Kvothe tells of how he became a man, a magician known as an Arcanist, an accomplished musician, a lover and much more to follow. One interesting technique the author has used is how well Kvothe’s progress in one area both complements and reiterates, helps and mirrors, his progress in other areas of his coming into adulthood.
One of the first clues that the story is not going to be like many others is the helplessness Kvothe first experiences after a tragedy involving his family and on-the-road community of traveling minstrels and actors. In many Fantasy epics such a tragedy propels the hero into an early warriorhood, where his
muscled and quick-to-mature physique melds itself with a bright-edged sword into a magnificent killing machine.
Instead, Kvothe’s story begins as his tragedy propels him into a life of poverty and clandestine theft in a large city famous among other things for the University it houses, a place of study devoted to the Art of Arcanism. As one of Kvothe’s childhood mentors was an Arcanist who had given him a book and some training in the Art, Kvothe hopes to enroll there someday.
The Art of Arcanism is a unique, literary exploration of what is often referred to as Sympathetic Magic. The basic tenet of such magic is “as above, so below.” What that saying usually means is that there is a bond between it
ems that are sympathetic to each other in that they are near resemblances. Thus a pin-prick to a voodoo doll, made in a sympathetic image to a person, causes that person pain. But author Rothfuss has taken the basic concept of sympathetic magic, turned it on its head, pulled it inside out and applied many of the principles of the Scientific Method to the result.
ems that are sympathetic to each other in that they are near resemblances. Thus a pin-prick to a voodoo doll, made in a sympathetic image to a person, causes that person pain. But author Rothfuss has taken the basic concept of sympathetic magic, turned it on its head, pulled it inside out and applied many of the principles of the Scientific Method to the result.An Arcanist sets up sympathetic bonds but they are more like electrical circuits than simply relationships. For example, to light a candle from a distance is something most Fantasy magicians do with a simple snap of the fingers. But an Arcanist is tied to a more and somehow-realistic methodology. The Arcanist may hold a thread similar to the candle’s wick. Between the article he holds and the wick he establishes a mental imagery of how they are similar. But then he must along that conduit of magic transfer heat. The heat can come from a nearby fire or from other sources.
In one of what we can’t resist calling the most chilling passes in the book, the young Kvothe attempts to transfer the heat from his own blood along the conduit to light a candle. Because what he holds is far different than the material of a wick almost all of his blood-heat is transferred because a large percentage is lost due to the different materials at either conduit end. The author does a wonderful job of conveying the basic underpinnings of Arcanism in way that makes the unbelievable at least a potential target for one’s own suspension of disbelief.
Kvothe makes friends but also enemies at the University. Indeed he is publicly humiliated a number of times although he often gives as good as he gets. One of the saddest things is when an upperclassman he has offended (and it should be pointed out that while Kvothe is loathe to give offense, in this case it was well deserved) pulls a prank on Kvothe which limits his access to the library wherein he hopes not just to study but to uncover clues to the strange peoples that caused his family’s tragedy.
All work and no play would dull most Fantasy novels but this one stays sharp and incisive by alongside the story of Kvothe’s introduction to Magic, a parallel story of his introduction to love and his ongoing growth as a musician nonpareil.
The story of how Kvothe earns his “pipes” is a beautiful substory in its own right. In the city are many Inns and Taverns and the city is known not just for the University but also for the music played there. One of the taverms is known above all the others for the quality, the professionalism and the near-perfection of the artists who play there. Those who play the very best, decided at competitions judged by the audience, receive a set of silver pan pipes to wear on their vestments as a symbol that they are of the best. Not only does Kvothe need his pipes just as a goal of his ever-ongoing, musical backgrounding but, well, those with pipes are higher paid, attract patrons and more easily find work. The university is expensive and to remain there Kvothe explores many paths including earning the pipes.
It is during the judging for the pipes that he realizes his first and what may be his final deep love for a lady whose voice joins his in a demanding song. To say too much would be to give away too large a piece of the story, a piece of Kvothe’s heart that all readers will enjoy finding on their own.
Truth to tell, I do not often recommend fantasy novels which go on for three or fuor or even more books. Especially not at the start of the series when it is the most difficult to judge how the series will play as a whole. Too often I have watched authors make far, far too many trips to the same well to return with buckets of fluff and repetition. Here I break with this tradition and must say that this new author has gained my confidence in the one book to now look forward to following him into the next.
When Day Two of the Kingkiller Chronicles dawns you can be sure that I will be seated by Chronicler in the Inn, enraptured to hear the continuation of Kvothe’s wondrous tale. I do hope you will be my side.
THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss is published by DAW BOOKs. Hardcover. $24.95
