Guess what? Swashbuckling, "Three Musketeer" type swordplay, and adventure stories are no longer just for boys--girls can play too! Yes, fencing is now a Title IX sport.
Although the historical fiction and costume drama readers will easily recognize the clothing, culture, customs, and political intrigues of 16th or 17th century Europe, the nameless city state and people are fictitious. Thus, technically, the novel is a fantasy without the magic. Imagine an alternate, opulent Louis the XIV court with a titled nobility dictated by wealth, whose related to whom, cavaliers, and arranged marriages.
Country bumpkin, fifteen-year-old innocent and naive Katherine Campion Talbert and her mother are almost destitute and harassed by her eccentric, libertine, rich and, some say, mad uncle, Duke Tremontaine--the basis for the uncle/mother conflict isn't revealed until the end of the novel. The uncle proposes a truce and is willing to pay off his sister's debts in exchange for his niece to be trained as a swordsman or swordswoman. Why? What is the mad duke up to? Both Katherine and her mother are shocked at such a ridiculous, unconventional proposal but, out of desperation, the mother agrees.
Upon arriving at the city manor for her training, Kate's maid displays her new wardrobe selected by her odd uncle. Proper Kate is appalled, "...it was breeches. Breeches that buttoned up either side, with a flap in the front...'But these are men's clothes. I can't put these on...I can't wear these!'...Men's clothing gripped me in places I did not want...When I moved, no swing of petticoats surrounded me. I had lost the protection of full skirts, the support of boned bodice...Cloth covered skin, but I was still naked, exposed...."
Over the next six months, Kate becomes a skilled fencer with one of her instructors being the legendary recluse and former lover of the duke, Richard St. Vier. She also begins to appreciate and enjoy the freedom men have over women in such a structured society. She acquires two teenage friends: her uncle's valet, Marcus, and Artemisia, the daughter of a wealthy and influential family. Through a series of real life experiences, It's a coming-of-age for all three. Kate even wins a couple of duels including one over the honor of Artemisia.
Obviously, the author had in mind the adventure novels of Dumas, Raphael Sabatini, Georgette Heyer, and even your contemporary "bodice rippers". Yes, besides political intrigue, there is also sexual politics including both heterosexuality and homosexuality. Nothing explicit but remember, the mirror is risque and ribald 17th century France; not Puritan America or Victorian England. Also, keep in mind the nonchalant attitude of many of today's YA readers--what's the big deal? Straight, gay, or bisexual; who cares?
Readers were introduced to this quirky, anachronistic world in 1987 with the publication of the author's Swordspoint followed by Fall Of The Kings. Although Privilege is last published and chronologically follows Swordspoint, it is a stand alone novel.
Call me old-fashion or even a male chauvinistic but I found it refreshing and positive that at the end of the novel, assertive, aggressive, and liberated Kate doesn't burn her corset or reject femininity. Why can't a girl or woman have the societal advantages of both sexes with each benefiting and improving the other? ' "I've got yards of sarcenet over quite a lot of petticoat and corset...It pinches," Katherine fretted. "and the sleeves--they're so tight, I can hardly move my arms. Can't you open up this seam here?" "It is not the mode, madame." "Well, make it the mode, why don't you? Attach some ribbons right across here--." '
Women's lib and gender equality have definitely affected and influenced recent heroic fantasy. Even a "Tom boy" sub genre of heroines have developed aimed at and evidently embraced by adolescent girls. Buffy The Vampire Slayer was bound to have an effect! One of the first and most popular "strong girl" authors is Tamora Pierce with female protagonists like the knight Alanna and the more recent Beka Cooper (Terrier, Bloodhound). In fact, some of these empowered female characters are so tough and aggressive they can intimidate boy readers. Some boys react as if they've unexpectedly come face to face with a giant, hungry "female" Black Widow spider! Recommended especially for HIGH SCHOOL girls. Recommended byRobert L. Hicks, high school librarian
