CI5 hq

For me this is a story where I have to exercise some separation of content and execution in order to try and appreciate it, as while I think it's skilfully done I don't like reading actual pain (as opposed to discomfort or just restraint) deliberately planned and inflicted, even when wholly consensual (though I am all over a bit of rough, up to and including a little pain, when the context supports getting carried away; otherwise I'm more into e.g. Courtney Grey's Object of Desire or Josey's No Place Like Home). (Actual pain also has the effect of making me see paraphernalia as gadgety and narratively clunky, tending to break me out of a story rather than reading smoothly.) So yes, it's in the context of a narrow escape, but ... and the characterisation is internally consistent, but .... and the descriptive writing is beautifully done, with vivid smells and tastes and sights and sensations all complete, but ... I suppose I admire the skill with which the china has been shaped and exquisitely decorated and the leaves have been harvested, dried, brewed and served but it's not really my cup of tea. I'll watch with interest to see what others think!