City of Legends

One of the points brought forward in the first round of my interview with Barbara Holmes is the lady calling me to task for stating that the character of the Viscount de Valmont, from Dangerous Liaisons, is one that has had an impact on me and my worldview. I think I acquit myself somewhat in my self-defense. I recognize that, for the most part, he is not a sympathetic character and for most of the book, play and film he is exactly the sort of person I would despise and, despite my nonviolent nature, be inclined to take a swing at.

My acknowledgment is that, in the end, Valmont is, if not entirely at least partially, redeemed by the power of love and seeks to make amends for his failures. You can argue his motives, whether he is truly repentant or just guilt-ridden, or whether perhaps he sees himself trapped and sees no way out but to die and take his revenge on Madame de Merteuil. I tend to take the romantic view, that this man has been transformed by his first real taste of love and is trying to make amends for his evils.

It is that element in the character that has had an effect on me. Just as there are aspects in every character I mention in my influences list that I would not want a part of me, there are elements of the Viscount that I would not want to carry. I have never seen conquest as a sport, I have never been able to comprehend, much less sympathize, with those who view women as objects, rather than people.

And you think I have fun with that question? Wait until we get into the quagmires of my relationship with my daughter, weighing the Aubergine works in balance with the Panther Cycles and the question of legacy.