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Definitely FictionAuthor: Kirk Hamilton, Sam Parrish
A podcast about books, hosted by Sam Parrish and Kirk Hamilton. Currently reading The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold. Watch video versions free on YouTube at youtube.com/@DefinitelyFictionPod. Or go ad-free, get bonus segments, and support the show by joining the Patreon at DefinitelyFiction.com. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Barrayar [Vorkosigan Saga, Book 2]
Episode 2
Thursday, 27 August, 2026
Cordelia's adventures continue with Lois McMaster Bujold's 1992 political thriller Barrayar. Kirk and Sam had a great time discussing this tremendous book. Watch a video version of this episode free on YouTube. Or go ad-free, get bonus segments, and support the show by joining the Patreon. VOR-CABULARY: Katas - a set combination of positions and movements performed as an exercise Bolero - a loose waist-length jacket open at the front (comes up multiple times as something Drou is wearing) Vassal Secundus - Aral uses it to refer to his position as someone who is sworn directly to the Emperor Vassal - a person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom they have vowed homage Secundus - Latin term meaning second or following Punctilio - a minute detail of conduct in a ceremony or in observance of a code Cosset - to pamper or treat as a pet Riverine - relating to, formed by, or resembling a river Sobriquet - nickname, referring to Aral’s title “the Butcher of Komarr” Inveigled - to win over by wiles Paroxysm - a sudden outburst, fit, or attack (as of emotion) Caravanserai - an inn surrounding a court in eastern countries where caravans rest at night Teratogenic - Harming embryonic/fetal development. Used in contrast to mutagenic, which means altering DNA. Iatrogenic - a condition induced unintentionally by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures Prole - proletarian, the laboring class Sibilant - a sound resembling that of the s or the sh in sash Commensal - A relationship between two kinds of organisms in which one obtains food or benefits from the other without damaging or benefiting it. Used by Cordelia when she is thinking about horses. Flinders - Splinters, fragments. Describes Cordelia’s slippers after escaping into the mountains. Suasion - the act of influencing or persuading Grubstake - material assistance (such as a loan) provided for launching an enterprise or for a person in difficult circumstances Duenna - an elderly woman serving as governess and companion to the younger ladies in a Spanish or Portuguese family Raff - as in riffraff, disreputable persons Villi - small finger-like projections, such as those in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food Belike - casual, noncommittal expression in the Dendarii hills, meaning “maybe” or “perhaps” Marquetry - Inlay or veneer forming decorative patterns Sere - dry Sitzkrieg - Referring to a period of inaction after Germany invaded Poland and the UK and France declared war to start WWII, but before any Allied operations in Europe. Also known as the Phoney War. A play on blitzkrieg. -------------------------------------------------------------- 💰 SUPPORT DEFINITELY FICTION!Patreon Membership | One-Time Donation 🎨 SHOW ART by Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics 🎸 THEME MUSIC by Kirk Hamilton 📚 VORKOSIGAN SAGA READING ORDER Shards of Honor Barrayar The Warrior’s Apprentice The Vor Game Cetaganda Brothers in Arms Borders of Infinity Mirror Dance Memory Komarr A Civil Campaign Falling Free Ethan of Athos Winterfair Gifts + Diplomatic Immunity Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance The Flowers of Vashnoi + Cryoburn Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen
