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Where to start with The Dresden Files? (lemm.ee)

submitted 1 year ago by DadWagonDriver@lemm.ee to c/books@lemmy.world

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Given the name of the leader of this community, I figured I’d throw this out there:

I’ve never read any of Jim Butcher’s books, and have heard good things about The Dresden Files.

Where do I start? Is there a good website to show a suggested reading order, etc?

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[–] Timecircleline@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've read all of them. I've read other novels with character perspectives about women even worse than the dresden files. However, there are some times where I had to put the book down because it felt... gross. Like unreasonable wish fulfillment that adds nothing to the story.

I think its the fact that it's the only area in which the reader is supposed to believe that Harry might not be the most reliable narrator? And other characters are kind of guilty of it too.

Again, I've read all of them. I probably will continue to read the series as my library gets them available. I like the magic system. I like the world building and the rules. I just find some of Harry's perspective icky.

[–] wahming@monyet.cc 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Unreliable narrator isn't the way I'd put it. See https://www.reddit.com/r/dresdenfiles/comments/10vlsra/harry_is_not_an_unreliable_narrator/. It's, as you say, Harry's perspective. Yes, we may not agree with it, but I can't say I find it unrealistic given the genre and his personal history.

In fact, I find it an intriguing moral discussion. Do we judge Harry for his private thoughts, or for his actions? In the real world, the answer would obviously be actions. We are none of us fully in control of our thoughts or urges. The fact that he behaves as a gentleman at all times should be lauded. Instead, many readers seem to think that he should be pure in heart and soul, and hold him to an unreasonably high moral standard.

[–] probablyaCat@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I just like to not be reminded of the creepy guy in a friend's circle that everyone kind of pities so they don't chase them off for fear of being mean. But then that guy gets progressively more gropey when he gives a hug, starts making more comments about everyone woman's body in the group. And hangs around encouraging women to drink to excess around him.

Tldr: I like to like the main character.

[–] Baahb@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Well put

[–] wahming@monyet.cc -1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Honestly, has Harry actually done anything creepy? The point is that if we look at only his behaviour, he's basically a goody two shoes. It's only if you look within his thoughts that you see the demons within. Which he manages to keep well leashed

[–] Timecircleline@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

I understand that perspective but his "chivalry" at time smacks of chauvinism. And it does get repetitive listening to him justify it to himself (the reader).

Not to mention the whole of Butters' later romantic situation... which can't be attributed to Harry's perspective. Not that there is anything morally or legally wrong with it, it just feels unnecessary to include it. It diminished all the characters in my eyes.

Thank you for sharing the thread on his status as unreliable narrator, it was a good read.