Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

Lud-in-the-Mist by Hope Mirrlees

The prosaic and law-abiding inhabitants of Lud-in-the-Mist, a city located at the confluence of the rivers Dapple and Dawl, in the fictional state of Dorimare, must contend with the influx of fairy fruit and the effect of the fantastic inhabitants of the bordering land of Faerie, whose presence and very existence they had sought to banish from their rational lives. When the denial proves futile, their mayor, the respectable Nathaniel Chanticleer, finds himself involved reluctantly with the conflict and obliged to change his conventional personal life and disregard the traditions of Lud-in-the-Mist to find a reconciliation.

My book club read this book last year and it was my favorite book club book of the entire year. Looking forward to discussing/hearing others opinions on it. It was a very long and engaged book club discussion!

I've just started it, and oh my, it is such a change from 'The Collector' and 'The Tunnel' -- last month's selections for horror.

I haven't got into it yet, but absurdly, it reminds me of a cross between Tolkien and Terry Pratchett!

Mbuye wrote: "I've just started it, and oh my, it is such a change from 'The Collector' and 'The Tunnel' -- last month's selections for horror.

I haven't got into it yet, but absurdly, it reminds me of a cross ..."

I haven't read anything on if it influenced Terry Pratchett at all, but Neil Gaiman has said it had a big influence on him and that he considers it one of the greatest fantasy novels of all time. When reading Lud-in-the-Mist I could def see where it particularly influenced his writing of Stardust.

I've just barely started but so far it reminds me of The King of Elfland's Daughter quite a bit.

Mbuye wrote: "I've just started it, and oh my, it is such a change from 'The Collector' and 'The Tunnel' -- last month's selections for horror.

I haven't got into it yet, but absurdly, it reminds me of a cross ..."

I hadn't planned to read this one, but couldn't resist the idea of a cross between Pratchett and Tolkien. Downloaded now, and I hope to start reading it this week.

Well this was a really fun read! The writing was beautiful and the story was really fairy tale like.
The ending was pretty strange and abrupt but that's also consistant with fairy tales.

A slight amendment to my earlier statement. Yes, the first few pages of Lud-in-the-Mist do remind me of a cross between Tolkien and Pratchett.

But that is only the superficial style of the first few pages, which really set the tone and the mood of what to expect.

Now that I have read the first few chapters, I find the novel is hardly a quick read. It grows increasingly complex, with layer after layer of allusion and symbol which add to the strange enchantment. It is not always easy to penetrate the meaning, but the style, the humour, the surface language keep me engrossed. So far, it satirises the parliamentary system, controlled economies, and – girls ‘ schools?! Whatever, it makes me hungry for more!

Yeah definitely. And prohibition too.
I also didn't read it as quick as expected but I enjoyed it the whole time. It still really reminds me more of Lord Dunsany, if you've rad him, and of classic fairt tales.

Yes, absolutely Lord Dunsany in the otherworld effect. She uses the framework of fairy tale fantasy to weave in a lot more.

Yes, one of my favorite things about the book was the layers and layers of satire and commentary on so many topics covered up by the fantastical/whimsical storytelling.

Parliamentary systems
Controlled trade
Prohibition
Fear of the unknown
Fear/demonizing of other peoples/places
Religious commentary
Misogyny
Art appreciation
Class systems

There's probably more.

And it's deceptively short! Where does she fit in everything?!

Can anybody tell me what a "herm" is?
Looking it up I think it's possibly a statue of Hermes?

The Miriam Webster Dictionary defines a Herm as 'a statue in the form of a square stone pillar surmounted by a bust or head especially of Hermes.'

So yes, you are right, a statue of Hermes it is.

Mbuye wrote: "The Miriam Webster Dictionary defines a Herm as 'a statue in the form of a square stone pillar surmounted by a bust or head especially of Hermes.'

So yes, you are right, a statue of Hermes it is."
Ah, thanks! I don't know why something like that would be in an orchard but okay.

The Greeks did have shrines in groves of trees and the open air. Maybe it had to do with their secret cults

Maybe because I'm not a huge fan of Fantasy, I just didn't get this I'm afraid. I found it very dreary, and it was a struggle to finish.

John wrote: "Maybe because I'm not a huge fan of Fantasy, I just didn't get this I'm afraid. I found it very dreary, and it was a struggle to finish."

I couldn't even finish it when I tried reading it a few years ago, and I've read a lot of fantasy over the years.
I find that my enjoyment of a book is really affected by the author's style.

I'm so glad I came across this book. I took my time reading it, and loved every sentence. Some of it was pretty hard going, because of the topical (and time-bound) allusions. But once you got the rhythm, it was a very rich, very rewarding read. The language was incredibly carelessly poetic and lyrical, the images equally evocative, and the pith and gist a fundamental, inescapable truth -- what are you scared of?

Really diverse opinions. I enjoyed it a lot.
I've started reading A Dreamer's Tales. Lord Dunsany was definitely a big influence on Hope Mirrlees.

Yes, the Dunsany influence was strong

I absolutely loved Hope Mirrlees' writing style, but I can see where it's def not for everyone and it betrays that she was first a poet rather than a novelist. I highlighted so many lines that I just loved for the way they were written, not necessarily what they were "saying."

Michelle wrote: "I absolutely loved Hope Mirrlees' writing style, but I can see where it's def not for everyone and it betrays that she was first a poet rather than a novelist. I highlighted so many lines that I ju..."

So many pictures in such colours -- yes, absolutely a poet.