Patience – The New Order.

Whoever said there is no fortitude in today’s world? That this is the generation of Instant Gratification?

Well who ever it was has never come across the Protracted Prose Penner. That Master of story telling who concocts intriguing, enthralling, intricate tales that will not fit into a single tome. And hence are brought out as an epic series of several volumes.

And for some obscure reason [probably economics], the PPP does not wait until the entire saga is written to publish. Rather, the pages are sent into press even as they roll out of the writer’s printer. Ah, the wonders of Technology.

But Hark! Is that a croak I hear beneath the birdsong?

Yeah, I just finished the latest installment of spellbinding mystery and adventure, so how long do I have to wait to find out whodunit?

Oh yes, I am at the moment so enwrapped in a cocoon of several of these yarn spinners creation, it’s a wonder I am able to move.

Let’s see – there is Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, into which I was thrust in kicking and screaming by our very own crazybard. And I confess I read the first few only because I had been forced to read the first one and it didn’t seem right not to finish a “series”. But ohmigod, I’m glad we didn’t lose King before he could finish this incredible tale of Roland Deschain and gang in their quest for the Dark Tower. And looking back now, I think fondly of not only Gilead and Midworld, but also outrageous Lud, the bleak Wastelands, and even the preposterous lobstrosities on the beach. I have finished all but the last book, which has yet to make way to these remote shores. As I’ve already read the spoilers [the book’s been out for ages, so sue me!], this thread does not bind too tightly.

Next there is George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. A “genuine masterpiece of unsurpassed vision”, the first three books build up an extraordinary saga, replete with an Iron throne, dragons, dwarves and unspecified dangers beyond “The Wall”. Wonderful fantasy, just real enough to send a slight chill down your spine. And now what do I hear? That our brother grrm may drop the series… oh wait he’s not…. Oh shoot he is… make up your mind luv, or I’ll have to write my own conclusion.

Of the same ilk is Christian Jacq’s The Stone of Light series. Four books, set in The Valley of the Kings some time during the Middle Kingdom, stopping at murder, mystery and suspense. Will someone tell me if M. Jacq is planning on finishing this one, and if so, how long will it take the translators to Anglicize it, and when will it reach our impenetrable bookshelves?

Then there is the ubiquitous Harry Potter and his battle against You-Know-Who [at least, you must by now]. Well, this one’s easy. Ms Rowling has promised the last volume by July ’07, and since she’s got a movie contract as well as oodles of other endorsements hanging on this one, my guess is she’ll deliver. And now that Dumbledore is dead, I’m sure it’s going to be one long battle.

And now there is our very own Ashok Banker’s Ramayana. Nearing the end of book five, I hope Mr. Banker is assiduously at his keyboard, proofing the next book. If not, I might have to consider personally going over to persuade him to get a move on it. Even though I know the end of this story.

And they say Patience is a Disappearing Virtue.