Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Ace (2002), Edition: Reprint, 512 pages
Description
Facing conquest by the neighboring Gorhaut--ruled by a dour, crusading, misogynistic lord--the men and women of Arbonne find that their fates lie in the hands of a rough-hewn mercenary captain.
Media reviews
Guy Gavriel Kay n'est pas un auteur de fantasy comme les autres, Depuis la déjà fort remarquée Tapisserie de Fionavar, qui liait aux thèmes classiques de la High Fantasy une interprétation très personnelle du fameux triangle amoureux Arthur / Lancelot / Guenièvre, il s'est signalé par une
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tendance croissante à substituer aux poncifs du genre des préoccupations d'ordre historique, politique ou stratégique. Certes, la thématique du pouvoir joue toujours un rôle assez considérable dans les romans d'heroic fantasy, comme dans toute la littérature inspirée de l'héroïsme romantique du XIXème siècle. Mais ce romantisme, chez Guy Gavriel Kay, se teinte à la fois d'un intérêt pour l'Histoire et d'un cynisme résolument contemporains, post-modernes. Ainsi, d'un roman à l'autre, son oeuvre semble s'orienter vers une forme nouvelle d'heroic fantasy qui, tout en respectant la structure, les conventions littéraires et même l'ambiance générale du genre, se débarrasse peu à peu de sa naïveté foncière, de sa croyance en l'homme ou de son obsession pour la spiritualité. Une progression tout à fait intéressante dans un genre parfois quelque peu bégayant, où les auteurs se contentent (trop ?) souvent d'appliquer des schémas préconçus — tels que ceux conseillés par David Eddings dans son Codex de Riva. A ce titre, la Chanson d'Arbonne constitue certainement le roman le plus représentatif de Guy Gavriel Kay, puisque c'est là, après la Tapisserie de Fionavar et Tigane, que la transition est la plus manifeste. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member xicanti
I'm still a little unsure of how I felt about this book. Initially, I found it lacking in comparison to Lord of Emperors, my favourite work by Kay; however, once I was able to put aside my biases, I found that I enjoyed it on its own merits. The world is nicely drawn; I found it easy to slip into
And yet, I really felt that I wanted a bit more depth to it all. It seemed, at times, as though Kay was only skimming the surface. I wanted a few more telling moments, scenes that opened the story up and allowed the reader to really dive into what was going on underneath it all. I liked the characters, but I wanted more insight into them. I wished that certain revelations had been built up a bit more, with a few more clues planted early on. I can see some of the groundwork Kay laid, but I don't think it's as masterfully done here as in some of his other novels.
But despite all this, I found it quite satisfying overall and was sorry to see it end. I think this is one of those books that I'll enjoy much more the second time through, when I know what's coming and have some prior knowledge of the characters.
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and become involved with. The musical theme carries through very well. The characters are individual and relatable. There were moments when the book was a pure pleasure to read.And yet, I really felt that I wanted a bit more depth to it all. It seemed, at times, as though Kay was only skimming the surface. I wanted a few more telling moments, scenes that opened the story up and allowed the reader to really dive into what was going on underneath it all. I liked the characters, but I wanted more insight into them. I wished that certain revelations had been built up a bit more, with a few more clues planted early on. I can see some of the groundwork Kay laid, but I don't think it's as masterfully done here as in some of his other novels.
But despite all this, I found it quite satisfying overall and was sorry to see it end. I think this is one of those books that I'll enjoy much more the second time through, when I know what's coming and have some prior knowledge of the characters.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Oh wow, what a story, what a book.
I think this would be a book that would be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys historical fiction, not just people who enjoy fantasy (in ways it may appeal more to historical fiction fans). With a complex world, well thought out characters (could have done with a little
In a kingdom where courtly love is important the neighbouring kingdom have different ideals, ones that put women far below men. When a wife of a lord of that kingdom escapes to the other it starts a cascade of events that make people choose. And these choices will change the way of the world.
I think this would be a book that would be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys historical fiction, not just people who enjoy fantasy (in ways it may appeal more to historical fiction fans). With a complex world, well thought out characters (could have done with a little
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more difference in some of the names, minor quibble tho) and complex reasoning for going to way it's a book well worth the effort.In a kingdom where courtly love is important the neighbouring kingdom have different ideals, ones that put women far below men. When a wife of a lord of that kingdom escapes to the other it starts a cascade of events that make people choose. And these choices will change the way of the world.
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LibraryThing member heidilove
Pretty common fare, as we have come to expect from Kay, who solidifies the genre more than pushes it or explores new directions. A nice enough work, but not worth crossing the street for.
LibraryThing member bluerose
GGK is in my top 3 Fave authors, and this book is one of the reasons. I love all his other books that I have read to a certain extent and for different reasons, but this book has something special about it.
I adore this story (in fact writing this reminds me I havent read it in a while and should do
Summary:
Arbonne is the country in the sun, country of wine, women, courtly love and above all, music. But it is a country divided by hatred between its two strongest counts. Gorhaut, country to the north, is a country of war, and cold and snow, and cruelty and rigidity. The two are polar opposites, but the young king of Gorhaut wants the weak country to the south to expand into.
Blaise is a warrior son of Gorhaut, disenfranchised by a divisive battle that saw Gorhaut lose a great deal of land to another neighbour in battle. He comes to Arbonne to escape, and expects a country of softness and women.
Instead he finds friendship, culture, politics, men of integrity, and women of stature, and ultimately, his future.
I adore this story (in fact writing this reminds me I havent read it in a while and should do
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a reread), although oddly enough its pretty much the only book of his that doesn't make me cry at the end.Summary:
Arbonne is the country in the sun, country of wine, women, courtly love and above all, music. But it is a country divided by hatred between its two strongest counts. Gorhaut, country to the north, is a country of war, and cold and snow, and cruelty and rigidity. The two are polar opposites, but the young king of Gorhaut wants the weak country to the south to expand into.
Blaise is a warrior son of Gorhaut, disenfranchised by a divisive battle that saw Gorhaut lose a great deal of land to another neighbour in battle. He comes to Arbonne to escape, and expects a country of softness and women.
Instead he finds friendship, culture, politics, men of integrity, and women of stature, and ultimately, his future.
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LibraryThing member iftyzaidi
I'm a fairly big fan of Guy Gavriel Kay, particularly loving his Sarantine Mosaic duology. So its a bit of mystery why I left this lying around in my tbr pile for so long (well not such a big mystery - my tbr pile is more a mountain than a pile and things tend to get lost in there). The world Kay
The book is a stand-alone novel, something rare in the fantasy genre these days, and even more rare, still manages to create a rich and complex setting and plot. The characters are well drawn and their various loves, hates, rivalries and jealousies give the story a rich, almost burlesque texture. Its a satisfying tale, but i did knock off a half star from my rating because on occasion I found Kay's writing a little too precious, with the artifice too obvious when building up to a surprise revelation. I don't seem to recall having this issue with any of the other books by Kay that I've read (both those written before and those written after A Song for Arbonne - either I was too engrossed in the story before, or this one was written in a slightly different style. Overall though, this was an enjoyable read and reccomended to fans of Kay, and those who might be interested in the setting.
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conjures is rich and evocative, with the titular land of Arbonne being a slightly distorted version of Provencal France in the High Middle Ages. It is a land known for its trabadours and its Court of Love, wherein music and courtly manners are celebrated. To its northern neighbour, the rugged, cold land of Gorhaut, it is a land ruled by a weak woman and whose men have fallen to womanish ways. Its rich vineyards and olive orchards seem ripe for the conquering.The book is a stand-alone novel, something rare in the fantasy genre these days, and even more rare, still manages to create a rich and complex setting and plot. The characters are well drawn and their various loves, hates, rivalries and jealousies give the story a rich, almost burlesque texture. Its a satisfying tale, but i did knock off a half star from my rating because on occasion I found Kay's writing a little too precious, with the artifice too obvious when building up to a surprise revelation. I don't seem to recall having this issue with any of the other books by Kay that I've read (both those written before and those written after A Song for Arbonne - either I was too engrossed in the story before, or this one was written in a slightly different style. Overall though, this was an enjoyable read and reccomended to fans of Kay, and those who might be interested in the setting.
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LibraryThing member phoebesmum
An alternate history romance with fantasy elements, set in a highly idealised version of mediaeval France and utilising the elements of the tradition of Courtly Love. Kay’s writing is impeccable, but his characterisation tends to be broad and a little cold.
LibraryThing member ediedoll
If you are looking for a sweeping, epic tale and enjoy stories of intrigue and courtly love, this is the book for you. Kay's setting is Arbonne, an idealized country that echoes the myth and fantasy of the middle ages, and Gorhaut, a more accurate, barbarian country to it's north. There is an epic
I enjoyed this book, though I felt the fantasy world setting was not necessary - the world having two moons did little to add to the plot, when everything else about the world was so like our own. I also did find it a little predictable, but not in such a way that I wanted to put it down.
This is the only book I've read by Kay, and given his mastery of pacing and beautiful writing style, I will definitely pick up more of his books in the future.
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struggle for power as these two cultures clash, and much family drama, intrigue and romance takes place in this long, standalone yarn.I enjoyed this book, though I felt the fantasy world setting was not necessary - the world having two moons did little to add to the plot, when everything else about the world was so like our own. I also did find it a little predictable, but not in such a way that I wanted to put it down.
This is the only book I've read by Kay, and given his mastery of pacing and beautiful writing style, I will definitely pick up more of his books in the future.
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LibraryThing member laughingwoman6
Possibly my faavourite of all of GGK's books, although Tigana gives it a run for it's money. Beautifully written with wonderfull drawn character's. It is a stand-alone novel which is rare in the fantasy genre. I loved the cultural richness, the wealth of characters and the way GGK can break your
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heart (even a seemingly insignificant character's death hurts). Show Less
LibraryThing member jenreidreads
I wanted so much to like this book better than I did. I thought the characters were flat, there was hardly any plot, and what plot there was was very predictable. Perhaps I'll try another Kay novel since everyone seems to love him so much and I'm a big fantasy fan. We'll see.
LibraryThing member faganjc
Really good; solid story; interesting twists.
LibraryThing member briejulien
I first read Kay in high school and was hooked immediately. I was drawn to the emotional depth of his characters, as well as the themes of love, loss, obsession and redemption. Re-visiting Kay as an adult, I am now hooked by his political intrigue, cultural richness and mastery of pacing.
A Song for
Kay's characters are detailed and evocative. Even the death of minor characters is heart-breaking. As well, Kay gives us a stand-alone novel which is rare in this R.R. Martin age. Rest assured, there is a satisfying and final conclusion. All in all, this epic tale of intrigue, rivalry and jealousy is still as fresh and modern today as it was when I first read it as a teen. I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates being lost in a world not so dissimilar to ours. And Canadian too!
A Song for
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Arbonne followed his critically acclaimed series, The Fionavar Tapestry which was set in an alternate universe and was fantasy on an Epic scale. Arbonne branches away from much of the fantastical elements of Tapestry and focuses on more familiar historical fiction in the guise of alternate-Europe, particularly France, Italy and Russia. This has become Kay's forte, but he did it best here.Kay's characters are detailed and evocative. Even the death of minor characters is heart-breaking. As well, Kay gives us a stand-alone novel which is rare in this R.R. Martin age. Rest assured, there is a satisfying and final conclusion. All in all, this epic tale of intrigue, rivalry and jealousy is still as fresh and modern today as it was when I first read it as a teen. I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates being lost in a world not so dissimilar to ours. And Canadian too!
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LibraryThing member amaraduende
This was from my earlier fantasy days but has withstood a recent rereading and remains a favorite. The language is beautiful, the characters seem like archetypes from some myth your high school teacher forgot to assign. This is High Romance, with ballads and minstrels, courts and queens, unrequited
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love and heartbreaking loyalty. This is definitely one to curl up with (complete with hot cocoa and comforter, please) and enjoy on a rainy day. Show Less
LibraryThing member abatishko
This book contains a great story. Unfortunately for me (and the primary reason for the reduced rating) I had a real hard time keeping names straight. Even two thirds of the way through I'd hit a character that hadn't been mentioned in a while and I'd be confused as to exactly who that person was.
Fortunately I was able to push on, and was glad I did. Kay has a talent for good descriptive writing, and presents a plot that is interesting. The book does leave you wanting more; not because the story is left unfinished, but you want to see what happens next in peoples lives.
This is definitely a book about the relationships between people, but with a good amount of action, intrigue, and various twists thrown in. (3.5/5)
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This problem made the start of the book very difficult to get through.Fortunately I was able to push on, and was glad I did. Kay has a talent for good descriptive writing, and presents a plot that is interesting. The book does leave you wanting more; not because the story is left unfinished, but you want to see what happens next in peoples lives.
This is definitely a book about the relationships between people, but with a good amount of action, intrigue, and various twists thrown in. (3.5/5)
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LibraryThing member zjakkelien
This book is truly masterful. Beautifully written as only Guy Gavriel Kay can, A song for Arbonne tells the story of a conflict between Arbonne and its neighbor, Gorhaut. What I love is that although the conflict is the subject of the book, what it really is about is people. In a way, the conflict
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is exacerbated by the relations between several of the people. I'll admit that I found it easy to put this book away, but on the other hand, I kept returning to it. It has a great atmosphere and world, and my heart sank and soared with the characters. There may have been little magic in the story, the book itself and the writing brimmed with it. Show Less
LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
I like the world of the troubadours, and Guy Kay kept me there for a precious few days. this is an enjoyable, genial read.
LibraryThing member janerawoof
Kay's take on the Provençal culture of troubadour and courtly love of the Middle Ages. Very good book. Blaise the well-fleshed out mercenary hero from Gorhaut, a rival kingdom of Arbonne fights on the side of the Arbonnais a war with his own kingdom to get rid of the present cruel king and the
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brutality of Gorhaut, as opposed to the softness of Arbonne. I thought it odd all women were attracte d to Blaise; sure, he was a good, gentle man, but this was a bit over-the-top. Show Less
LibraryThing member briandarvell
I found the book to be ok but full of clichés and standard plot items without much new. The writing was of good quality and I liked the concept/idealism of the Arbonne province surrounded by others of such different and brutal laws. Yet overall I found the characters too simplistic and basically
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the same characters I've read in countless other novels. Was a bit disappointed in the novel and would unlikely read this again. Show Less
LibraryThing member ragwaine
I LOVE Guy Gavriel Kay's writing. [book:The Fionavar Tapestry|1148721] and [book:Tigana|104089] are some of my all-time favorite books. Books that I make friends read, even if I have to give them my copy. I did this one audio and I think that's what saved it from getting tossed away early. The
It felt like someone tipped this book at an angle and all the story flowed down into the last third of the book. The first two thirds were just boring, nothing really happened other than world and character building. Of course in the last third of the book, right around the time I was seriously thinking about giving up the pace picked up and by then I knew the characters intimately and really cared that something was (finally) happening to them.
Because his prose is so magically delicious (I just made that up), this should probably get 3 stars, but really if I would have been actually reading this I would have had to give up. I just don't read fast enough or have enough time to be bored.
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narrator was REALLY good.It felt like someone tipped this book at an angle and all the story flowed down into the last third of the book. The first two thirds were just boring, nothing really happened other than world and character building. Of course in the last third of the book, right around the time I was seriously thinking about giving up the pace picked up and by then I knew the characters intimately and really cared that something was (finally) happening to them.
Because his prose is so magically delicious (I just made that up), this should probably get 3 stars, but really if I would have been actually reading this I would have had to give up. I just don't read fast enough or have enough time to be bored.
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LibraryThing member Vinjii
Guy Gavriel Kay has the kind of prose that makes me want to bury myself and cry because I'll never be able to write like him. A Song for Arbonne has everything: romance, troubadours, intrigue, war, passion, revenge. It's an epic story.
Guy Gavriel Kay writes something I wouldn't call fantasy but
There were a few things I liked less about this book. The antagonists seem to be evil, just to be evil and I couldn't really find a motive. I find a villain who is a villain just so there's a villain a bit unsatisfying. And I wasn't happy with the resolution at the end, but maybe that was just me.
Definitely a must read for all GGK fans. If you haven't read any of his work yet, I suggest you start with The Lions of Al-Rassan. It made me sob into my pillow.
Guy Gavriel Kay writes something I wouldn't call fantasy but
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more alternative history. He takes a place (here it's the lovely Provence) then does his research and sets a story in an alternative version of it. Beautiful plot, great characters and a lot of heartbreak.There were a few things I liked less about this book. The antagonists seem to be evil, just to be evil and I couldn't really find a motive. I find a villain who is a villain just so there's a villain a bit unsatisfying. And I wasn't happy with the resolution at the end, but maybe that was just me.
Definitely a must read for all GGK fans. If you haven't read any of his work yet, I suggest you start with The Lions of Al-Rassan. It made me sob into my pillow.
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LibraryThing member JackMassa
Fabulous epic fantasy. Thematically interesting, with a multitude of engaging, deeply-imagined characters who grow and change and find their destinies in an intricately-woven, extremely satisfying plot.
I was also struck by how many of the Internet-dispersed "rules" for writing genre fiction that
The book is not totally flawless. The fight scenes are sometimes unconvincing, and the author manages a few times to remove actors from the scene with "precise blows to the head" that render them conveniently unconscious until the plot is ready for them again. Also, while most of the book is in standard past tense, some areas are unaccountably switched to present-tense. This particular rule-breaking was an annoyance, at least for me.
As in other of Kay's fantasy's I've read, there is almost no magic. What there is here is at least well-explained and vivid, albeit it plays an extremely minor part in the story. So if well-imagined magic and wonder are what you crave in fantasy, you might want to look elsewhere.
My edition of the book has a quote from Charles de Lint calling this "the ideal novel." While I do not totally agree, I'd say it is pretty darn close.
I was also struck by how many of the Internet-dispersed "rules" for writing genre fiction that
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Kay breaks with impunity and panache. Don't have too many viewpoint characters; don't change viewpoints in the same scene; avoid adverbs when tagging dialogue ("She said" is always better than "She said gravely." -- No it isn't!). Most remarkable is how almost every scene is embellished with endless flashback and character-illuminating backstory. There is doubtless a reason these "rules" are prescribed to novice writers, but in the hands of a master like Kay, breaking them results in a novel of grand scope, riveting detail, and heart-breaking depth.The book is not totally flawless. The fight scenes are sometimes unconvincing, and the author manages a few times to remove actors from the scene with "precise blows to the head" that render them conveniently unconscious until the plot is ready for them again. Also, while most of the book is in standard past tense, some areas are unaccountably switched to present-tense. This particular rule-breaking was an annoyance, at least for me.
As in other of Kay's fantasy's I've read, there is almost no magic. What there is here is at least well-explained and vivid, albeit it plays an extremely minor part in the story. So if well-imagined magic and wonder are what you crave in fantasy, you might want to look elsewhere.
My edition of the book has a quote from Charles de Lint calling this "the ideal novel." While I do not totally agree, I'd say it is pretty darn close.
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LibraryThing member Karlstar
I started this book with some reservations, as I'm more a fan of Kay's later works than his early novels. However, I'm happy to say I was dead wrong.
This novel, like many of Kay's later novels is set in one of his Earth-like kingdoms, in this case Arbonne is an analog of southern France. In sunny,
I found I did not want to put this book down. The characters are excellent and the world is interesting, though not fully developed.
There are a couple of questionable plot points in this book, but all in all, excellent.
This novel, like many of Kay's later novels is set in one of his Earth-like kingdoms, in this case Arbonne is an analog of southern France. In sunny,
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peaceful Arbonne, minstrels and the court of Love and the goddess rule. That does not mean all is happiness and light, as the story revolves around two Dukes of Arbonne who hate each other forever. Into that mix throw a covetous northern kingdom (Denmark?) and the plot is set for personal and political intrigue.I found I did not want to put this book down. The characters are excellent and the world is interesting, though not fully developed.
There are a couple of questionable plot points in this book, but all in all, excellent.
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LibraryThing member jillmwo
Excellent examination of the exercise of power in a variety of contexts (male-female, parent-child, government-individual). Kay always offers complex storytelling, unexpected plot twists and larger-than-life heroes. Set in a fantasy world similar to medieval Europe, A Song for Arbonne recounts the
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experience of a soldier, Blaise, whose destiny calls him to a complex world of political machinations. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
2.75 stars (round up to 3).
Two bordering regions are completely opposite. Arbonne is ruled by women and is full of songs, poetry and love. Garhaut is ruled by greedy, power-hungry men. Blaise from Garhaut wants to get away from his father (one of the most powerful men in Garhaut), so he travels to
I am not a fan of fantasy, and I found it took a really long time to get into the story. It was difficult to keep straight the characters and what was happening for the first quarter of the book or so. I found it got much better, though, after that. I was interested in what happened after that point. I think for someone really into fantasy, they'll enjoy the book. For others, if you can get past the opening of setting up the world and the characters, it's not bad. I kept my star rating as low as it is mostly because I found the setup so long and boring.
Two bordering regions are completely opposite. Arbonne is ruled by women and is full of songs, poetry and love. Garhaut is ruled by greedy, power-hungry men. Blaise from Garhaut wants to get away from his father (one of the most powerful men in Garhaut), so he travels to
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Arbonne. Some months after Blaise arrives and befriends people in Arbonne, events happen to start a war between the two regions.I am not a fan of fantasy, and I found it took a really long time to get into the story. It was difficult to keep straight the characters and what was happening for the first quarter of the book or so. I found it got much better, though, after that. I was interested in what happened after that point. I think for someone really into fantasy, they'll enjoy the book. For others, if you can get past the opening of setting up the world and the characters, it's not bad. I kept my star rating as low as it is mostly because I found the setup so long and boring.
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LibraryThing member threadnsong
Such beautiful, rich language! I re-read it over the past few weeks, and all of the questions I had reading it the first time through just fell into place. The tortured love of two people that changes the dynamics in a country, the twisting of religion into a reason for invasion, all are elements
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that Guy Gavriel Kay masterfully brings to the printed word. Show Less
LibraryThing member bsima
A little overly romantic for my taste but still a very well written and enjoyable novel.
Awards
Prix Aurora Award (Finalist — 1993)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1992-08
Physical description
512 p.; 5.34 inches
ISBN
0451458974 / 9780451458971