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The Familiar


From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo comes a spellbinding...
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Did the language used by the characters seem appropriate to the time period of the novel?

Created: 05/21/24

Replies: 3

Posted May. 21, 2024 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
smallino

Join Date: 06/06/21

Posts: 68

Did the language used by the characters seem appropriate to the time period of the novel?

The language used seemed to mix current slang with era appropriate language and culture. Especially the use of F... Used in speaking of sex, love making, or rape. It certainly fits contemporary times but not this. While Barduga obviously did extensive research to fit the setting and culture of the time, the language seemed oddly out of place in some parts. Unless that was a slang word used at the time?


Posted May. 21, 2024 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kimk

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 1160

RE: Did the language used by the ...

Good question! I, too, thought that was anachronistic and so I did a little digging. Turns out the word has been around since at least the 14th century. Its first written mention is in a court case in 1310 (!). One article says its etymology is hard to determine because it was used in speech long before it was written down anywhere. So, I'm guessing Bardugo's use of the word is legit.


Posted May. 21, 2024 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
smallino

Join Date: 06/06/21

Posts: 68

RE: Did the language used by the ...

Glad you did the research! Interesting! While in use, I think it was overused in this case, and would have imagined a more diverse description for sex! Thank you for doing the research on this.


Posted May. 28, 2024 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
taking.mytime's Gravatar
taking.mytime

Join Date: 03/29/16

Posts: 443

RE: Did the language used by the ...

Not having read a lot of books during this time frame, I felt the language was appropriate. Bardugo's research is pretty extensive, so I am sure she also delved into what words were appropriate for the time frame.


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