I’m kind of unsure whether I should make Lois McMaster Bujold’s A Civil Campaign the Book of the Week. I mean, yes, it’s bloody brilliant. The Vorkosigan series generally is, and Bujold has a remarkable capacity for precipitating out genuine hilarity from the most unpromising of sources. I just don’t know whether or not it’s the best gateway to the entire Vorkosigan series. Of course, most people here don’t really need to be told to buy this book, do they? You already know. You probably already have.
Ach, well, maybe somebody will see this post someday in a Google search.
And thus, we say adieu to The Hunt For Red October.
Well, it is probably the romance novel entry, but I would still probably tell someone to read Komarr first.
I’m .. stuck on the thorny problem of where to start someone who’s read *zero* Bujold.
.
I decided, ironically, that “Falling Free” was actually the best place to start .. but “A Civil Campaign” is an equally good choice .. allowing the victim (erm, new fan) to read in two different directions.
.
Mew
I think the Warrior’s Apprentice is the place to start. Introduces/ focuses on the young Miles. Thrust the reader right into the story universe. And MILES…
Then one can read forwards or backwards on the time line with a view to how that shaped him.
For those that don’t know, A Civil Campaign is a tribute to the works of Georgette Heyer, probably the best writer of “comedy of manners” period romantic literature ever.
by the by… I just re-read all the Vorkosigan books. Thought much better of Gentleman Jole and The Red Queen on the second read. Third time for Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance which is just a flat out delight. Do hope she continues to add more.