I was an English major in college and this book brought back memories of writing essays on other writer's works. I always wondered, as the professor talked about symbolism and meaning beyond what is apparent, if the author actually meant for all of this deeper meaning, or if they were simply trying to get a story from their mind onto paper in a coherent way. What I liked the best about ARDEUR is that before each essay Laurell comments on what each writer had to say. I found it humorous and enlightening when she would comment that certain issues brought up were not intentional, and how the characters essentially write themselves. For example, Laurell said that she had intended for Anita to choose Richard over Jean-Claude but the story and characters simply wouldn't allow it. Knowing how the story has evolved since that choice was made so early in the series, it is interesting to me to hear Laurell say that. All in all, I savored Laurell's comments in ARDEUR and skimmed the essays, but knew that, though the essay writers were saying it, it doesn't make it true. Just like I knew in college!

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