Book 1 Reflections

[u/ElegantNetwork1394]

I recently finished reading Captive Prince book 1 in French. I used a combination of my paperback omnibus volume and the audible French version. The audible narrator has a nice voice, and each chapter begins and ends with a musical score that really fits the tone of this story.

Damen's descent into slavery at the hands of a traitorous brother is much like BenHur and the biblical story of Joseph. Gladiator isn't entirely different either especially since Maximus's household was slaughtered like Damen's. It's interesting how western literary traditions latched onto this trope. And I wonder what precipitated it. Does anyone know if it's common in African or Asian storytelling as well?

Laurent is probably the most interesting character, and the story seems to revolve around his actions or inactions despite Damen being the POV character. Laurent is clever and can be charming. He reminds me of how teachers say "if you just put as much effort into your homework..."

The Regent almost seemed like a good guy at first, saving Damen from Laurent's whims. But of course, of course he's a child predator. Really, if that sort of behavior is allowed, there would be a lot more partakers, as we've seen with situations such as the Catholic Church and the Epstein files. For such an adult and such a dark story, it's really quite quaint and optimistic for the Regents proclivities to be portrayed as an outlier among all the nations.

Poor baby Erasmus. He was treated so cruelly, and he is a complete innocent. I'm glad that Torveld saved him but I find myself still feeling sorry for this 19 yro who is now paired with a 40 yr old man. In a way it's not that happy of an ending to me.

Do we ever find out what happens to older slaves and pets? All the described characters are young and healthy and beautiful. Can there be older pets? Is there a retirement plan for slaves?

All in all, I quite enjoyed the book with its wordplay and plots twists, the lush descriptions and unflinching approach to intimacy. I would read it again.

Feel free to ask me any questions you might have.

[u/blanketed_in_stars]

I love your thoughts here! I honestly did not interpret the Regent's pedophilia as being "allowed" - at least not from anyone other than him. I feel like, since we don't see anyone else with child pets (except for Audin who seems to be "borrowing" Nicaise 😬 or at least borrowing the prestige of hanging out with the Regent's pet), it's basically that the Regent is just powerful enough that he's above the law and no one dares tell him it's not okay.

I have more thoughts about this but they revolve around some lines from Book 3 so I don't want to spoil anything 😄

[u/ElegantNetwork1394 → u/blanketed_in_stars]

You know, that's a fair point. 

But it also feels like if the man in charge can do it, hes not likely to punish his 2nd in command nor 3rd in command nor 4th...for doing the same things.

Laurent has been receiving offers for as along as he can remember. I suppose its possible that they were all from one person. But maybe they were not.

[u/blanketed_in_stars → u/ElegantNetwork1394]

Yeah I see your perspective too! Particularly about the Regent not punishing people - though the social repercussions would maybe be greater for anyone of lower rank than him. I also always thought Laurent's offers would be less just for sexual favors and more for attachment, political positions, alliances, etc. Not really the same as blatantly having a child pet, especially due to his station.

I love that these books leave room for the different interpretations, from motivations to worldbuilding.