What was your intention in having Kitty develop such a close relationship with Bartimaeus, even though the bond between Bart and Nat was central to the story? Was Nat's bond with Bartimaeus stronger than Kitty's or vice versa?

Also, what do you believe are Bartimaeus' feelings toward Kitty and Nathaniel after the events of book 3?

You said that Nathaniel had feelings for Kitty, did she feel the same way?

In my opinion, this is one of the most moving parts of the book told from Kitty's point of view when she looks into Bsrt's eyes: '...it was like looking at a clear night sky--all black and cold and infinite, with tiny lights glinting, unreachable and far away.... It was terrible, yet beautiful; she was drawn to it as a child to a window.' What, if any, is the significance of this passage?

I've heard rumours that you have compiled something of a Bartimaeus Bible with lots of information about the trilogy. Are you ever going to print it, or release the information?

Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful series and taking time out to answer our questions!

Hi Jesaray,

Well, the trilogy hinges on the triangular relationship between B, N and K, each one from a different group in society - demons, magicians and commoners. They all start out hating each other, but gradual respect builds between them all. It's essential for K and B to get close. Of the three of them, K is the most flexible - she's less fixed in her allotted 'role' than B and N. The plot of book III is largely driven by her attempts to step out of preconcieved notions of behaviour and make gestures of reconciliation. Both N and B come to recognise the importance of her actions.

I think it's up to the reader to decide which bonds were stronger, if any. I also don't want to get too prescriptive about the exact emotions Bart feels at the end of the book. I think it's safe to say that he ends up being impressed by both N and K, though in different ways.

Similarly, though I think it's clear that Nat ends up admiring Kitty rather a lot, her own emotions are less expressed. I think she's quite a practical character, and though Nat changes in the last half of the book, she's focusing most of the time on survival, so she doesn't let herself think about him too much. At the end though... it's hard to say.

I'm glad you like that passage between K and Bart: it is one of the most important bits of the book, and was one of the earliest scenes of Book III to be written. Their encounter, when she summons him, is vital for both: both are exposed to the other in unexpected ways. That moment, when she looks into his eyes, is significant - we're so familiar with all Bart's posturing and schtick that it's important to realise, with Kitty, that he is essentially other, not human, and carries burdens that we can scarcely imagine.

Hmm, how did you hear about the Bart Bible? It does exist and I'm hoping to create a website which will have some of that material on it. Early days, though...

Glad you liked the books! Pleasure to answer your questions.

Jonathan

I remember hearing about the Bible from someone who went to one of your dates in Houston. And a odd picture of Bartimaeus you drew. Or something like that.

you know, i never really thought about the fact that they're eachf rom a different society group...but I definately liked how they relationships changed and progressed in the last book. (awesome job on it btw, i cried at the end!)


ooh! website? can you hire me to do it?