Yes, I've read All The Light We Cannot See, as well as his similarly gorgeous Cloud Cuckoo Land and his earlier collection of short stories, The Memory Wall. He is a stunning writer — and I'm irrationally proud to mention that he lives here in Boise, Idaho, and he once came to my book club. Besides brilliant, he's a truly nice guy.
Thank you so much for writing this piece. I had no idea who he was but just the excerpts you provided was enough to get me to order his book. Then I couldn't even wait for that even though it's going to be delivered tomorrow. I had to go to my library to see if they were open on President's Day today and they were! I got this book and I got the other book. I took a minute to look at the front and the first several pages and it's exactly what I'm looking for as a demonstration of short chapters writing almost like a movie scene. Very specific with the metaphorical language. I love it. I can see that it's going to improve my own writing dramatically. I never know where to look for writers like this, so I'm so appreciative that you brought it up!
I really enjoyed this piece on creative writing. It is metaphorical nuanced descriptive writing, yes, but also musical in its sonic elements. The language puzzles together as if you can hear it like tones, beautiful notes unlike the machine souls dedicated only to making a point or driving a story forward like the editor who would discard those who wrote descriptively - that's descriptively, not ingratiating. An interesting contrast to your piece on Hemingway and the virtues of minimalism.
I sunk into this glorious book with every fibre. The sheer brilliance of writing an entire character without sight. Then, I made the mistake of trying watch the series. Gawd awful. The French characters with inexcusable English accents, the clearly not-blind adult actor, the stiffness of the acting (from actors whom I adore), and anyway, they shouldn't have even attempted to put into film this stunningly lusciously written book.
When I first read it I went and read whatever else I could find by him. There was not much. He seemingly came out of nowhere but writing like that comes from years of work. And his stories are extremely convoluted structure-wise but never confusing. I actually preferred Cloud Cuckoo Land, his most recent novel. The way he tied the story together at the end was masterful and made me put the book down in awe. Just a great storyteller. Unfortunately the streaming adaptation was awful so read the book.
In politics and policy-making, they warn that you shouldn't want to know how the sausage is made. In this essay, you demonstrate that the same does not apply to illuminating the process of good writing. Metaphor (A is like B) is such a great example of something that is more than the sum of its parts. Well done Linda! 👏
An incredible work, Linda! And an excellent choice for this article!
Yes, I've read All The Light We Cannot See, as well as his similarly gorgeous Cloud Cuckoo Land and his earlier collection of short stories, The Memory Wall. He is a stunning writer — and I'm irrationally proud to mention that he lives here in Boise, Idaho, and he once came to my book club. Besides brilliant, he's a truly nice guy.
Your story inspired me to order this book. Thanks, Linda. Beautiful, lyrical, metaphoric writing.
Awesome! This is another one I'll have to pick up and read to my kids. This was just the inspiration I needed today!
Thank you so much for writing this piece. I had no idea who he was but just the excerpts you provided was enough to get me to order his book. Then I couldn't even wait for that even though it's going to be delivered tomorrow. I had to go to my library to see if they were open on President's Day today and they were! I got this book and I got the other book. I took a minute to look at the front and the first several pages and it's exactly what I'm looking for as a demonstration of short chapters writing almost like a movie scene. Very specific with the metaphorical language. I love it. I can see that it's going to improve my own writing dramatically. I never know where to look for writers like this, so I'm so appreciative that you brought it up!
I really enjoyed this piece on creative writing. It is metaphorical nuanced descriptive writing, yes, but also musical in its sonic elements. The language puzzles together as if you can hear it like tones, beautiful notes unlike the machine souls dedicated only to making a point or driving a story forward like the editor who would discard those who wrote descriptively - that's descriptively, not ingratiating. An interesting contrast to your piece on Hemingway and the virtues of minimalism.
I sunk into this glorious book with every fibre. The sheer brilliance of writing an entire character without sight. Then, I made the mistake of trying watch the series. Gawd awful. The French characters with inexcusable English accents, the clearly not-blind adult actor, the stiffness of the acting (from actors whom I adore), and anyway, they shouldn't have even attempted to put into film this stunningly lusciously written book.
When I first read it I went and read whatever else I could find by him. There was not much. He seemingly came out of nowhere but writing like that comes from years of work. And his stories are extremely convoluted structure-wise but never confusing. I actually preferred Cloud Cuckoo Land, his most recent novel. The way he tied the story together at the end was masterful and made me put the book down in awe. Just a great storyteller. Unfortunately the streaming adaptation was awful so read the book.
In politics and policy-making, they warn that you shouldn't want to know how the sausage is made. In this essay, you demonstrate that the same does not apply to illuminating the process of good writing. Metaphor (A is like B) is such a great example of something that is more than the sum of its parts. Well done Linda! 👏
This book has been on my to-read list. Well, today after reading this, I've moved it to the top! Thanks.
Many Thanks Dear Linda
I enjoyed reading your writings, looking for touching words or sentences, which are many,like
(a writer whose sentences never fail to thrill” —Los Angeles Times) beautiful.
I LOVE IT .
Sam John
IRAQ
I definitely will.