Game of Thrones: My Perspective

I decided to begin rereading my most beloved fantasy series of all time last night, "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin. I’m not usually one who rereads books, even those I love, but in light of the new HBO series, Game of Thrones, I couldn’t resist.

Let me begin by saying that I am a monstrous fan of the show and have been tracking its production for some time. I tell everyone who will listen that they should be reading this series, or at least watching the show if they are not book lovers (readers). As I started my reread, I was immediately struck by how much closer you feel to each character from experiencing the story through their points of view. I understand that I am splitting hairs with the medium, and not the material, but there it is. 

My worn copy. And no, I don't abuse my books, it has been out on loan more than once.

The show is being handled beautifully. It has been overwhelmingly true to the books and even the added scenes have felt as if they actually occurred between the pages. The hardest thing to convey on screen, I think, is the character’s motivations for doing what they do. George R.R. Martin lets you in on the process that leads to their actions. If you add that to the minutia of detail, the myriad of intricate histories and customs, and the more thorough conversations between characters, then you will arrive at the same conclusion I have: If you enjoy this show, and are capable of making your way through a novel, then do yourself a favor and pick up the source material.

One of my best friends is new to the series and sent me a happy email just this morning, saying he had gone out last night and purchased all four books and that his favorite character is the dwarf. That’s the way to do it.

All this has inspired me to try my own hand at fantasy again, after having spent most of the last few years focusing on writing literary fiction alone. My roots are in fantasy, so I suppose it is a return to form of sorts. Wish me luck!