The Classic Science Fiction/Fantasy Review
Welcome to the classic science fiction/fantasy review. This week I’m going to be reviewing a short story from one of my favorite authors – Stephen R. Donaldson. Best known for his work in the 70′s, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever (say that five times fast), Mr. Donaldson also has written two volumes of short stories. The first volume came out in 1984 entitled Daughter of Regals & Other Tales.
By far the best story in the volume (in my opinion, anyway) is Ser Visal’s Tale. As a short story goes, it’s pretty long – about 50 pages, but worth every moment. Donaldson has a gift with language that makes you feel as if you found a world where words have enhanced powers to paint pictures in your mind. Check out the opening of his short story:
The prospect of a tale from Ser Visal drew us as a flame draws moths, thouugh only the most timid goodwoman – or the most rigorous Templeman – would claim that there was any danger in stories. And we were young, the sons of men of station throughout the region. Naturally, we scoffed at danger.
Wonderful! In the space of two sentences we find ourselves under Mr. Donaldson’s spell, taken to a world where we will indeed discover the danger that lies in stories as Ser Visal unfolds his tale of religious power, witchcraft, and courage. And always, always, Donaldson’s words are there, taking us ever deeper into his world. Read aloud the following passage and hear how the words fall on the ear. Donaldson’s word selection shows rare skill.
When the inns reopened between nones and vesper, we gathered, as eager as boys, in the public room of the Hound and Whip and opened our purses to provide Ser Visal with the lubrication his tongue required. The keeper of the Hound and Whip had the particular virtue of being as deaf as iron; he responded only to the vibrations he felt when we stamped out boots upon the boards and he served us whatever wines God or inattention advised.
Wow! Notice how Donaldson sets the tone and the setting in just a few words. Here are some of my favorite phrases that are unique to Donaldson’s voice:
…opened our purses to provide Ser Visal with the lubrication his tongue required
…had the particular virtue of being as deaf as iron
…he served us whatever wines God or inattention advised (this is my favorite!)
At the risk of including spoilers, I’m going to stop here. If you, like me, find yourself captivated by Dondaldson’s skill, by all means check out Daughter of Regals. The book is available in both hardcover and paperback from Amazon. If you need more than one reading to appreciate an author’s skill, then buy the hardcover. It’s definitely worth the investment. Be prepared, however, to have a dictionary handy. Mr Donaldson does not write on an 8th grade level. You’ll find yourself becoming acquainted with words you may never have come across before. Read Mr. Donaldson’s writing enough and you may even find your own prose becoming more robust.
If you enjoy his short stories, then check out his longer works. My suggestion is to start at the beginning with The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.
Next Week: I review “The Belgariad”
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It’s been years since I read Donaldson. Thanks for bringing him back to my mind. I’ll have to check out the volume of stories you mentioned from the library.