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Original poster

Dorothy Dunnett - why has it taken me so long?

158 replies

Sausagenbacon · 06/06/2023 19:42

Now and again someone has recommended DD to me, and I've always given up on them, finding them too dense. But, for some reason, the Niccolo series has 'clicked' for me. I'm half-way through the 5th one.
I just can't believe how good they are, and amazing female characters are found in them.
I'm already worried about finishing the last one. Are the Lymond books as good?

OP posts:
AthenaWhite · 09/06/2023 22:36

They are the most wonderful books. i read Lymond before Niccolo and love them both, They are linked and reading the Lymond books first allowed you to see the link. You'll read Lymond then need to re read Niccolo to see the link. The finale book is an absolute stonker!

Original poster
Sausagenbacon · 09/06/2023 21:57

That's exactly how I felt! You never know, it might click one day

OP posts:
cormorant5 · 09/06/2023 15:26

I have never read any either. The Library hard backs seem boring and dull.
They do not have the "pick me not the others" appeal.
IMHO

mimbleandlittlemy · 07/06/2023 21:13

There are also the Johnson Johnson books but they are very very dated. I haven’t read those for about 30 years. They were her relaxation when writing the other books.

mimbleandlittlemy · 07/06/2023 21:11

She is indescribably brilliant but sometimes people just don’t get her and her style. One of my best friends tried and tried and gave up to my huge disappointment as I so wanted her to love them.

Once you are through the Niccolo books worth trying Lymond again. They do actually connect but it isn’t necessary to read both. I would take the Lymond books to a desert island, forsaking all other books in the world.

There is a DD Society with a very good magazine called Whispering Gallery should you be interested in that. Lots of same minded folk there.

Original poster
Sausagenbacon · 06/06/2023 20:20

I think that that's it - you have to go with the flow without always understanding.

OP posts:
pollyhemlock · 06/06/2023 20:17

That’s interesting- I also came to DD late, about 5 years ago, when I started the Lymond chronicles and enjoyed them so much that I have never got into Niccolo in case they’re a let down. The first two Lymond books have fantastically complex plots. You just have to go with the flow. King Hereafter, which I actually read before Lymond, is also excellent. Again very complicated but worth it.

Artus · 06/06/2023 19:53

My all time favourite author!

Personally I think the Lymond books are even better, and the standalone King Hereafter is very good too.

It often seems people prefer whichever series they read first.

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