong, but also find the true criminal in the case.Ridiculously depressing. With Bothari gone, Bujold has the opportunity to move away from the theme of rape which has dominated the last three books. She replaces it with the cheery topic of infanticide. Lovely. On the plus side, we find out more about exactly how Barrayar ended up as it did. Miles also appears to be acting more like a responsible adult and less like a child on a sugar high--not sure how I feel about that.
I also think it's interesting that all of Miles' concern falls on impressing and living up to the expectations of his father--he totally discounts his mother, who of course has assassinated more Vor than any man currently alive in their society. But once she has her baby, the world moves on and only the man and the man's opinion is of any importance. I find that rather ironic, since Bujold herself is strongly feminist. To quote Bujold from the book's afterward,
It is a curious comment on our culture that this particular psychological profile, which to my observation appears in both genders, is never called "great man's daughter's syndrome." I wish that this were only an artifact off the power of alliteration.
As can be seen from this, as well as from her work, Bujold completely misses the fact that it is "great man's son" rather than great "great woman's son" syndrome--an oversight on her part that I find both amusing and disappointing. Apparently, in Bujold's world, women simply don't leave legacies that their children would find difficult to follow.
Why the whining on something that was only in the book's afterward? Well, I didn't find the message of the book itself to be complex or multilayered enough to be worth discussion--it's familiar to anyone who has been in that intolerant jungle colloquially referred to as "high school" and has been hazed, I didn't find the story particularly entertaining, and the "mystery" was laughably transparent. I think part of the problem, for me, was that this was a novella. All of the main characters, other than Miles, were new, and the brevity of the story meant that Bujold didn't get the opportunity to fully develop the characters. Overall, I think it follows more of what I consider the "traditional scifi format": a brief glimpse of another world and a set of characters whose major role is to send a very direct message to the reader.
Show Less
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
If I hadn’t already fallen in love with Miles Vorkosigan in The Warrior’s Apprentice, then this novella, The Mountains of Mourning would certainly have sealed the deal. This small tale of sorrow and loss, has Miles travelling to a remote mountain village on his father’s estate to investigate
This was a quieter, more mature Miles than the jokester we met in the previous book. Considered a mutant himself, this was a case that became very personal to him. There could be no happy ending here, but Miles comes up with a resolution to this event that allows everyone to move forward and gives hope for the future and with the added advantge of giving us a glimpse of the resolute, compassionate man he will become.
Although technically this is a science fiction story, it’s universal appeal doesn’t limit who it’s audience should be. I think most anyone would appreciate this moral, reflective story of dealing with the intolerance of ignorance, no matter what planet it is played out upon.
Show More
the tragic murder of a deformed baby.This was a quieter, more mature Miles than the jokester we met in the previous book. Considered a mutant himself, this was a case that became very personal to him. There could be no happy ending here, but Miles comes up with a resolution to this event that allows everyone to move forward and gives hope for the future and with the added advantge of giving us a glimpse of the resolute, compassionate man he will become.
Although technically this is a science fiction story, it’s universal appeal doesn’t limit who it’s audience should be. I think most anyone would appreciate this moral, reflective story of dealing with the intolerance of ignorance, no matter what planet it is played out upon.
Show Less
LibraryThing member PaulDW
That was really good. I didn't want it to end.
LibraryThing member heaven_star
This is about the point where I admit I've been sucked into this series. I was reluctant to like the Vorkosigan world, I tried Shards of Honour and didn't like it. The whole thing seemed cheesy and under-developed, however, I was begged to try the Miles stuff before I gave up on it all entirely.
I'm
I really liked this installment, it gave Miles a bit more depth and personal motives than just having a chip on his shoulder and being an energetic and hindered genius. The content was pretty heavy and Ithink it really helped show the contrast between old and new Barrayaran cultural attitudes and what Miles is both up against and able to influence.
I didn't realise this was a big award winner until after I read it but I can see why, it's deceptively deep. Easy to read, short but packing a big punch in theme and deepening the world.
I'm
Show More
glad I didn't give up on it. I really liked this installment, it gave Miles a bit more depth and personal motives than just having a chip on his shoulder and being an energetic and hindered genius. The content was pretty heavy and Ithink it really helped show the contrast between old and new Barrayaran cultural attitudes and what Miles is both up against and able to influence.
I didn't realise this was a big award winner until after I read it but I can see why, it's deceptively deep. Easy to read, short but packing a big punch in theme and deepening the world.
Show Less
LibraryThing member heaven_star
This is about the point where I admit I've been sucked into this series. I was reluctant to like the Vorkosigan world, I tried Shards of Honour and didn't like it. The whole thing seemed cheesy and under-developed, however, I was begged to try the Miles stuff before I gave up on it all entirely.
I'm
I really liked this installment, it gave Miles a bit more depth and personal motives than just having a chip on his shoulder and being an energetic and hindered genius. The content was pretty heavy and Ithink it really helped show the contrast between old and new Barrayaran cultural attitudes and what Miles is both up against and able to influence.
I didn't realise this was a big award winner until after I read it but I can see why, it's deceptively deep. Easy to read, short but packing a big punch in theme and deepening the world.
I'm
Show More
glad I didn't give up on it. I really liked this installment, it gave Miles a bit more depth and personal motives than just having a chip on his shoulder and being an energetic and hindered genius. The content was pretty heavy and Ithink it really helped show the contrast between old and new Barrayaran cultural attitudes and what Miles is both up against and able to influence.
I didn't realise this was a big award winner until after I read it but I can see why, it's deceptively deep. Easy to read, short but packing a big punch in theme and deepening the world.
Show Less
LibraryThing member fuzzi
Miles is fresh out of academy, waiting to hear of his first assignment when a tearful woman begs entrance at Lord Vorkosigan's gate, crying for vengeance. Miles is assigned the task to investigate and judge the circumstances in his father's absence. A short read, but enjoyable.
LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
This novella deserves the awards it received.
Miles Vorkosigan, member of the upper echelon of his society, is sent to investigate a case of infanticide in one of the poorest villages under his family's governance.
Miles suffers from various birth defects - but his privileged status has protected him
Ironically, neither Miles not the murdered baby, who was born with a cleft palate, were actual 'mutants,' but that doesn't stop people from looking at Miles with disgust, or the majority of the village from dismissing or minimizing the crime committed.
A well-crafted tale, which explores the complexities of prejudice, the difficulties of navigating a changing society, and the nature of justice, all with sensitivity. At the same time, it's also an exciting and gripping murder-mystery.
Miles Vorkosigan, member of the upper echelon of his society, is sent to investigate a case of infanticide in one of the poorest villages under his family's governance.
Miles suffers from various birth defects - but his privileged status has protected him
Show More
from the worst of his society's vicious prejudice against 'mutants.'Ironically, neither Miles not the murdered baby, who was born with a cleft palate, were actual 'mutants,' but that doesn't stop people from looking at Miles with disgust, or the majority of the village from dismissing or minimizing the crime committed.
A well-crafted tale, which explores the complexities of prejudice, the difficulties of navigating a changing society, and the nature of justice, all with sensitivity. At the same time, it's also an exciting and gripping murder-mystery.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
An excellent story in this very good series as Miles learns that humanity is a large component of leadership.
LibraryThing member Phrim
The Mountains of Mourning, a short story in the Vorkosigan universe, tells the story of Miles acting as an arbiter of an infanticide in a backwoods village. The baby was ostensibly murdered because of a genetic defect, and the local village officials wanted to look the other way because that sort
Show More
of thing is a longstanding tradition, despite more recent laws against it. Miles, who has his own deformities, has the patience to listen to all parties and not just blame it on the obvious suspect, the conspicuously-absent husband. A mix between a whodunit and a social commentary about rapidly changing norms in a modernizing society, this story, while short, was poignant and enjoyable. Show Less
LibraryThing member leslie.98
2021 reread via audiobook, narrated by Grover Gardner
----------------------
3.5*
Read as part of the omnibus "Young Miles". A good look at the backcountry of Barrayar with Miles, newly graduated from the military academy, growing in his leadership role.
----------------------
3.5*
Read as part of the omnibus "Young Miles". A good look at the backcountry of Barrayar with Miles, newly graduated from the military academy, growing in his leadership role.
Awards
Hugo Award (Nominee — Novella — 1990)
Nebula Award (Nominee — Novella — 1989)
Language
Original publication date
1989-05