Lives of Original Characters

I haven't read a Star Wars novel in a while but I'm getting back into them. Something I always wondered was whether or not the fans of the Luke Skywalker like the way authors continued on with his life after Return of the Jedi.I am honestly at odds about it. Also, as a Yoda fan, I kind of have an urge to know about Yoda's origins, but I guess it grates my nerves to think of an author of not so good writing ability butchering that one. Any thoughts?

Most of the time I like what they did with Luke Skywalker, especially Timothy Zahn's treatment in The Hand of Thrawn series.

Timothy Zahn did a good job with Luke, and I did like Union (Star Wars) by Mike Stackpole (the wedding of Luke and Mara) a lot. Aside from that, I feel it's a mixed bag, since the writers don't always seem to keep his character consistent (and Mara has the same problem).

I agree that it's often hit or miss with character portrayal but that Timothy Zahn seems to be the most consistently on the mark with his writing about them. Of course, his books were also the first ones written so he kind of set the standard. Everything tends to be compared with his characterizations.

I've read somewhere or other that Yoda's origins are a banned subject; Lucas wants it to remain a mystery. So no threat of butchering that.