The Lies of Locke Lamora Read Along Week 4

Week 4 of the Lynchmob’s madness is behind us.  Next week, Lynch is doing an AMA on Reddit’s fantasy subreddit.  Lady’s, don’t let me be the first one to propose!

This section of the book was so intense I don’t really even know what to say…

Let’s just get into the questions

1.      In the chapter “A Curious Tale for Countess Amberglass” we learn of the tradition of the night tea in Camorr. I found that not so much fantastical as realistic – how about you?

I have actually been thinking about something similar recently.  It’s funny, in any given SF title in which food is consumed, it is likely that someone will be drinking coffee.  On Mars, on planets light years away, in space ships, in alternate universes.  Somehow, in any possible parallel universe or timeline, coffee and now tea, seem to stick.  I like coffee and tea so I’m okay with it, but it does make me wonder what about the process of steeped beverages is so damn vital to human existence?

2.      When Jean meets with what will become the Wicked Sisters for the first time, the meeting is described very much like how people feel when they find their true work or home. Agree? Disagree? Some of both?

I actually hadn’t thought of it that way, but it’s totally right.  It was an epiphany.  I don’t know, this was probably the only interlude story that I wasn’t completely enthralled with.  Not sure why, I’ll probably like it when I re-read it :)

3.      Salt devils. Bug. Jean. The description is intense. Do you find that description a help in visualizing the scene? Do you find yourself wishing the description was occasionally – well – a little less descriptive?

Uh…I was so worried about Locke that I didn’t even care about those things :)

4.      This section has so much action in it, it’s hard to find a place to pause. But…but.. oh, Locke. Oh, Jean. On their return to the House of Perelandro, their world is turned upside down. Did you see it coming?

Unfortunately I did see this coming.  Not because I predicted it, but because I saw a quote on a blog.  It wasn’t a surprise when I found that out and it was actually okay because when I was listening to this part, I was running and my adrenaline was so high that when Bug died and my emotions were kriffing everywhere.  I was literally choking back tears!  “Am I a Gentleman Bastard?”   Man that really got me.

5.      Tavrin Callas’s service to the House of Aza Guilla is recalled at an opportune moment, and may have something to do with saving a life or three. Do you believe Chains knew what he set in motion? Why or why not?

At first, I thought he had a grand plan and thought that the Grey King had something to do with him.  Now I think he just understood the value of being prepared for ANYTHING.  Maybe he was a Scout?

6.      As Locke and Jean prepare for Capa Raza, Dona Vorchenza’s remark that the Thorn of Camorr has never been violent – only greedy and resorting to trickery – comes to mind again. Will this pattern continue?

This is a hard question to answer because the Camorri conception of justifiable violence is very different than what I’m comfortable.  Also, I’m not sure she is actually right…remember their fight with Conte?

7.      Does Locke Lamora or the Thorn of Camorr enter Meraggio’s Countinghouse that day? Is there a difference?

Wow, this might be the best question so far.  Hmm…

I think Locke entered.  No plan, just trying to literally pick the law scribe’s pockets from him.  But once he sees Meraggio and his plan develops so quickly, I think it is the Thorn of Camorr who leaves.