Finished rereading Farseer, some thoughts on Tawny Man
I just finished my second read of the Farseer trilogy. I enjoyed it as much as the first time, if not more.
Strangely, I'm a bit haunted by Burrich this time. On my first read, I didn't pay that much attention to him, but re-reading everything he sacrificed for everyone, especially his undoubted love for Fitz and Nettle, just leaves me heartbroken for him when thinking of his ending in Tawny Man.
I was already deeply saddened by his death on my first read, especially given that it stemmed from him being Skill-locked just so Chivalry could use him more safely as a King's Man. I find this whole aspect pretty tragic, even if I understand the cold logic behind it.
What felt really sad to me, though, was that he wasn't mourned properly. It felt like a minor page turned casually, while the heroes just moved on with their adventure without sparing much thought for him.
What was even harder to swallow was Molly reuniting with Fitz. I can understand Fitz dwelling on his relationship with Molly, he never truly grew up in that regard. But how could Molly accept him so easily? She had chosen Burrich wholeheartedly, fully aware of why he was a much better match for her than Fitz the boy.
Kettle was completely right on this: Fitz saw Molly as an anchor to his past. It wasn't Molly the actual person he was in love with, but rather an image of his own craving for love and security.
On my second read, setting aside Kettricken, I felt that even Starling could have been a decent companion for Fitz (if it was narrative destiny for him to be with some woman so Bee could be born). I liked her much more as a person this time, while as a character, she is so well-written, complex, and full of life.
When it comes to Fitz and Molly, it felt like Molly was used as a far too convenient solution, while Burrich was just swept aside, as if all those years together never really existed. Fitz had been a ghost between Burrich and Molly, but Burrich became nothing between Fitz and Molly...
It was the same thing with Nettle. I was so touched by how devotedly Burrich loved and protected her (I had tears in my eyes when he asked Molly where HIS baby was, and Molly answered something like "YOUR baby is fine"). Yet eventually, Nettle acted as if Fitz was her father in every sense, as though Burrich hadn't even mattered.
All in all, I understand this is life, and Hobb is just a master of writing the raw, authentic reality of human nature and relationships. I can only comfort myself with the thought that Burrich had at least enjoyed quite some good years with Molly.