a question : <Nine Princes in Amber>

[Giovanna Clairval]

Some consider the Amber cycle pulp literature, and I couldn't desagree more, and say that Lord of Light is the best novel by RZ but, while I love the story, I've never been able to recall the synopsis. Beautiful, yes, but not so clear when it comes to the plot, isn't it?

[Ian Whates]

Originally Posted by Giovanna Clairval

Some consider the Amber cycle pulp literature, and I couldn't desagree more, and say that Lord of Light is the best novel by RZ but, while I love the story, I've never been able to recall the synopsis. Beautiful, yes, but not so clear when it comes to the plot, isn't it?

Strange. I read Lord of Light many years ago (25...30?), yet I have no trouble remembering its inventive and wonderfully conceived plot whatsoever.

I love the Amber Cycle, especially the original five books, but at the same time would have to say that LoL remains my favourite single Zelazny, and is one of my favourite all-time reads.

[flygin]

I finished last night! I agree with you about the original five books. I liked the Merlin series, but I didn't think it really flowed from the original.

Funny, I'm having trouble remembering the synopsis of Lord of Light, too, and I just read it this summer.

[Giovanna Clairval]

Originally Posted by flygin

Funny, I'm having trouble remembering the synopsis of Lord of Light, too, and I just read it this summer.

I read it twice...

My daughter read it, too, and said: "I loved it, but it's a bit confusing."

Of course, she loved RZ's voice, and the usual "big" theme of personal growth...

Well, I remember the premises (the idea/where the book starts), and the ending, but I can't remember the succession of events.
I've read a synopsis not long ago, and... sorry...

Maybe the darped thing is jinxed, although I can assure you that it didn't dissolve into thick air as soon as I finished it.
No. The book is still sitting sagely on its shelf.
When I look at it, I say to myself that I should read it again.

[easygoingman]

Originally Posted by Giovanna Clairval

I read it twice...

My daughter read it, too, and said: "I loved it, but it's a bit confusing."

Of course, she loved RZ's voice, and the usual "big" theme of personal growth...

Well, I remember the premises (the idea/where the book starts), and the ending, but I can't remember the succession of events.
I've read a synopsis not long ago, and... sorry...

Maybe the darped thing is jinxed, although I can assure you that it didn't dissolve into thick air as soon as I finished it.
No. The book is still sitting sagely on its shelf.
When I look at it, I say to myself that I should read it again.

nice to know I'm not alone in not remembering Lord Of Light with 100% clarity. It's certainly a book I will try reading again though.
Currently Chronicles of Amber is addictive, it's so thoroughly readable I feel like a kid who can't stop eating sweets, just one more, just one more, only I can't stop turning the pages. Great writing!

[Giovanna Clairval]

I read the first 5 at least ten times in three languages.

Each time, I discover something.

[easygoingman]

Originally Posted by Giovanna Clairval

I read the first 5 at least ten times in three languages.

Each time, I discover something.

WOW that's dedication, it's certainly a 9.9/10 series of books so far, I didn't read it this weekend as I so wanted to have something excellent to look forward to reading this week. I'm limited to reading books only in English

[Giovanna Clairval]

You know, sometimes reading a translation is like reading another book altogether.

The best Zelazny translation I've ever read was a French one, Isle of the Dead, by Dorémieux. The translation even won a prize in France. Dorémieux was a real writer (although, strangely enough, he didn't author any book).

I have recently re-read the beginning of Isle in French. No, I won't say that it's almost better than the original. No, I can't... not here... but...

[ghost8772]

I liked both cycles of Amber, though Merlin was a lot more gullible than Corwin was. something about centuries of experience difference though. also it seemed like the second cycle was more sweetness and light than the original cycle. I did read the first Betancourt novel, I agree with the author who said it was pale imitation, betting it was publishing company that wanted amber revisited.