WHAT a family. Good God. Dorothy Dunnett is really quite the master of genetic complication. What is it that Philippa says in The Ringed Castle ... "I didn't know another permutation in breeding was possible."? Oh Philippa. With Dorothy Dunnett it is always possible.This is without question the best historical fiction I've ever read. Perhaps the narrative is less tight here in the final book than in some of the others, but that's a trifling quibble only. The twist alone makes me want to reread the entire series right now. Which I could not because obviously I had to reread Lymond, in familial context, considering the family tree-revealing payoff at the end. I can't believe I didn't notice the lack of surname. And what a perfect title. I could go on and on about all the twinning.Onto the requisite comparison between Niccolo and Lymond. Lymond's position in my heart is sacrosanct, but I find Niccolo more impressive as a literary achievement considering the sheer vastness, extraordinary detail, and the deftness with which she places him into so many real historical settings with real historical figures. I mean, just look at the character lists. Niccolo's series-long journey - the building of his "house," the gaining of the high ground - somehow feels more substantial than Lymond's. But the Lymond plots are not hampered by a silly crutch like Nicholas' divining, which I never considered more than just a weak, cliched device. However, the supporting characters - both allies and enemies - in Niccolo are much more fully realized and interesting (but then we have two more books to get to know them). There is one clear exception, of course. Philippa Somerville has got to be one of my favorite fictional characters of all time - her character development through the 6 Lymond Chronicles is enormously well-done. Gelis and Katelinje only combine to approach what is best in her, though I think that is part of the point - Nicholas' arc directs him toward many different forms of love, and Lymond's toward one great all-consuming, "Mon chois est fait, aultre ne se fera" love in Philippa.
This book finishes the eight volume House of Niccolo series. Dunnett wraps up all the threads and conflicts beautifully, often in surprising ways. Rather than get into the plot, though, I'm going to talk about some of my favorite characters.Nicholas de Fleury: Dunnett's main character is utterly fascinating, thoroughly lifelike, and disarmingly likable. Even when I didn't like what he was doing or how he was behaving, I was still riveted to his story. It is the mysteries of his past and the resolution of his internal conflicts that drive the series.Gelis van Borselen: I admired her terribly for her strength, intelligence, her courage, and her daring. Even when I didn't like what she was doing, either. She is both the perfect partner for Nicholas and a compelling individual in her own right. One of the things I liked best about Gemini was finally seeing her and Nicholas working together as the formidable team it was always clear they could be.Anselm Adorne: One of the most honorable and competent people in Nicholas' world, Anselm is one of the pillars of both Nicholas' life and the series as a whole. The relationship between Anselm and Nicholas goes through many changes, but it is always one of respect. Adorne is a truly good and great man, and I think Nicholas learns a great deal from him.Katelijne Sersanders: Adorne's intelligent, clever, energetic niece is another of Nicholas' best and truest friends. She is one of the few people who really understand him. She reminded me a lot of my friend Becky in a way - if this series were a LARP event, Katelijne is the person she would play.Jordan St. Pol: He's more or less the villain of the piece, but Jordan is a great character. His motivations are complex and often hidden, he's clever and subtle, he's often cruel and ruthless, but his appearances are some of the best scenes in the series.
What do You think about Gemini (2001)?
‘A confused King and two rudderless Princes, adrift in a world which they hardly seemed to realise was splitting apart.’The eighth and final instalment of the House of Niccolo series opens in Scotland in 1477. After four years, Nicholas de Fleury, former banker, traveller and merchant has returned to the land he almost ruined during his private war with his secret enemies and his wife Gelis. His friends hope that he has come to make amends for the past while his enemies simply want him dead.The history, the intrigue and the politics during the reign of King James III provides a colourful and intricate setting for Nicholas de Fleury to uncover the truth about the past. Scotland’s own internal political instability is compounded by events in Burgundy, England and France adding layers of complexity to the story. While fact and fiction can be easily distinguished, if you try, the world of ‘Gemini’ is dominated by Nicholas de Fleury as the story moves inexorably towards its conclusion.This is the second time I’ve read this book since it was published in 2000. Like so many other fans of the series, I eagerly awaited this instalment and then devoured it in days. Like others, I have mixed feelings about the ending: after seven books we each have our own preferences for the eighth instalment. If you enjoy historical fiction set in 15th century Europe and you are not familiar with this series, be warned. It is complex and at times convoluted and confusing. The characters have lives of their own, and the story can become both addictive and infuriating. But above all, it can bring great pleasure while bringing aspects of the 15th century to life and introducing one of the most engaging heroes ever to spring from the pen onto the page. Enter the world of Nicholas de Fleury – but whatever you do, start at the beginning.‘Looking backwards makes for poor steering.’Jennifer Cameron-Smith
—Jennifer (JC-S)
This "last of the series" book was especially satisfying, as the author wraps up a number of intrigues and linkages hinted at through all the long tale.Dunnett is amazing for learning, understanding, and relating the social fabric of various regions hundreds of years ago. (Of course, I have no idea whether she is accurate, but the critics give her kudos as well). And in the end, one gathers she is a romantic at heart, as the values of family (by blood or affection), loyalty, and integrity stand out in retrospective musing as what comprises lives well lived.
—Tim
Having visited Bruges in June, I set myself to re-read the entire House of Niccolo series from beginning to end. They're long books, and there are eight volumes, so it took me six weeks to read them. I was so swept along by the power and scope of the series that I didn't want it to end. It takes us from Bruges all through the trading world of the 15th century - the Black Sea and Trebizond, last outpost of the Byzantine empire, Caffa, Poland, Muscovy, Iceland, Egypt, Africa and the glories and dangers of Timbuktu, Cyprus, Rhodes, Italy, France, Germany and Austria and of course Scotland. Fabulous stuff - like a huge and absorbing tapestry written in prose dense with allusion. I recommend the two Dorothy Dunnett Companion volumes that go with this series and the Game of Kings series - which I plan to re-read next year.
—Jenny
