Originally Posted by Karen 26th September 2006


How do you see Mutz's introduction in this story? What did you think of him when you first read about him?

Ellen


OK, just finished chapter three, the introduction of Josef Mutz. I'm not sure why, but I figured, being an army officer, he'd be a bad ass. He really seemed compassionate about the people around him. But, counterfeiting money makes him a bit sinister too. I need to read more about the town they're living in.

Nurseanne8


Mutz is the only character introduced so far in the book who I understand and like. I believe he is making the money at the command of the Czech Legion commander Captain Matula-chapter 3 mentions he is trying to keep inflation down and base the amount of currency released on the amount of food available which reveals some degree of honesty in Mutz's character. The description of the engraving tools and artwork of the money suggests to me that he may have practiced this trade in Prague before the war. The description of Mutz illustrates that the soldiers in the legion look to him for guidance and he at times shields the inhabitants of Yazyk and the legion from the cruel acts of Matula. In chapter 3 there is a hint of Mutz's relationship with Anna when we learn that he put the likeness of her face on the money he minted when Balashov is seeking for protection of Anna.

Karen


Thanks for explaining all of that Anne r...

I still wonder about Mutz, at times I liked him and thought I understood him, or at least I did at the beginning. I found it interesting that he put Anna's face on the money...and I thought that Meek adding this bit to his character was somehow telling of what Mutz felt and thought about Anna. Meek puts lots of *bits and snags* in this book, that on the surface, you think are just bits of fluff...but as you read on, or go back and re-read, you realize he is building very complex and mulitlayered characters.

Deppraved


Mutz is a very believable and human(e) character. I did like Mutz, and I felt a bit sorry for him, too. He had a job to do, but his heart wasn't in it.

All he wants is to live long enough to get home to his country.

I also think he truly cared for the fickle and capricious Anna Petrovna.

If not for Mutz, I may not have made it all the way through this book, as he represented a link to sanity in a mad world, for me anyway!

Nurseanne8


Mutz represents the true hero to me in this book.

Herestoyou


It definitely was interesting with the description of him making the money. I wasn’t sure if he was a good guy or not, but as the chapter went on, he seemed to be a more sympathetic character. He was concerned about the shaman as well as Anna. He just seemed like a tired soldier wondering if it was worth the fight and when he would get back to his home. He came across as being tired and discouraged being involved in a war (revolution) that he didn’t really understand after all of the other battles the Czechs had been involved in. Yes, I also agree he seemed to be one of the more “honorable” characters at this point. Of course the whole shaman conversation was confusing until later in the book, too.