This sultry Byzantine hero, a seagoing warrior named Demetrius, was introduced as a love interest for runaway Aurelia, but despite peril and beauty, she just didn't go for him. She had a spiritual quest on her mind, not dalliance or earthly love. That bit there wouldn't succeed as a proper "Young Adult" device. All the Young Adult stories I've read have at least some romantic or erotic elements. Nobody in the 21st century wants to read about a heroine that rejects the Handsome Hero in favor of an unearthly icon. That was one of the main reasons why I never finished the book. It would have been fine in the fifth century AD, when this tale was set.
Ink and watercolor on sketchbook page, 4 1/2" x 7", February 1975.
No comments:
Post a Comment