All posts by skyebjenner

The Keeping Place by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

The Keeping Place

Title: The Keeping Place
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 1999
5th sentence, 74th page: Ceirwan went to take her by the hands.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

‘Look out,’ I screamed. The flying creature lashed out and I stared in horror at Rushton’s bloodied arm. Maruman leapt between us in his tyger form. ‘Let me go to him!’ I screamed.

‘He is in a dream but the beast is not. It comes! Wake!’

After a kidnapping, Elspeth Gordie and the Misfits are forced to join the rebellion against the oppressive Council, using their extraordinary mind powers. But Elspeth must also seek out clues left by the long-dead seer, Kasanda, vital to her quest to destroy the Beforetime weaponmachines. One clue is lost in the past, forcing Elspeth to travel the Dreamtrails, stalked by a terrifying winged beast, with the cat, Maruman, as her guide and guardian. Only there can she learn more of the Beforetimer Misfits and their enemy, Govamen.

Gradually, Elspeth realises her quest is intimately linked to the Misfits’ refuge, Obernewtyn – its past and its future…

Thoughts

The Keeping Place is so far one of my favourite books in the Obernewtyn Chronicles. It takes the fast pace and the storyline from the first three books, but combines it with a rebellion and the blooming of love. Elspeth’s journey takes further steps towards their final end as she uncovers another clue in her ultimate quest. This, combined with war, betrayal and kidnapping just made this book a huge page turner for me.

I love that in The Keeping Place, Misfits finally start to find their place in the world. With the rise of the rebellion and their decision to pursue peace, inspired by their trip in Ashling, they not only find a way to fit into the world. But a way to fruitfully exist within it. When I first read this as an awkward teen, it made me feel like I too could find a place to belong. And not only that, I could find a way to belong in a world that can be especially cruel without being cruel in return. It’s a lesson that I have taken to heart, and tried my best to maintain. I get to belong in the world, and I spend every day trying to do so in a way that has peace and love at the heart of all of my actions.

The other reason that I love this book is that you are finally able to begin to uncover some of Dragon’s past. Her inability to remember a traumatic history really resonated with me. Being unable to remember the bad parts to the point that it begins to leak into reality is something that resonates throughout many people’s lives. But, I think that’s it’s something we all must do – deal with our past and learn to move on from it. Without doing so, it is incredibly difficult to fully embrace life, at least for me.

<- Ashling Review The Stone Key Review ->
mage source: Wikipedia

Ashling by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Ashling

Title: Ashling
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 1995
5th sentence, 74th page: Dragon froze, blue eyes livid with fear.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Sometimes dreams were gateways through which messages might come. Beasts called them ashlings: dreams that called…

The powerful farseeker Elspeth Gordie is sent to Sutrium, seat of the totalitarian Council that rules the Land, to seal an alliance between the secret Misfit community at Obernewtyn and rebel forces.

She travels from the mountains reluctantly, for at any moment the long-awaited summons may come from the oldOnes to find and destroy the dormant weaponmachines left by the Beforetimers. The journey takes her far beyond the borders of the Land, across the sea and into the heart of the mysterious desert region of Sador. Here she discovers that she will need help to destroy the weaponmachines.

But before her dark quest can begin, Elspeth must learn the truth of her dreams: she must understand why the Beforetimers destroyed their world…

Thoughts

I thought that Ashling was the book where The Obernewtyn Chronicles really found their pace. Elspeth’s quest begins to gain traction, alongside the Misfits journey to acceptance. The parallel tales of the two missions begin to really make sense and it is easy to understand how Elspeth’s fate is intertwined with the fate of all of Obernewtyn (and indeed, the world).

Not only did the storyline become a lot more complex and intricate, and very quickly, the cast was expanded in the first few chapters. But that’s great, because it gave me so many more people to love and hope for. It did take a lot more concentration to read though than the first two books in the series. I wouldn’t recommend reading Ashling if you are studying for an exam or trying to write an essay – it’s just WAY too difficult to keep track of everything and be productive in your own life. At least for me, anyway.

I loved the change of scenery in this book – it honestly took my breath away. Or at least, the way I imagined it made me wistful for a country and world that I have never had the pleasure of seeing. Carmody’s words and descriptions were just so stunning and masterfully written that the Sadorian desert became a very realistic destination. Which, after all, is really what you want in a good book. Or at least, it’s one of the things that I really enjoy.

There’s so much to love about this book, but for me, the best part was how Carmody used the Misfits and the Rebels to highlight two very different realities. The peaceful Misfits are about life, love and peace, but the Rebels on the otherhand were far more violent and, for me, much harder to connect with. The juxtaposition between the two groups really reminded me of the fact that “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

<- The Farseekers Review The Keeping Place Review ->
Image source: Penguins Books

The Farseekers by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

The Farseekers

Title: The Farseekers
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: Then he gaped, seeing the robed man.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

I sensed a ripple in the fabric of the cat’s unconscious mind. i knew I was inside his dreams. I went deeper still. I whispered his name…

Since their takeover of Obernewtyn, the secret community of Misfits has flourished, protected by their remoteness. Believing they have time to marshal new forces before the inevitable confrontation with the totalitarian Council, they work hard to develop their forbidden mental abilities. But in the midst of plans to rescue a powerful Misfit in a distant part of the Land, it is foreseen by a futureteller that the fate of Obernewtyn is inextricably bound up in their quest.

Led by Elspeth Gordie, whose extraordinary powers set her apart even among her Misfit friends, the expedition sets out. Only she knows the enormity of their task. but for her there is yet another challenge as she must fulfil her vow to find and dismantle the dormant deathweapons left by the Beforetimers.

Thoughts

I didn’t know that there was a second Obernewtyn book until I stumbled on it a few years after reading the first. I had always felt like Obernewtyn was well finished. So, The Farseekers did feel a little like an after-thought sequel. But, that didn’t detract from its brilliance and value in any way, shape or form. This book built on a world that I had really and thoroughly enjoyed in Obernewtyn, and further immersed and sucked me in to a new, dystopian reality.

Not only did Carmody build on a pre-loved world, she also played with ideas of destiny and fate. I love the idea that there is something in this world that we are meant to do, meant to accomplish. Although, I don’t like the idea that we are not able to affect our own future – who wants to live a life where you are no more able to change your course than a leaf blowing on the wind? But placing a protagonist like Elspeth as the receiver of such an important and key fate was brilliant. Yes, she has this incredible fate, but she chooses to fight for things in the moment. The future is the future and Elspeth pursues that which is happening right now. The crossover between being master of her own reality, and a pawn in the great scheme of things was really nicely done and very much appreciated.

Carmody’s creation of the different guilds within the misfit community was very well done. Her use of a combination of entirely made up, and modern words made sure that I knew what each guild did from their first mention. It was just yet another reminder of Carmody’s ability to mix our modern reality with a future one. But, the part that I enjoy the most is that it has elements of the past – or at least the past how I imagine it. The burning of seditioners, the over-arching power of one religious faction and a group of elite in power are all entirely plausible aspects of a not-so-pleasant future, but they are also aspects of our own pasts.

The Farseekers was a great story all on its own, but it was an even better bridge and introduction to the challenges that would be faced throughout the rest of the Obernewtyn Chronicles.

<- Obernewtyn Review Ashling Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia

Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Obernewtyn

Title: Obernewtyn
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: I supposed these must serve the favoured Misfits, outside helpers and guardians, not to mention the Doctor and Madam Vega.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

In my dream I was somewhere cold and darkly quiet. I could hear water dripping and I was afraid, though I did not know why. In the distance there was a bright flash of light. A high-pitched whining noise filled the air like a scream, but no one could scream for so long without stopping to breathe.

In a world struggling back from the brink of apocalypse, life is harsh. But for Elspeth Gordie, born with enhanced mental abilities that would see her sterilised or burned if discovered, it is also dangerous. There is only survival by secrecy, and so she determines never to use her forbidden powers. But it is as if they have their own imperative, and their use inevitably brings her to the attention of the totalitarian Council that rules the land.

Sent to the remote mountain institution of Obernewtyn where escape is impossible, she must throw off her safe cloak of concealment and pit herself against those who would resurrect the terrible forces of the apocalypse.

Only then will she learn most truly who and what she is…

Thoughts

I first read this book when I was twelve years old – and I’m rereading the series (since the final book was released late last year!) and I’ve honestly loved it ever since. Not only are the characters beautiful and relatable, the prose masterfully written and the settings so vivid that I can see them every time I close my eyes, the journey of young adolescent in fear for her life to young woman in control and strong is such a fantastic coming of age story.

One of the things that first struck me about this series was the realism of the post-apocalyptic setting. Carmody artfully created a world that was so similar to our own that we couldn’t help but feel connected, but was so different, that you could understand how our actions of today could have disastrous affects for generations to come. This book (and the subsequent books) are probably the most literarily powerful reminder to me that our actions will have lasting impacts. And that we have to take care of our planet if we want our children’s children’s children to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives.

This book was such a nice, and gentle introduction into what I thought was an overarching theme throughout the story – people’s greed and general suckiness can seriously degrade and destroy all of our futures. It was also just generally sweet and open. Elspeth is, again, one of my favourite characters in literature. Her strength and innocence shine through the pages and even though this innocence is eventually destroyed, her ability to hope for a brighter future is just inspiring. As is the fact that a literal Misfit can find a place to call home – something that I think we all want to find.

<- The Dark Road Review The Farseekers Review ->
Image source: Penguin Books

Grave Secrets by Kathy Reichs

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Overview

Grave Secrets

Title: Grave Secrets
Author: Kathy Reichs
Series: Temperance Brennan #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Anthropology, Science, Crime, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Arrow Books
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: He pushed a blue pin into the map.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

In the searing heat of Guatemala, Dr Temperance Brennan must harden herself against the horrors she excavates.

And then four young girls go missing from Guatemala City.

When a skeleton is found at the back of a rundown hotel, only someone with Tempe’s expertise can deduce the identity and cause of death.

But as she searches for answers, her path is blocked at every turn. It is clear that some people will stop at nothing to keep Guatemala’s secrets buried.

Thoughts

Every time I think that I have a handle on the legal system outlined in the Temperance Brennan books, Reichs seems to throw a spanner in the works. I finally get my head around the system de Montreal, then we move to America, then we investigate a plane crash, and finally we move onto the jurisdictional system of Guatemala. It’s always great when you learn while reading!

Discovering more about a third-world, corrupt government and its jurisdictional system was incredibly fascinating (and also made me grateful to live in Australia). Reichs’ adeptness at describing the criminal workings of different countries is a great way to further the storyline – but it is also an awesome reminder of this woman’s intelligence and work in the field of forensics. Actually, it was Kathy Reichs’ work that first interested me in Anthropology and Forensics…using Guatemala as a backdrop in the fifth book is an amazing contrast with the preceding four books. So, not only did I learn something new, I was also transported into a world that is totally foreign to me.

Most good stories have a romantic subplot, even though I like to scoff at them, sexual and emotional tension between characters really helps to progress the storyline. It also helps to pull you in. The Temperance Brennan series is no different, there is constant tension between Tempe and Detective Andy Ryan throughout the stories and every time you think that something is about to happen, something prevents it (can you say frustrating?). This makes the introduction of Sergeant-detective Bartolome “Bat” Galiano a welcome one. More steaming sexual tension and I lapped it all up. Reintroducing Andy Ryan into the storyline helps to build this tension, and at the end, finally, finally, Tempe makes her decision. But, as a masterful writer, Kathy Reichs doesn’t let you know who it is. You have to read the next book in the series first. And even then, it takes a while to discover just who Brennan chose.

<- Fatal VoyageBare Bones ->

Image source: My Bookshop

Exile’s Valor by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Exile's Valor

Title: Exile’s Valor
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Exile #2, Valdemar #21
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The very novelty of the frozen river would bring skaters – the skaters would draw vendors of food and drink, and those would attract musicians, skate sharpeners, skate vendors, and probably more merchants than that.

Synopsis

QUEEN OF HEARTS

Alberich was a Herald of Valdemar, but once he had been a captain in the army of Karse. It hadn’t been easy for Alberich to transfer his loyalties, nor had it been easy for the court of Valdemar to accept a Karsite Herald. But Alberich had more than proved himself during the Tedrel War when he had almost single-handedly turned the tide of battle, winning honor and respect from the troops, and victory for Valdemar.

Valdemar had suffered terrible casualties during this bloody conflict. Worst of all, they had lost their king, a tragedy which forced his teenage daughter Selenay, weakened by sorrow and still in mourning, to ascend the throne prematurely. But the Valdemaran Council saw Selenay’s ascension as an opportunity to wrest power from the crown by marrying the young queen to a man of their choosing – a puppet who could seize control of the throne and do the Council’s bidding.

But though Selenay was young and inexperienced, she wasn’t stupid or malleable. She had absolutely no intention of marrying anyone she did not personally choose, nor would she allow her consort to take control of her kingdom.

Herald Alberich, now the Collegium’s Weaponsmaster, and Selenay’s personal protector, was well aware of the devious plans of the Council. But could Alberich protect his vulnerable queen from the conspiracies to steal her throne that were brewing among the aristocratic classes of Valdemar and its allied kingdoms?

Thoughts

Where Exile’s Honor dealt with coming to terms with a changed reality, Exile’s Valor shows us how it is possible to take strength from this adversity and embrace it. This is a story of coming to terms with oneself and using this to create a better future – not just for yourself, but for others. This story reminded me of the fact that even though change tends to rock me to my core and leaves me feeling unshakey and unsure at the best of times, it has always been a great agent for obtaining a better future. No matter whether the change is good or bad, desired or not, it can be used to make your future better… at least, that’s the way that I choose to see it.

Not only did Exile’s Valor expand on Alberich’s tale, it also helped me to understand Selenay’s. She seems so strong and put-together throughout The Heralds of Valdemar series, that I really struggled to understand how she could fall prey to a self-centred, not-so-good man and marry him. It just seemed so incredibly out of character. But, the retelling of this tale through Exile’s Valor and from the Alberich’s experiences finally helped me to place it into context. It went from being an inconceivable notion to completely understandable and justified. A fact that I very much appreciated.

Whilst this story seems to be primarily about settling into a new life and making it your own – it also bought home the realities of war and fighting. They weren’t glorified or toted as a desirable aspect of life, rather, it was a necessary evil. The creation of a new type of war game really highlighted this – Alberich is almost sad to be training his young charges in the weaponry. He knows that the seriousness of defending oneself will leave a mark on their souls and that it is not just a simple, carefree matter. I loved this take. I don’t think that such a sensitive and difficult area should ever be taken lightly, and Lackey certainly doesn’t glorify it.

<- Exile’s HonorTake a Thief ->

Image source: Pinterest

Exile’s Honor by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Exile's Honor

Title: Exile’s Honor
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Exile #1, Valdemar #20
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Even the smell was the same: clean sweat, leather, leather oil, a hint of sawdust.

Synopsis

TRAINING THE ENEMY

Alberich has spent most of his youth in the Karsite military schools training to be an officer. As the son of an impoverished mother, he had had no other career choice open to him. And Alberich had risen in the ranks with almost unnatural speed. He developed expertise with many weapons and excelled in academic subjects with an ease that was the envy of his classmates. But in fact, the reclusive Alberich studies long and hard, pushing himself ruthlessly.

In battle, Alberich had always had a sort of “sixth sense” about things which were about to happen – when and from where the enemy would attack. Instinctively, he hid his ability, for the Sunpriests kept careful watch for anyone exhibiting the “demon powers” which were the hallmark of Karse’s greatest enemy – the witch-nation of Valdemar. Those they caught were “cleansed” in the fires of Vkandis Sunlord.

Both Alberich’s skill and secret served him well in the army of Karse, and when Alberich became one of Karse’s youngest captains, he received a special gift – a powerful white stallion “liberated from the enemy.” But this honor was merely a distraction, for the Sunpriests had laid a trap which even Alberich’s strange foresight could not predict…

Saved from burning as a witch when his odd white stallion braved the flames and carried him over the border into Valdemar, he was healed by the same enemies he had been taught to hate his entire life. Though he knew he could never again return to his home, Alberich also knew he could never truly become a Valdemaran. How could Alberich remain true to his own people and still retain his honor while helping to train the direst enemy of Karse?

Thoughts

I’ve read a lot of fantasy books that have a tough arms master to train the main character in self-defence. Regardless of the period of history or the weaponry used, they all seem to have the same things in common – they are tough, strict, unsmiling and incredibly efficient at killing, fighting and making sure their charges survive. So it was a real pleasure to read a tale that helped me to understand how a man could become an arms master.

I really enjoyed discovering how a Karsite could become the weapons trainer for Valdemar, they’re enemy states after all. Alberich’s journey explained just this phenomenon. But it went deeper than that, it helped to show me why there was a war being fought between these two literary countries. Even though it is fantasy, it highlighted the reason behind wars being fought both today and in times past.

It was incredibly interesting and insightful to view two sides of the same argument (or war). It reminded me of something that my Mum always told me growing up; it takes two to tango, or there’s two sides to every story. Even though Lackey helps us to side with Valdemar (after all, this is the home of all of her main characters), she also helped me to feel sympathy for the soldiers on the other side – forced or tricked or manipulated into fighting a war.

It’s always hard to embrace change, but Alberich is forced to do so, and very quickly within the occurrences of Exile’s Honor. Instead of being a simple transition from the ‘bad’ side to the ‘good’, it was a journey of emotional and spiritual turmoil that was prevalent throughout the entire book. I loved that Lackey didn’t try to simplify such an act that would certainly tear a man in two.

I loved the complexity of this book and that Lackey chose to investigate the grey areas of such potent discussions.

<- Stolen SilverExile’s Valor ->

Image source: Goodreads

Filming the Diving Boobies

Book Review, , ,

Originally published by ReefWatch SA on 6 June 2016.

 


http://www.arkive.org/brown-booby/sula-leucogaster/image-G58180.html

It seems like every week there is a new way that technology is helping us to understand the world around us. From flying drones to genetic testing, advances in technology are allowing us to see the world in a new light and new ways. This month, the wonders of technology have helped us to better understand Boobies, predatory seabirds who feed on squid and fish.

A group of researchers from around the world, led by The University of Sydney used GPS loggers, tiny cameras and nutritional information to see how climate change has affected their hunting abilities. Warming temperatures and ocean acidification are changing the migratory patterns and ranges of fish, squid and marine invertebrates across the world. This means that predators such as the Masked Booby need to change their own patterns of movement.

Predators often balance the need for energy with the energy expended when hunting. Think of cheetahs that all of a sudden stop chasing a gazelle. They may be able to catch their prey, but if the energy they use to do it is higher than the energy they will gain from the food, then this becomes pointless. The same principles apply to all predators. Masked Boobies catch their prey (mostly fish), by diving on top of the hapless fish. Travelling across the ocean from their breeding sites requires a lot of energy (after all, flying can’t be easy), so it is a very intricate balance between energy used and energy gained.

With the movements of fish, the research team found that Masked Boobies are currently travelling an average of 50 km from their breeding sites to hunt. The research team used a combination of camera data and nutritional information to judge how this energy exchange occurs and also to better understand what species of fish these Boobies tended to consume. This is going to be very useful information with the future predictions of climate change – the more we understand, the easier it will be to protect these beautiful creatures against future climatic issues.

Original research:
Machovsky-Capuska et al. (2016) Coupling bio-logging with nutritional geometry to reveal novel insights into the foraging behaviour of a plunge-diving marine predator. New Zealand Journal of Freshwater and Marine Research. DOI: 10.1080/00288330.2016.1152981

Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Industrial Magic

Title: Industrial Magic
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: I’d just finished finding my fourth stray cat when a distant voice hailed us.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

‘The blade pressed into my throat, and blood trickled down my neck. In that moment, it seemed that even to breathe might be fatal…’

Paige Winterbourne is in exile. Ousted as leader of the American Coven, she decides to turn her back on her old life and start afresh. But fate, of course, has other plans.
A murderer is on the loose – someone with apparently superhuman skills and a grudge against the supernatural community. When Paige discovers that the killer is targetting children, she has to get involved.

Desperate to protect those she loves, Paige is thrown back into a world she thought she had left behind for good. But if she wants to stop an apparently unstoppable psychopath, she will have to find allies in some very dark places…

Thoughts

So far this has been my least favourite of the Women of the Otherworld books, but I still absolutely adore it! After Dime Store Magic, it was really nice to find out what Paige, Lucas and Savannah are doing with their somewhat changed lives. That, and finding out more about Lucas’ family and the difficulties of his life was fascinating – although it took a little while for the storyline to really build up steam.

Finding the potential culprit of the killings in the first half of the book seemed really bizarre to me at the time – the whole main point of the story is that someone is killing supernaturals. And needs to be stopped. And is found in the first half… ?? But, eventually it begins to make sense – a red herring that really does help to further along the storyline. Not only does the potential culprit lead to stronger ties within the characters’ relationships, but also to greater explanations of their new positions in life. Dime Store Magic led to upheavals in the lifestyles and very fabric of being in Paige’s life. This also had rippling effects to Adam’s life. I loved revisiting him, and all in all, although confusing, I found that just the reappearance of Adam in the story made the slightly odd red herring well worth it.

I loved how Armstrong likened the sorcerer Cabals to the mafia, not only literally throughout the storyline, but also in its very conception and creation. The idea of a paranormal gang running half of America and the supernatural community was really fascinating to me – mob and gang mentality has always interested to me, so combine this with a world of fantasy and I’m just hooked. The contrast between a rigid, utilitarian, money-making corporation with the prodigal son, Lucas, someone who works for a cause (and almost never money) really highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of each group.

The need of Lucas’ father to connect with him (beyond the running of the Cabal) emphasised the relationships between parent and child. This idea was explored a little in Dime Store Magic when Paige and Savannah are forced to deal with the loss and grief of a beloved mother, but the need to connect to an estranged parent is a major driver in the storyline and both characters’ lives. I love how Armstrong highlights the love between family – it isn’t easy, and it is almost never simple (even in amicable cases), but it is important.

<- Dime Store MagicWedding Bell Hell ->

Image source: Pinterest

Be A Lady

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Be A LadyOriginally published by OnDit Issue 84.6 on Monday 30 May 2016.

I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I’ve been told ‘that’s not very ladylike’. And okay, sometimes it’s because I’ve burped epically loudly, or my maxi-skirt has been tucked into my underwear for whatever reason (a very attractive look, I can assure you). But I’ve never really understood exactly what people mean by be a lady. It is just so very, very confusing.

Alright, I know that part of being a lady is to fit into so many of the gender stereotypes that are flaunted and forced upon us – man and woman alike you know – as women, we’re supposed to love rom-coms, never pass wind or swear, and to always, always look like we have spent hours on our look. I honestly don’t know many females who are like this, do you? And regardless of how much of these stereotypes we do manage to accomplish, it’s still almost guaranteed that someone is going to tell you that you need to be a lady. So my question is, what makes a lady? Or, in more general terms, how are we supposed to be “proper” women?

If you ask some of the people that I have grown up with, a woman is someone who looks good, but not slutty (a term which I by the way hate with a firey, firey passion – a rant for another day perhaps…). As a good female, they think that you should also accept any and all behaviour from “your man” and “the menfolk”. Whether this is letting them talk the way they want in public or have boy time whenever and wherever they want. A little archaic at times – and if my boyfriend doesn’t control me, who am I to control his every action? Respect people. Respect. But I digress…

Female FormsThere is a flip side to this kind of attitude – the same boys who expect you to act like this also feel that women are a thing to be treasured. They are protected, shouldn’t be sworn in front of and just generally treated like a princess. And hey, who doesn’t love that? I know that I don’t mind it when I get spoilt and have chocolate bought home for me…

If I listened to the advice on Ladette to Lady, then these very English and very proper ladies would tell me that a lady NEVER swears. She does not raise her voice. A lady never speaks unless spoken to, and she most definitely has impeccable manners. According to this (in my mind) very entertaining and silly show; ladies are to practice their eloquence in the hopes of marrying rich. The end. Now, being a university magazine, I’m going to go out on a limb then and say that this definition is not quite adequate. So what else is there?

A few years ago I read ‘The Politics of Piety’ which delved into the world of Islamic women in Egypt. The ideas of womanhood and feminism is so far removed from my experiences (and even those of the author) that I honestly can’t fathom acting in this way. Wearing a hijab and operating in a patriarchal society in just the right way was a fascinating life to read about, but definitely not something that would fit my experience of ‘womanhood’.

Women.pngSo, what does being a lady mean?

Well, I identify as a lady. A woman. A female. And although every group, culture and subset of people have different ideas on this, I think that it’s our decision to ‘be a lady’. And that is what makes us one. Being a lady is fun – in all it’s guises. So embrace it. Be a lady. Basically just be your wonderful, feminine self. Unless you’re a man. Then you should probably stick to being a man (if that’s what you want…).

Image source: Mery
Image source: Beauties Factory
Image source: Beauties Factory