fell4's reviews
2506 reviews

Idgaf about Miles, I was here for Captain Naismith in Shards of Honor and Barrayar. 

When they used "it" pronouns to refer to a hermaphrodite and the main character was "only mildly discomforted," I decided this book was not for me. No matter how the author TRIES to be progressive for their time.

I was on the edge of my seat! I don't know why I feel like this book is so progressive in so many ways, and yet falls short in so many others. Why is she so not into politics, when her entire existence is political? She is such a powerful force if she was just supported. She could have become a diplomat between the two planets! Or at least give me good reasonings why she doesn't want to do that, because it seems like such a logical next step, and yet it is never taken. Yet how can I say she doesn't do enough when the second half of this book exists? And yet all she ever does is take his head. She says this is all she gets respect for, yet she doesn't do anything else to fight for a better Barrayar. 

I don't know why I liked this book so much - something about the complexity of the characters - they're so real, in their mistakes and beliefs. And the view of women is so interesting - that they are strong and should be more valued - and also that the view of motherhood as a job. But there are some older tendances in this feminism that harkens from the pre-2000s that I can't pinpoint right now since I'm listening to the audiobook. There is something soothing about it though. 

Really great for beginners and those who already know a little bit. It's so nice to have it all handy in one little place! Feels like a notebook almost. I don't agree with EVERYthing, but it's super useful information.

This is horrible.