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A review by divadiane
The Dancers of Arun by Elizabeth A. Lynn
3.0
I have incredibly mixed feelings about this book. There are many aspects that I really enjoyed: It was a fast read and I enjoyed Lynn's style of writing.
There is one point that kind of ruined the whole thing for me. I get that Lynn was making a point that people in this world, at least among the people of Elath, were free to love whomever they pleased without judgement. Homosexuality, bisexuality and polyamory were handled as they should be; as something normal and not worth other commentary. I agree with the sentiment, but I think she took it too far to include incestuous relationships. I think the book would've been so much better without that aspect and would've been just as clear on that point.
So, basically, this is a book written in the 70's, complete with that 70's subversive attitude toward sexuality, which in this case simply went too far. At least for me. That is the main reason for my 3 stars rather than 4.
Spoiler
I liked the development of Kerris' feelings of self-consciousness to a sort of self acceptance through the acceptance and support of the chearas. How Sefer helped him through the trauma he suffered as a baby seemed also very true. The "witch" town of Elath seemed to be an incredible place of acceptance and love and honor for his talent (as a scribe) . I loved the school of "witchcraft" and the variety of "gifts" that were explored there. I would've loved to learn more about the other gifts, especially patterning and healing.There is one point that kind of ruined the whole thing for me. I get that Lynn was making a point that people in this world, at least among the people of Elath, were free to love whomever they pleased without judgement. Homosexuality, bisexuality and polyamory were handled as they should be; as something normal and not worth other commentary. I agree with the sentiment, but I think she took it too far to include incestuous relationships. I think the book would've been so much better without that aspect and would've been just as clear on that point.
So, basically, this is a book written in the 70's, complete with that 70's subversive attitude toward sexuality, which in this case simply went too far. At least for me. That is the main reason for my 3 stars rather than 4.