This week, I finished the introductory novel to the Witcher Series, The Last Wish, by Andrzej Sapkowski, and it's one of those books that makes me very glad I don't do star-ratings on my reads. Not because I disliked the book - I liked it quite a bit. But because I don't have any idea how I would rate it, if pressed.
The novel is, at first blush, a collection of stories; though, as it unfolds, you realize they are connected by the "Voice of Reason" chapters, and by the end, the larger picture has revealed itself. It's a true introduction, setting up the series that is to follow, introducing the main players, and the world.
The author is Polish, and this was a case of a refreshingly-sharp translation. I've read novels translated into English from the original languages in which not a drop of artistry was preserved; you bungled through the prose for the story. But in this case, I think the imagery, meaning, and dry humor were beautifully preserved.
And it is dry humor. In the first few pages, main character Geralt feels stern, stone-faced, and humorless. A stoic warrior type without much personality. But as the book progresses, you begin to catch glimpses of the life beneath: the droll humor, the flat-voiced jokes. As well as the pain, and yearning, and the carefully hidden emotions.
The supernatural elements of the novel are heavily influenced by Eastern European folktales: vampires, strigas, and spirits. We glimpse the elves only briefly, but I LOVE elves, so I'm interested in seeing more.
The prose of the book is fairly straight forward and blunt. Artistically, I prefer novels that are a bit more lush and descriptive; world-building that delves a little deeper. And, in regards to the romance, the book doesn't do much "work." It's very much an instant-attraction, little-build-up-on-the-page sort of affair. This happens frequently in fantasy and sci-fic, but I prefer a more subtle and nuanced approach.
All told, I enjoyed the novel, and plan to read the rest of the series. I'm very curious to see the show later in the month, and watch it unfold visually; I feel like the bare-bones approach of the book could be greatly enhanced through visual media.
Now: with regards to my comments, please note that I'm only one reader. This book was a reminder to me of the ways in which no two people read the same book. Just because the language and style don't resonate as deeply with one person as another, it doesn't mean that won't be the exact opposite case with a different reader. That's the magic of books. It's also something I think about quite a lot in my own writing. For some readers, my prose is too verbose, too descriptive. But for others, it's a case of "just right." I feel like every book we read teaches us a lesson, and my most frequent lesson is this: Don't just write a book you think everyone will like. Spend your time writing books that a few people will love.
I'm very much looking forward to The Witcher on Netflix, and exploring the rest of the book series.
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