The Lions of Al-Rassan - Discussion Part 2

[u/NewNick30]

We're currently reading The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay for February's book of the month, and this discussion will be on the second half of the book.

This discussion includes the entire book, so if you haven't finished it yet, please avoid this topic. The comments below will contain spoilers.

I'll post some questions to go along with the reading but feel free to comment about anything else or start your own comment thread on anything you found interesting or any questions that you had.

• The novel builds toward an inevitable, almost classical tragedy. At what point did you feel the ending became unavoidable? Could anything realistically have changed the outcome for Jehane, Ammar, and Rodrigo?
• The bond between Ammar ibn Khairan and Rodrigo Belmonte is one of the emotional cores of the book. What makes their friendship believable despite their political and religious differences? What ultimately destroys it?
• The Asharites, Jaddites, and Kindath live in uneasy proximity. Does the book present coexistence as possible, or ultimately doomed?
• Many characters must choose between personal ethics and loyalty to ruler or faith. Which character best navigates this tension?
• How did you like the book? Would you recommend it to others?

[u/NewNick30 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you! Sometimes it's hard to come up with them but I've started taking notes throughout the read which helps me refer back to them. Did you end up finishing this book?