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.
I did the same. I really liked Cloud Cuckoo Land, too. Same thing. When I closed the book I just sat there holding it in utter awe. I haven't watched the film because I heard it was terrible. lol
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.
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 so agree, Zebra. Some of his passages are downright musical. I love that you noted the contrast with the piece on Hemingway and minimalism. It's kind of where I want to go with this publication. Showcasing the many different ways we can make magic with words. I'll be adding tutorials and technique very shortly too. Make this whole thing a little more well rounded. ;)
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!
Oh that's awesome. I'd love to know what you think, and what your kids think, too. Also, I owe you an email. I was away from the computer all weekend so I'm just catching up. Thought I'd let you know :)
I know what it's like to be busy! My poor wife called me today because somebody bumped into her car in the parking lot. Nobody was hurt and the car still drives, but these are the moments of stress that nobody needs! Take your time!
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.
He came to your book club? Oh Jan, that's amazing. I love hearing when great writers are truly nice people. So many of them are, too. Not all. But a lot.
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.
I did the same. I really liked Cloud Cuckoo Land, too. Same thing. When I closed the book I just sat there holding it in utter awe. I haven't watched the film because I heard it was terrible. lol
Also unwatchable!
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.
I heard that too, Susan, so I didn't even watch. I can't stand when they ruin a good book.
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 so agree, Zebra. Some of his passages are downright musical. I love that you noted the contrast with the piece on Hemingway and minimalism. It's kind of where I want to go with this publication. Showcasing the many different ways we can make magic with words. I'll be adding tutorials and technique very shortly too. Make this whole thing a little more well rounded. ;)
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'm so glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to know what you think of the book when you're done. Do come back and let me know, okay? :)
Awesome! This is another one I'll have to pick up and read to my kids. This was just the inspiration I needed today!
Oh that's awesome. I'd love to know what you think, and what your kids think, too. Also, I owe you an email. I was away from the computer all weekend so I'm just catching up. Thought I'd let you know :)
I know what it's like to be busy! My poor wife called me today because somebody bumped into her car in the parking lot. Nobody was hurt and the car still drives, but these are the moments of stress that nobody needs! Take your time!
Your story inspired me to order this book. Thanks, Linda. Beautiful, lyrical, metaphoric writing.
Oh I hope you love it Trisha. Come back and let me know after you read it, okay?
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.
He came to your book club? Oh Jan, that's amazing. I love hearing when great writers are truly nice people. So many of them are, too. Not all. But a lot.
I definitely will.
This book has been on my to-read list. Well, today after reading this, I've moved it to the top! Thanks.
An incredible work, Linda! And an excellent choice for this article!
Thanks Roman! Now the question will be which book next. The never ending question
Tim O’Brien.