In my last post I discussed the plot of Maestra by L.S. Hilton and the lead character, Judith Rashleigh. I found it hard to provide thoughts on the book without giving spoilers. In this post, be warned, there will be spoilers.I admired the writing. Hilton has created a memorable character succeeding in living life on her own terms.
Most of the subsequent killings were gratuitous though Hilton subtly showed the evolution of a mind not merely enurred to killing but enjoying the experience.
I struggled with the increasing and ever more unnecessary violence. I understood the first murder as her only means to millions instantly. Yet I thought she had the intelligence and determination to leverage the 10,000 euros provided her by the billionaire, Steve, for being a summer companion into a successful career as an art dealer.
Judith’s intense sexuality was explored in clinical detail. Was it gratuitous?
I was reminded of the challenges the American Supreme Court went through in the 1950’s and 1960’s as it sought to define obscenity in literature and films. Was there any artistic merit amidst the sexual scenes? Maestra turns that consideration upside down by mixing learned artistic discourse and explicit sex.
We live in a world where extremely detailed descriptions of violence and sex are a part of mainstream literature.
I thought it would have been a very good book without explicit sex. Yet I doubt it would have gained fame. Judith’s pleasure in sex does make her character more vivid.In the end there was too much violence and sex for me and not enough skulduggery in the world of high value artworks. I acknowledge being intrigued that there are two more books continuing Judith. I would be interested in reading them if the violence and sex quotients were lower. I am ambiguous about finding out. Maybe a reader of the post can tell me.
Like you, Bill, I'm not one for a lot of violence (especially extreme violence) and explicit sex. I don't think I've ever read a book in which either of those two elements (to say nothing of both of them) made the plot richer, more interesting, more intriguing, etc.. They may add to our knowledge of a character, but I don't honestly think they add to a story.
ReplyDeleteMargot: Reading blurb reviews the combination of sex and violence made it a popular book not the art world. The plotting felt calculated to exploit.
DeleteI was most interested to read your two posts. there was quite a lot of fuss about this book, and I hesitated over whether to read it. Your review convinces me I probably won't, even though you highlight some pluses.
ReplyDeleteMoira: Thanks for the comment. Had I known the story before being given the book I expect I would have hesitated. By the blurbs it got a lot of attention.
Delete