Kate Davenport
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Just finished the Assassins of Thasalon. Thank you! It made me wonder. Pen and Des are remarkably compatible, and in Prisoner of Limnos we saw that Pen can control Des at need, even over her objections. But there must be times that they are at odds. How do you think they handle the fact that they just can't get away from each other?
Lois McMaster Bujold
That would be an interesting question to explore in some story sometime. Did they/will they ever suffer the equivalent of the 7-year-itch? It's more likely to be a problem for Pen than Des, due to her deep experience and long view. It really is a till-death-do-us-part issue. If Pen got difficult, Des would likely be the one to compromise and comport -- for now -- because she'd know she can wait it out.
There's also the interesting point that the longer they are together, the more they will leak into each other. This is obvious on Des's side, as she takes up Pen's imprint, subtler on Pen's side. Losing her by this point, for Pen, would be like being blinded and having several limbs amputated. Rather worse than having your car break down, suddenly turning from a magic carpet into an awkward 2000-pound outdoor sculpture.
But yes, some internal arguments could get pretty amusing.
Ta, L.
That would be an interesting question to explore in some story sometime. Did they/will they ever suffer the equivalent of the 7-year-itch? It's more likely to be a problem for Pen than Des, due to her deep experience and long view. It really is a till-death-do-us-part issue. If Pen got difficult, Des would likely be the one to compromise and comport -- for now -- because she'd know she can wait it out.
There's also the interesting point that the longer they are together, the more they will leak into each other. This is obvious on Des's side, as she takes up Pen's imprint, subtler on Pen's side. Losing her by this point, for Pen, would be like being blinded and having several limbs amputated. Rather worse than having your car break down, suddenly turning from a magic carpet into an awkward 2000-pound outdoor sculpture.
But yes, some internal arguments could get pretty amusing.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Ariana
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi, there! I’ve read everything you’ve written that I remotely know of! I’m grateful for the enormous body of work you’ve created and the themes you discuss. Thank you so much. I’m excited to dive into The Physicians is Vilnoc and I’m wondering: are there plans for it to come out as an audiobook? I do most of my reading with my ears, these days. Please forgive me if this question has already been addressed.
Chris Phoenix
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
A PG-rated version of Sharing Knife would be readable by any kid who could handle (for example) Wings of Fire. I'm reading large excerpts to my kid already (and Knife Children unedited). She especially likes the malice-kill scenes. Would you consider producing such a thing? I'd buy it, and I suspect I'm far from the only parent who would.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more