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Read this the first time in 1988 - it had been a Christmas gift. At the time I didn't realize it was the first in a series. Couldn't put it down - and as I rushed towards the end I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out how the author was going to tie up all the loose ends. Flipped back to the dust jacket and swore loudly when I realized I'd be waiting for awhile for a sequel.
Author does a wonderful job of ‘world building' - the detail in the story is fabulous, and the characters are well developed.
This recently has been released on audiobook - something I've been patiently waiting for, for quite some time. And again, the wait was worth it - it's as fabulous as I remember the 1st time I read it.
The story takes place in the Jim Crow south in 1963. There were points where I had to suspend disbelief at some of the plot mechanisms that drove the story forward, but the story about Starla's journey and her education about the world and people around her was enjoyable. The lessons she learns are primarily about relationships (e.g. the messy relationship of a battered wife and her husband, the relationship and impact an individual has with his/her community) and what drives those relationships. Starla is a pistol and I loved Eula. I listened to the audiobook - and it was well done.
Really enjoyed this, the world building is well done and fun. The fourth son of the emporer finds himself unexpectedly on the throne. As he's learning the ropes, so are we.
The character names are an absolute bear to learn and get used to. I finally had the Wiki opened on the phone to keep everyone straight. Found at the 3/4 mark I was rarely cross checking. I will probably reread this at some point.
