All Souls Trilogy Re-read discussion

At last, we move toward the heart of the story. The lines dividing Diana and Matthew and those who oppose them are drawn, and we are learning what's at stake if Ashmole 782 falls into the wrong hands.

At this point in the novel, why do you think creatures follow the rulings of the Congregation? And what might Deb be saying about the concentration of power in the hands of a few?

Julie wrote: "At last, we move toward the heart of the story. The lines dividing Diana and Matthew and those who oppose them are drawn, and we are learning what's at stake if Ashmole 782 falls into the wrong han..."

I get the sense that many creatures are not "following" the rulings of the Congregation. Instead, they are following deeply ingrained cultural teachings without appreciating the origin of those teachings. Nurturing a culture that feeds these divisions is probably the most powerful strategy the Congregation could have implemented over generations. It is a much more effective method of keeping order than constantly reminding people that they are in charge. Deb is probably warning about the dangers of so few people having so much power, but I also think she is making a statement about self-reflection and critical thinking. We should all think about why we do the things we do, and the impact those actions have on others.

Lisa, I think you have hit the nail on the head. People consistently do things out of habit instead of thinking about the reasons why.

And, of course, everyone is afraid of change even when it is so obviously necessary.

Yes, it takes a lot of courage to stand up to the status quo. Many of the creatures were quietly doing their own thing and wanted change, but the threat of death made them too afraid to openly question the Congregation. Agatha begged D to remember about the other creatures as they solved the mystery of the book. Fortunately, Diana has bravery in spades. I think because she grew up unaware of the "rules" of being a creature, it helped give her a different perspective. She was able to clearly see the injustice of it and was willing to act on it to protect her family.

Lisa wrote: "Yes, it takes a lot of courage to stand up to the status quo. Many of the creatures were quietly doing their own thing and wanted change, but the threat of death made them too afraid to openly ques..."

I think that's what makes Diana a heroine for the ages. She inspires others--both within and outside of the book--to question the status quo. Even Matthew--who has lived long enough to know that the dictates of the Congregation are arbitrary--feels hesitant when he starts to develop feelings for Diana. "She's a witch, he reminded himself as he watched her sleep. She's not for you."

I admit in my second reading of ADOW, I finally looked up the word "Dieu." I didn't know what it meant! My first read through of the books, I was too eager to find out what happened to stop and look things up. Now I am writing words and concepts down as I read to look up so I can learn more. I know I will be doing a lot of that in the second book because it is so rich with history and historical concepts. Dieu!!

I love the piece where Matthew nearly admits his love for Diana and it's nothing to do with the manuscript.

Linda wrote: "I admit in my second reading of ADOW, I finally looked up the word "Dieu." I didn't know what it meant! My first read through of the books, I was too eager to find out what happened to stop and loo..."

I agree, Linda. The first time it's fun to just be swept along by the story. Reading it again allows us to unearth the incredible riches that Deb embedded inside!

Reading about the rules against inter-marrying was extra-stressful to me because I am in an interracial relationship (for 7 years now- I'm 26) and my dad is strongly against it. Anyone else have this experience?

I think another reason the creatures obey the Congregation, is a very human ethnocentrism. Each group believes itself separate, distinct and sometimes superior to the others. The rules of the Congregation reinforce the separateness and the creatures don't fight it because it suits their conception of the "natural" order of things. This sounds like any of the tribal conflicts that are still occurring between neighboring human groups.

So we know that Marcus is Matthew's son, and--like most newly created vampires--he went on a tear until he learned to control himself. How did you feel about learning that Matthew went to New Orleans and "by the end of the first fortnight, Marcus's new family was considerably and mysteriously, smaller"? Did it change anyone's opinion about Matthew?

Jacquelyn wrote: "Reading about the rules against inter-marrying was extra-stressful to me because I am in an interracial relationship (for 7 years now- I'm 26) and my dad is strongly against it. Anyone else have th..."

I'm sorry to hear that, Jacquelyn. Your father should be moved by the fact that you've been together for such a long period. Seven years is a testament to the strength of your bond. Some marriages don't last that long. I think Deb's novels show how easy it is to believe in and perpetuate an artificial hierarchy, but also how true love can eventually overcome.

Diana and Matthew's sojourn at Sept-Tours is my favorite part of the novel. Much as I love their early encounters at Oxford, it's exciting to see their relationship unfold, to meet Ysabeau, to learn more about Matthew's past--and to watch Diana as she begins to explore the extent of her own powers. What was your favorite moment of their visit?

Julie wrote: "So we know that Marcus is Matthew's son, and--like most newly created vampires--he went on a tear until he learned to control himself. How did you feel about learning that Matthew went to New Orlea..."

This got me thinking. I'm wondering since there are so many wolf to vampire comparisons being made in the books about how vampires behave, if Matthew being the leader of his "pack," he decides who can stay in it and who leaves. Marcus was bringing in people Matthew obviously didn't approve of. Another example of wolf analogy was Diana selecting Matthew first as a "mate" and then he accepts, as he explains to her that is how wolves mate. Very interesting question. When Matthew culled the New Orleans family, I felt there was more to this to do with vampire behavior. Pretty intense.

Julie wrote: "Diana and Matthew's sojourn at Sept-Tours is my favorite part of the novel. Much as I love their early encounters at Oxford, it's exciting to see their relationship unfold, to meet Ysabeau, to lear..."

I love the part in chapter 24 where Ysabeau talks about the origin of names. Again, a small moment I noticed while re-reading. Ysabeau says that Rebecca means "captivated or bound." When we later learn that Rebecca spellbound Diana, we realize it is "an interesting name for a witch," indeed!

Julie wrote: "Diana and Matthew's sojourn at Sept-Tours is my favorite part of the novel. Much as I love their early encounters at Oxford, it's exciting to see their relationship unfold, to meet Ysabeau, to lear..."

This is my favorite part of the book as well (and love when they go back in SON!). It's hard to pick just one scene in their visit, but for me, it's when they're on their first ride together and Diana encourages Rakasa to "fly" using her mind, with closed eyes and barely holding on. It's so visual, but also gives a clear picture of how Diana unconsciously taps into her magic.

I was also terrified of Ysabeau. I wondered if living at Sept-Tours would put Diana in danger. Little did I think that it would be another witch who would pose the biggest threat!

Julie wrote: "So we know that Marcus is Matthew's son, and--like most newly created vampires--he went on a tear until he learned to control himself. How did you feel about learning that Matthew went to New Orlea..."

That part did not change my opinion of him much, but when we meet Baldwin in Chapter 30, I felt that I was getting to see another side of Matthew -- a less perfect and skilled Matthew. Up until that point, he was described as looking "immaculate" and acted in the role of the protector. In chapter 30 when Baldwin came to aid in Diana's search, I saw a chink in Matthew's armor. Who better than your siblings or family to know what skeletons are in your closet, know some of your secrets? The dialogue with Baldwin exposed another layer of Matthew -- one that had flaws. I liked Matthew and the story even more because of it.

During her stay at Sept-Tours, Diana is looking for a piece of paper when she locates a secret cache in Matthew's desk and finds out about the Knights of Lazarus. Matthew isn't angry, but does the fact that he searched her apartment looking for Ashmole 782 justify her intrusion? Do the unusual circumstances of their relationship make traditional boundaries irrelevant?

That is a good question, Julie.

After Matthew violated her privacy when he searched her apartment looking for Ashmole 782, I don't feel that he had a right to be angry. So, I'm glad that he wasn't (or it may have swayed my opinion of him). But, that being said, I don't think it justified Diana's snooping in the secret cache, either.

I've reconciled this invasion of privacy by equating it with "willing suspension of disbelief." It does seem that the unusual circumstances in the story create flexibility for certain behaviors.

The torture that Diana endures at the hands of Satu and the rescue and healing at the hands of the De Clermonts is one of my favourite moments while at Sept-tours.

I know that sounds morbid, but it really shows Diana's strength and how much her new family cares for her.

The allusions to PTSD and experiencing trauma are so well written and subtle enough that you need to be aware of the symptoms to look out for throughout the rest of the trilogy.

Her questioning whether she was hallucinating from pain or using visions of he parents as a coping mechanism is also interesting - all the extra ghosts in and above the oubliuette actually suggests that another witch power manifested at that time.

Louise wrote: "The torture that Diana endures at the hands of Satu and the rescue and healing at the hands of the De Clermonts is one of my favourite moments while at Sept-tours.

I know that sounds morbid, but i..."

Thank you for pointing this out, Louise. I am not familiar with the signs of PTSD, so you've really added a new dimension for me. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has learned a lot through re-reading as a group.