Book Club: Game of Thrones

When I read that the pre-match performance for the Grand Final of the NRL is to be inspired by ‘The Game of Thrones’ (so a mock battle before the real battle). I thought, “This really is a book and its spin-offs that have captured the public imagination”.

‘The Game of Thrones” was first published in 1996, but it was not until January 2001 that it made the “New York Times” best seller list.

This popular novel by George Martin has been successfully turned into a TV series and into games.

The book follows three story lines simultaneously and is told from the changing viewpoints of different characters such as Bran, Eddard, Catelyn, these names are rising in popularity in Britain, so I’ve read.

The setting is ancient kingdoms and the the story is around the struggle to control those kingdoms.

The action is fast and furious, and violent! Which is the most common criticism I’ve heard of the book. I know ten year olds who love the book and Starts at Sixty members who have enthused about it.

And here I have to confess… I did not finish reading the book. I just couldn’t get into it.

The story moves along, characterisation is strong. The settings are vivid and there is a real sense of authenticity. From my meagre knowledge of medieval history, particularly Scotland and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this book with its family machinations, its wheelings and dealings rings true.

But sadly, the book did not grab me.

So, those of you who loved it, tell me what I’ve missed. A book this popular has to have something going for it?

Game of Thrones  available from on Booktopia here.