Julie Clawson

So I mentioned on the 5 things that you may not know about me that I was a huge Star Wars fan – so get ready for a dose of that. I know this post will be utterly meaningless to most readers, but I feel like ranting and this is my forum…

Disclaimers – Spoilers from the New Jedi Order and Legacy of the Force series will be mentioned.

All that said. I finally got my holds in at the library of the new Star Wars series – Legacy of the Force. It’s meant to be a nine book series (three are out) that takes place ten years after the war with the Yuuzhan Vong (as told in the 19 book New Jedi Order series). I really liked the NJO books, and enjoyed the postmodern philosophical turn they took in exploring the nature of the Force, life, and ethics. The books took the universe beyond the good vs evil dichotomy that the movies are so famous for. Through the character of Jacen Solo (Han and Leia’s son fyi) the nuances and complexity of war, family, and allegiances were brought into play. Then through the Dark Nest books, those implications were played out in the whole Jedi system with Luke and Mara Jade redefining power structures in the Jedi Order. I thought it was a great plot device and kept the universe moving forward in deeper ways.

Now there is the Legacy of the Force which so far as been really annoying and disappointing. Apparently all that philosophical soul searching by Jacen was pointless because the universe is really just black and white and by questioning anything he set himself on the path to becoming a Sith Lord. (okay, yes. I’m only partway through the second book so there are 7 more books to come, but its not looking good). Not only does the once pacifist start killing at whim, he chooses to be trained by the Sith, and sets himself up as leader of the secret police in a not so subtle allusion to the Nazis and the Patriot Act. It falls into the oh so annoying false perception that is often brought up as a charge against emergents – that if you think deeply and question anything you will go off the deep end. So – seriously bad character and plot development there.

But the authors not only ruin Jacen, they have the big name Star Wars characters making really stupid decisions as well. As the Corellia system tries to withdrawal from the Galactic Alliance, Luke, Mara Jade, and Jacen become the advocates of big government. Preemptive strikes, interment camps, sanctioned terrorism and all the typical trappings. Han, Leia, and Wedge Antilles – the heroes who made the GA possible decide that ethnicity is the most valuable thing and commit treason to fight for Corellia. As out of character as that is, the authors, of course, have them make that choice and try to portray the dire irony that they then have to go to battle up against their children (as if they didn’t know where their fighter pilot children were stationed???). All of this to support the books’ theme that there really isn’t no us vs them – its all us. Whatever. Good theme, bad writing.

And on top of the character and plot issues there are the glaring consistency holes that emerge when multiple authors work on the same series. Of course their writing schedules overlap, but one would hope that they would communicate a tad more than just basic plot outlines to each other. The contradictions between the books get annoying. On their blog the authors say they meet to discuss plot, but I’m having a hard time seeing it.

So here I am. Ranting about something as insignificant as the Star Wars extended universe. As annoying as it is, its still a fun read. Maybe the series will get better, I’m sure I’ll read them all as they come out over the next few years. But of all the big controversies that the books have caused (the death of Chewbacca being a big one), this so far is the most disappointing. Just when real potential was developing they had to go and betray the characters to further the plot and make a social commentary on the war in Iraq. I just think those things could have been done way better.

UPDATE – Okay, so I just heard that there are some serious rumors that Mara Jade will die as part of this new series. (as the loved one Jacen must sacrifice to become a Sith). I think it goes without saying that I will be seriously pissed off it that happens.

So I recently finished reading Thomas Cahill’s Mysteries of the Middle Ages. If you want a fun, easily accessible book on the Middle Ages this is it. And I realize that very few people are out there looking for a fun book on the Middles Ages, but this really is a good read. As I mentioned in my last post on it, this is pop history. Not the type of pop history that claims Jesus had kids or that the Knights Templar are controlling our government, but a book that makes the stories of history available to the non-academic. And one that makes me want to go and learn more. It is also beautifully illustrated – full color pictures and lovely decorative elements that recall illuminated manuscripts.

True to its claim look at the “hinges of history,” this book is a series of glimpses at the events and people that Cahill believes made profound impact on the course of Western Civilization (sidenote – is it just me or do others always hear Jean-Luc Picard’s voice every time they write/read that word). While his list is of course limited, as he readily admits, one is still treated to a wide selection of fascinating stories. Dante, Hildegard of Bingen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Francis of Assisi, Giotto… to name a few. He comments on the changing perspectives on women and how art influences theology. He traces elements of our modern world to their conception in the Middle Ages. I found it all to be a great starting point. I want to find out more about some of the characters – Peter of Abelard, Francis of Assisi… names I had heard before but know little about. It will be fun to explore.

Cahill’s voice is primary in this work and his opinions are ever-present. I appreciated that. As he explores those that Dante assigned to his layers of hell and heaven, Cahill gives his own perspective of who he too would condemn or allow into heaven. One person he says he would bar from heaven is Bernard of Clairvaux, which seriously amused me. While I’m not a fan a deciding who’s in or out, the picture painted of Bernard was not a favorable one. A theological watchdog who bought persecution on those who disagreed with him, gave favors to his in-crowd, despised women, and held more power and influence than was healthy for one man – Bernard reminded me a bit too much of certain contemporary church leaders with whom disagree. I guess some things never change.

In his postlude (“A Dantesque Reflection” as it’s called) Cahill also has some harsh words for today. The negative trends of the Middle Ages or the corruption of good traditions today provoke some harsh words from him. He has some not so subtle comparisons between certain greedy popes and the current administration. And he lashes into the church in our day for using its power to cover up sex scandals. In his most controversial passage he accuses the priests and bishops of abusing Christ. Imagine the twelve-year-old Christ in the temple being raped and abused by the teachers of the law – for “whatever you have done to the least of these… you have done to me.” His call is to the church to take back the power that the lay people have lost and revive again the great tradition started in the Middle Ages (by people like Dante or Catherine of Sienna) of the common person changing the course of events. For “without the clear vision and unwelcome advice of such men and women, the church as it is has no chance of acting in the world in succor or in prophecy.”