The setting and time period of a book is very important to the story. If a book is set in a different place or time, it needs to be authentic. There needs to be research and knowledge and history behind every word.In Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer, history is a major factor. It takes place during the early 1800s, in Napoleon's reign, which is hinted at through many of the earlier books and expanded upon more later on.
Because of the Napoleonic Wars, Jacky and her gang face their share of war-talk, and as it's set in the 1800s, the women are much more prim and proper than Jacky grew up experiencing on the streets.
There's a scene in particular, when Jacky is dancing, that is viewed as scandelous because her bare ankles showed. Her ankles. If that's not a demonstration as to how different society was, then you haven't been shopping recently.
Women weren't considered equals then, but Jacky paid no mind to that. She danced, ate, slept, swam, and talked like a man would - which is interesting enough when she's sent to a girl's boarding school.
The society and setting is very important to this series, but it's done in a subtle way. You're pulled into this world and time period slowly - until you're fully and completely engrossed in it. It's done masterfully.
What are some other books that rely heavily on setting?
Great post!
ReplyDeleteSetting really is almost always important in a story. If not for the authenticity of the time period, like you just described, it can be important just for the tone or mood of the story.
Being able to correctly describe a creepy old Southern mansion and making it seem real can be just as important to its story as correctly showcasing the correct herbs that healers used in the Middle Ages or the importance of women's virtue in Regency England.
So true. That ankle detail really got to me, too, but then Jacky flouts decorum again by running about the ship in her undergarments! Gotta love our Jacky.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to time period, how about accent? I almost put Bloody Jack down after the first couple chapters because her urchin accent was so hard to read. But seeing it evolve into something more...civil...is just one way to show her growth.