On The Ballad Of IKDR
On the surface, TBOIKDR is quite obviously a revenge melodrama. It’s literary pre-cursors are Dumas’ The Count Of Monte Christo, Bester’s The Stars My Destination, and Hammet’s The Glass Key — all. you should note, squarely genre novels. In exploring the (vast) lengths IKDR will cross to gain his vengeance
we find the measure of the man. The ephemeral qualities of loyalty, persistence, idealism and integrity are explored via this single red-hot emotion.
But, as you read, I’d like you to keep in mind two thoughts:
Deep down, this is a story about love. Midway through the story comes a double reversal that paints a picture of love as best as I can imagine it. I won’t give it away, but ask you to remember: Love is most often best shown in the light of complication and struggle. A love that never has to endure hard choices is a weak and untried love.
The truth of revenge is as important to the one who’s head is on the block as he who would place it there. Pay attention to IKDR’s foe — the lengths he will go to to escape his vengeance are as telling about his (and IKDR’s) character as those the pursuer would commit.
