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John Christopher's Tripods

Discussion in 'Booktalk' started by Khazraj, Jul 29, 2004.

  1. Khazraj Gems: 20/31
    Latest gem: Garnet


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    The White Mountains
    The City of Gold and Lead
    The Pool of Fire

    This was a series I first encountered in the early 80s. I didn't really get it since I was a bit young, but now I decided to reread them. I love the style of language eventhough the story is really (I guess) aimed at a teenage audiance, though the language used can be tricky at times. If there is anyone who has ever read this series can you confirm if the "White Mountains" of the novels are referring to the Swiss Alps or not?

    Also this is from the novel but since I don't know French I can't claim complete understanding.

    The story talks of a "Shmand - Fair", read it literally and it is meant to be French though I could never guess the real words. It is, I think, referring to railway, but I'd like to be sure. Could any French speakers help me out here?

    Thanks for your advice.
     
  2. Takara

    Takara My goodness! I see turnips everywhere

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    I've read this series so many times. I absolutely adore it.

    The white mountains are the Pyrenees, not the Alps.

    The French word is Chemin de fer. It translates into English as railway, or tracks. His use of shamand-fair is obviously how he imagines the name would change over the years, and disuse of the railway.
     
  3. Harbourboy

    Harbourboy Take thy form from off my door! Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    Yeah, what a classic!
     
  4. Arabwel

    Arabwel Screaming towards Apotheosis Veteran

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    I read it when I was 10 or so, and I liked it... in fact, I think I read it at least three times.

    Hmm, maybe I should go see if they still have it here at the lib, and do a bit of re-reading....
     
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