I’ve just finished reading for the I don’t know how many-th time Joanna Bourne’s Spymasters series. And, somewhat startlingly, they seemed to speak very clearly to our current era. Not only was there the whole French Revolution context which seems relevant to me, but almost every love affair in the books features a couple who begins on opposite sides of an issue. 

So, as I read I kept imagining certain gazillionaires muttering to themselves as they boarded their five hundred million dollar yachts, “Let them eat cake.” I pictured all those who are absolutist in their beliefs that they know absolutely what is right for the masse. I worried about a coming revolution. 

But I also found solace in the way Bourne’s lovers learn to respect and understand the views of those who see the world differently. Her leads ask each other questions rather than harangue one another or storm out of the room (or country.) They are remarkably forgiving of others’ pasts and mistakes. I resolved to keep Justine and Hawk in mind as the holidays come and I will spend time with those who see the world differently than I do. 

This verisimilitude of reality is one of the very best things about reading fiction. It enables us to see views other than our own and to expand our knowledge of the world. It breaks my heart when people dismiss reading stories–it is through the telling of stories that we can best understand others. 

Have you read anything that has helped you make sense of your/the world? If so, why? And please share titles–I’m always looking for books to learn from.