- Posts: 1648
Lynley books
04 May 2012 19:11 - 04 May 2012 21:24 #1109394665
by inspector
Replied by inspector on topic Re: Lynley books
Hi Lynn and Roswitha 
,
I too like both characters of Barbara Havers (and I like Mistresses too). I think the Barbara in the books tries to protect herself, with being and looking ugly. She never learnt to trust other people. She lost her beloved brother and her parents were not able to give her the love a child need. "If people don't like me, why should I try to please them?" Slowly she learns to trust Lynley and his friends, because they are able to respect her qualities.They treat her like they treat their friends.
In the books Barbara's character changes a lot.
Greetings
Claudia
,I too like both characters of Barbara Havers (and I like Mistresses too). I think the Barbara in the books tries to protect herself, with being and looking ugly. She never learnt to trust other people. She lost her beloved brother and her parents were not able to give her the love a child need. "If people don't like me, why should I try to please them?" Slowly she learns to trust Lynley and his friends, because they are able to respect her qualities.They treat her like they treat their friends.
In the books Barbara's character changes a lot.
Greetings
Claudia
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05 May 2012 21:49 #1109394666
by LynnGwyneth
πόλλ' οἶδ' ἀλώπηξ, ἐχῖνος δ'ἓν μέγα
Ἀρχίλοχος (c. 680 BC - c. 645 BC)
Replied by LynnGwyneth on topic Re: Lynley books
Hi, Claudia and Roswitha,
I really like Claudia's argument that Barbara is protecting herself by staying "ugly". I hadn't thought about that and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I've just finished reading In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner. Lynley (in the book) made me very angry by his treatment of Havers, and it wasn't until the ending, and his conversation with Helen that all the emotion underlying it was revealed. A thoroughly satisfying read! And I liked the fact that
I really like Claudia's argument that Barbara is protecting herself by staying "ugly". I hadn't thought about that and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I've just finished reading In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner. Lynley (in the book) made me very angry by his treatment of Havers, and it wasn't until the ending, and his conversation with Helen that all the emotion underlying it was revealed. A thoroughly satisfying read! And I liked the fact that
Warning: Spoiler!
πόλλ' οἶδ' ἀλώπηξ, ἐχῖνος δ'ἓν μέγα
Ἀρχίλοχος (c. 680 BC - c. 645 BC)
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06 May 2012 10:14 #1109394668
by Nenne
"My love, I would love to come with you but you must first build me a palace"
Replied by Nenne on topic Re: Lynley books
Dear Lynn,
I don't think it's Havers intent to look 'ugly'. She's just fed up with spending time and money on 'beauty'. There are so many other things in the world she's occupied with her own life too often fall in the background. I believe she lives a healthy life in that sense. What she really needs is help with time management where quality time for herself is sacred. Then smoking and exercise problems will deteriorate and time for quality clothes shopping will be fun.
Quality time for everyone ought to be granted everyone!
Now, make the way to the laundry room,
Cheers,
Nenne
I don't think it's Havers intent to look 'ugly'. She's just fed up with spending time and money on 'beauty'. There are so many other things in the world she's occupied with her own life too often fall in the background. I believe she lives a healthy life in that sense. What she really needs is help with time management where quality time for herself is sacred. Then smoking and exercise problems will deteriorate and time for quality clothes shopping will be fun.
Quality time for everyone ought to be granted everyone!
Now, make the way to the laundry room,
Cheers,
Nenne
"My love, I would love to come with you but you must first build me a palace"
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06 May 2012 14:53 #1109394669
by LynnGwyneth
πόλλ' οἶδ' ἀλώπηξ, ἐχῖνος δ'ἓν μέγα
Ἀρχίλοχος (c. 680 BC - c. 645 BC)
Replied by LynnGwyneth on topic Re: Lynley books
Hi, Nenne!
Good observations! I think it's also fair to say that Barbara Havers comes from a very different background and class than, say, Lady Helen Clyde, whose "finishing school" experience would have taught her about nutrition, elegance, clothes, and the finer points of being a lady.
Poor Barbara has spent her whole life, as you observed, living it for others: Terry (brother who died), aging and dotty parents, then the Yard and the CID. I think she *doesn't* know how to pamper herself outside of chocolate, cigarettes and, perhaps, dedication to a job which has consumed her life. Hmmm, definitely food for thought. Or, as Barbara would put it, "The five food groups: Chocolate, Nicotine, Caffeine, Butter and Sugar!"
I for one am aching to give her a makeover (the book Barbara, not the series Barbara). What she needs is a good girlfriend I think. It's good that she goes to
Good observations!
I think it's also fair to say that Barbara Havers comes from a very different background and class than, say, Lady Helen Clyde, whose "finishing school" experience would have taught her about nutrition, elegance, clothes, and the finer points of being a lady.Poor Barbara has spent her whole life, as you observed, living it for others: Terry (brother who died), aging and dotty parents, then the Yard and the CID. I think she *doesn't* know how to pamper herself outside of chocolate, cigarettes and, perhaps, dedication to a job which has consumed her life. Hmmm, definitely food for thought. Or, as Barbara would put it, "The five food groups: Chocolate, Nicotine, Caffeine, Butter and Sugar!"
I for one am aching to give her a makeover (the book Barbara, not the series Barbara). What she needs is a good girlfriend I think. It's good that she goes to
Warning: Spoiler!
πόλλ' οἶδ' ἀλώπηξ, ἐχῖνος δ'ἓν μέγα
Ἀρχίλοχος (c. 680 BC - c. 645 BC)
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06 May 2012 15:30 #1109394671
by inspector
Replied by inspector on topic Re: Lynley books
Hi ,
great to read about your thoughts. I'd like to answer again, but this would mean to disclose too much (I read all the books including "Believing The Lie").
Claudia
,great to read about your thoughts. I'd like to answer again, but this would mean to disclose too much (I read all the books including "Believing The Lie").
Claudia
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06 May 2012 22:25 #1109394672
by LynnGwyneth
πόλλ' οἶδ' ἀλώπηξ, ἐχῖνος δ'ἓν μέγα
Ἀρχίλοχος (c. 680 BC - c. 645 BC)
Replied by LynnGwyneth on topic Re: Lynley books
I can see that I have my reading list cut out for me!!!
Say, do you know? Harper publishes LARGE PRINT editions of EG's later books. I came across this by accident, although it should not have been a surprise to me.
If there is anyone, like me, who reads better with larger print, the Official Elizabeth George webstie has links to purchase the Large Print editions! Very Cool!
I will be reading as fast as I can so we can continue our discussion!!!
Hugs,
Lynn
Say, do you know? Harper publishes LARGE PRINT editions of EG's later books. I came across this by accident, although it should not have been a surprise to me.
If there is anyone, like me, who reads better with larger print, the Official Elizabeth George webstie has links to purchase the Large Print editions! Very Cool!
I will be reading as fast as I can so we can continue our discussion!!!
Hugs,
Lynn
πόλλ' οἶδ' ἀλώπηξ, ἐχῖνος δ'ἓν μέγα
Ἀρχίλοχος (c. 680 BC - c. 645 BC)
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