The Dark is Rising (and other reading bits)

[silverflight8]

I recently re-read the Dark is Rising and was struck by the thought that the most compelling relationship is honestly the one between Merriman and Hawkins. They were so close! They trusted each other so much! Tragedy ;___; And I think when I first read the books I hadn't thought really how long Hawkins lived as the Walker--six hundred years of wandering, knowing he can't die or have peace until whichever of the last Old One comes to get the sign. I can understand his rejection of Merriman's plea.

The other thing that stuck out was morning of Will's birthday, when he wakes up and sees last night's snowfall--but it hasn't fallen on roofs and fields, but instead on a vast forest of trees, with branches reaching right up to his window.

I didn't talk about them, but I also read A Room With A View (ghghgh Cecil), Quantum Thief (good! less game theory than I thought it would have, should probably write about it in a post) somewhat recently. I'm now reading simultaneously several nonfiction books, including a good one on Czech history (from Přemyslids up, not just 20th century), and How Green Was My Valley and Over Sea, Under Stone. How Green Was My Valley is possibly one of the most beautiful titles I've ever encountered.

Comments

[spiralsheep]

I haven't dared re-read Susan Cooper since I was a kid because I'm scared the stories won't be as good as I remember.

ETA: That's very true about How Green Was My Valley being a beautiful phrase.

[silverflight8]

Aww, I can get that. There are some books which I'm afraid to re-read too.

It is a perfect encapsulation of a certain memory/nostalgia. I love how the colour green can be both positive (green growing things, etc) and bad (jealousy etc).

It also reminds me of Orla Fallon's cover of My Land, which has the line:

When to your green valleys
Some day I return
When you lay your mantle around me
At rest I will be where the heart will not yearn

[spiralsheep]

I love how the colour green can be both positive (green growing things, etc) and bad (jealousy etc)

Yes, also "green" as in "young" to highlight the memory/nostalgia.

I see, as I linger the land of my birth,
I am welcomed in the language I cherish.
I will receive there hospitality and love, when I reach it,
That I'd trade not for tons of gold.

[silverflight8]

Yes, that too! Greenhorn.

I feel like the "tons" part sticks out a bit, but otherwise it is very lovely :)