So "The Slow Regard of Silent Things" starts off with a warning/apology/ransom-note... This is not a good sign...
That's mainly for the benefit of those expecting a King Killer part 2 1/2 or something.
I found myself enjoying this novella quite a bit and by the end of it I had a smile on my face. His warning at the beginning was helpful if a also a bit over blown; it is not a standard story as there is no dialogue or plot but it provides some insight into the life and doings of Auri, so if you found her charming and intriguing in the novel then you may also enjoy this short story as well. Of course If you didn't then yes, of course, this isn't for you. Her mysteries aren't solved here and the rules that govern her life are still mostly perplexing to me but the author managed to bring her to life and forge a connection through her daily rituals and her emotional ups and downs... she felt very real if also very strange at the same time. At any rate I liked it and from the hints here I'm looking forward to future adventures in the Underthing.
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Rothfuss had an ending note that was far more apt than his opening warning and I feel that it would have served far better to weed out those who would or wouldn't want to read the novella:
As part of this process, I've given this story to about three dozen beta readers, gathering feedback to help me in my endless, obsessive revisions. And one comment people have made over and over again and again, phrased many different ways, is this:
"I don't know what other people will think. They probably won't like it. But I really enjoyed it."
It's strange to me how many people have said some version of that. Hell, I just now realize I said something similar myself a page or two ago in this author's note. The truth is, I'm fond of Auri. I have a special place in my heart for this strange, sweet, shattered girl. I love her more than just a little. I think it's because we're both somewhat broken, in our own odd ways. More importantly, we're both aware of it. Auri knows she isn't all quite proper true inside, and this makes her feel very much alone. I know how she feels.
But that itself is not unusual. I am the author, after all. I'm supposed to know how the character feels. It wasn't until I started gathering feedback that I realized how common this feeling is. I've had person after person tell me that they empathize with Auri. That they know where she's coming from. I didn't expect that. I cannot help but wonder how many of us walk through our lives, day after day, feeling slightly broken and alone, surrounded all the time by others who feel exactly the same way. So. If you read this book and you didn't enjoy it, I'm sorry. It's my fault. This is a strange story. You might enjoy it more on a second reading. (Most of my stories are better the second time around.) But then again, maybe not.
If you're one of the people who found this story disconcerting, off-putting, or confusing, I apologize. The truth is, it probably just wasn't for you. The good news is that there are many other stories out there that are written just for you. Stories you will enjoy much more. This story is for all the slightly broken people out there. I am one of you. You are not alone. You are all beautiful to me."