'The Book Thief'. Hmmmm. I think I am about halfway on it. I love the narrator (Death), I love the little device (headings and 'pronouncements'), I like the flow, the setting ... but I don't feel close to or intensely interested in any of the characters, not even the book thief herself. So I read a little more every night, but it has not been one of those books that I couldn't put down. But I would still recommend it because it is really well-written and I think my response is subjective. More comments when I finish it (and it's a large book).
In the meantime I am still reading writing books for my classes this year. At the moment it's the one on short story writing by Damon Knight. Lots of good advice. I have about 6 to go, but there aren't many that focus just on short fiction.
No writing. I am resting and becoming good friends with my new air conditioner (because it's very hot here at the moment) and hoping the bush fires get put out really soon.
Interesting. What do you mean by well-written? I often find his metaphors inept and forced, even trite: 'eyes the colour of agony'! Only one of many examples. And figurative language ought not be used like a pepper mill - oh yes, nothing yet on this page, time to grind and sprinkle.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I certainly don't mean to imply that there's nothing to appreciate in Zusak's work.