People, plot, prose and points of view

14 September 2023 Hazel , 1

It’s a tricky question …

Anyone who knows about the craft of writing, knows that it needs a variety of component parts: characters, plot line, setting, narrative method, point(s) of view, conflict.  But what is it that really keeps those pages turning? 

Intricate clever plotting, where I’m desperate to know what will happen, glues me to a good novel, but needs good writing to sustain it. I don’t want to be distracted and frustrated by mentally editing as I read. On the other hand, if the prose is lyrical and literarily impeccable, I need some sense of caring what happens to the characters to hold my interest and persist. So, for me, I guess it depends whether I’m looking for a gripping read or an educational excursion into fine writing at the time.

Why this question this week? Well, two books sharply contrasted both styles, neither of which tick all the boxes:
The Accidental by Ali Smith – a novel about the ways that seemingly chance encounters irrevocably transform our understanding of ourselves … explores the nature of truth, the role of fate and the power of storytelling.
And
Hidden Killers by Lynda la Plante – the second novel in a series about the crimes tackled by rookie detective Jane Tennison, and her own experience of being a victim when she is set up as a decoy for a serial offender in a spate of sexual assaults against women.

Galloped through one in spite of itching for a red pen; trudged through and (whisper it softly) eventually gave up on the other. Oh dear. Troubles me even to admit it. This is a very recent development – allowing myself to abandon a book before the end, and guilt is swirling even now. I should have given the writer the best possible sporting chance. But really … I’ve come to the conclusion that life’s too short and my bookshelves way too full. But please please don’t be put off Ali Smith’s books by my personal reaction. She’s wreathed in accolades. Besides, as you know, I have a long-standing love-hate relationship with literary prizewinners. Lowbrow, that’s my problem!

Ali Smith, crime novels, Hidden Killers, literary fiction, Lynda la Plante, The Accidental

How do you see me? Vulnerability and creativity