Cephalopod Coffeehouse Review
Every month I attempt to remember to join in with other bloggers posting up book reviews. It also helps me to remember to keep making time to read: if you want to write then reading is essential!
The Island, Victoria Hislop, Headline Book Publishing
This book was given to me by a friend who had
inadvertently ended up with two copies. It came with a shrug. I soon picked up
why. The story is well researched, well intentioned, the writing isn't what I
would identify as bad, exactly. I feel like a heel for pointing this out,
actually, because a story with a kind heart is a good thing: but there is far
too much tell and not enough show. I like to work things out for myself. Show
me a scene, I'll know if people are happy or sad or complicated. I'd rather
make up my own mind, it makes me more involved, and the further into the story
I go the more this applies. For example, if on page 206 I need to be told that
a key protagonist 'was a mistress of restraint… In this way she kept up the
appearance of being contented' maybe the writer doesn't think I have bothered
to notice this character trait? Is that a lack of confidence in the writer or
the reader? One feels slighted! Still, it was a debut novel. I hope a stronger
editor or some honest friends will help shake the annoyances out. I didn't regret
reading it.
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Comments
Good review. Thanks!
Author of Wilder Mage at Spirit Called
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So, in other words, telling is more forgivable at the beginning? You've given me something to think about!
I confess I used to explain a lot in my writing (and still have this tendency to tell the reader: "Did you get it? Did you?") But fortunately, I have great CPs who always point this out to me. :)
Yep CD, readers need some thought space!
Yolanda, it was in the spirit of fair play and curiosity.
Lorena, this is a personal thing obviously but it is how it works for me. I like best a scene that is realistic, in the world of the book, but relevant to the plot/character development: as though someone had simply edited a life. I found reading scripts and plays a good way to learn this. And if you do need to absolutely idiot proof how your reader thinks of a character, yes, do it at the beginning :-)
That soooo describes my Coffeehouse endeavors....and I see The Squid almost daily!
Are you one to abandon books or do you plug along until the end?
Hello MOCK! Attempting to remember is something I do a lot :-) I try to give a book the best chance: but there is a point at which I think I can gain nothing but annoyance from this. Once I was so offended by a writer's sexism that I threw the book on a fire. It wasn't my book but it felt like the right thing to do.
I know what you mean about feeling a bit mean though, but honesty is best I think!
Stephanie, you make a good point. **huffs**
mshatch, thank you, because even when huffy one does like to be kindly :-)