Reading the Chunksters discussion

In this latest section we finished part II of the novel and get a small glimpse at part III which takes place 6 years later.

Did you like the story told in the second part? How about the way it was narrated?

Part II finished, at least to my mind, in the same way as part I: with Gert noticing that it was Q who thwarted his plans and killed all of his friends, among them Eloi. We still don't know who the mysterious Qoelet is, even though we know he had been in Munster and was a close associate of Rothmann. We know a bit more about him : In 1535 in the letter written on 30th of June he says that he is 36 years old, so was born in 1499, and is similar in age to Gert. He also claims himself " responsible for the division created in the city", since he introduced the idea of polygamy to Rothmann which in turn made the city hostile to the Prophet, Jan von Leyden.

To me, the subsequent death of Jan von Leyden was a surprise, since I thought he died 3 years later. It turns out that there were three Jans Gert served with, the third being Jan von Batenburg, leader of the brigands who called themselves The Sword Bearers. Apparently he was the mad Jan tortured and killed by the Inquisition in 1538.

So far, the protagonist has been played the roles of many different men : Gustav Metzger, Lucas Niemanson, Lienhard Jost, Gerrit Boekbinder (better known as Gert from the Well), Lot. Do you like any of them better than the others and why?

Personally, I think the idealistic youth we met in the very beginning of the story was the most likeable one.

Also, how did you like the description of Anton Fugger's banking company and the way Gert (now Lot) managed to cheat and steal the money from the bank?

I JUST said in my part 4 comments that I thought we had a lot of Munster left...well, that ended quickly! There actually were years of Munster and the aftermath left, but we only get a few summary paragraphs about that. Boo!

Going from there, I find the story in Part 2 a bit of a let down, as I did the end of part 1. The narrator spends much time telling the details of events leading up to the Big One, then just ends the narrative early and briefly sums up The Big One. I guess I want more of the action, especially if we get so much of the nitty gritty politics.

I also like the description of the banking company and the way they are going to steal money from the bank. This was my favorite of the narrator's schemes so far because it is the only one that has a prayer of making a real impact. Also a bit of a letdown for me as well, though, as we hear the plans for the heist, then skip ahead to what happened afterwards. Its almost like the writers are writing the wrong parts of the book for me. I'd rather have seen this as a the narrator turned into a merchant for a few chapters, then the reader comes to realize he was cheating the banks and not really a merchant. This seems rather unexciting as it was written.

As per Quelet's identity, we do know from his last letter that he is a Fugger. That is something! It can explain his close ties to the church, as well, from what we've learned of the bank.

Yes, there were 3 Jans that Gert served with. I actually only kept this straight because I was so confused at their introduction that I googled them. I am learning something though! :-)

I still don't feel much for any character the narrator plays. He's just sort of there for me. Even as a youth, I dont remember him seeming too passionate to me. I like to feel the fire of my narrator! Not just have it explained to me.

How are you enjoying the book so far now that we are over half way? Its not what I expected! Not bad, but also nothing very special for me. I am getting a historical aspect I never would have otherwise, but much of what I am learning comes from outside googling and not the actual book. I don't know if thats a semi-point for the book for making me learn it or just an overall failure. I am curious to see where this goes, though!

Kaycie wrote: "I JUST said in my part 4 comments that I thought we had a lot of Munster left...well, that ended quickly! There actually were years of Munster and the aftermath left, but we only get a few summary ..."

I agree Kaycie , I felt sorry that the Munster part ended so quickly and that we didn't get a detailed description of the following years. I'm also with you on the endings of both parts being a let down. I seem to like the beginnings, they look very interesting, in the middle they drag a bit, and in the end I'm disappointed. I think I was also craving more action here.

Just as you, I don't think this book is special, only so-so, a bit weird. And I like historical fiction.