Turning the page, we learn that this Saracen has converted to Christianity. However, the question as to whether the universes of different religious traditions, including mutually incompatible monotheisms, coexist in the multiverse still stands.
Holger explains to Alianora why he does not want to start a relationship with her. I agree with Sean (see the combox here) that Holger's reasoning is compassionate, not chauvinistic. However, he could have asked her what she thought and discussed the issue further with her. As it is, he makes the decision and she accepts it.
Amsterdam with its canals is on our TV screen at the other end of our upstairs sitting room while I work on the computer screen at this end and I must get off the computer back into a book by Stieg Larsson so it looks like we will return to Three Hearts... tomorrow.
4 comments:
She's quite young -- a teenager and probably a virgin. One would expect an adult to take the lead in making decisions like that.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling and Paul!
Mr. Stirling: She was! Recall how it was mentioned Alianaora had been raised by the wood dwarves, described as "Earthy," meaning quite frank and explicit as regards sexual matters. And Alianora pretty soon made it clear she didn't want Holger to be so gentlemanly and cautious.
Paul: But Alianora KNEW Holger was trying to leave the Carolingian timeline. That was something they both understood. It was part of Anderson's sense of literary economy that he felt no need to draw that out at length. Also, raised as she had been by the "Earthy" wood dwarves, Alianora didn't think she had to hide to Holger that she was attracted to him. AND appreciated his gentlemanly treatment of her.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
The point that Holger was trying to leave the Carolingian universe was made clear enough.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
And also an example of what I called "literary economy" on Anderson's part.
Ad astra! Sean
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