Good Readers Make Good Writers

[kymahalei]

Apr 28, 2011 13:25:05 GMT -6 erulisse said:

Well, I finished all of the Kushner books - loved them. And I am deep in Troubled Waters now. I concur with your recommendation, Ky. It is well worth the read. A beautifully structured, rich world that is unique in its focus and balance. Thanks for the recommendation.

- Erulisse (one L)

I've been through Kushner. Now I suppose I'll have at Sharon Shinn. I'll let you know if any of her other works are as well done.

[mariamaria]

I don't particularly care for Ellen Kushner's writing. I am used to a more austere, masculine style like Ian McEwan and obviously, the master, Ernest Hemignway. They are also more character driven, rather than plot driven. Regardless, I think Ellen's characters are really phenomenal. It is too bad that within the "comedy off manners" style we are left to ponder about the character's motivations and fill in the blanks rather than having Ellen telling us herself. Maybe that is what draws so many to her writing.

I recently read a wonderful character driven book by Elizabeth Kostova called The Swan Thieves. You should check it out.

[kymahalei]

thanks for the suggestion, Mariamaria. I've got the book ordered on interlibrary loan. It should be here in a few days.Without giving any spoilers, can you tell me why you like the book? I'll get back to you as soon as I got it read.

[mariamaria]

Oh, goodness, I apologize, I missed this. Why did I like The Swan Thieves? Hmmm... I liked the interweaved first person narrative and the epistoloary style. It is also very well researched and it is a bit of an offbeat mystery, instead of finding out who killed who, a psychiatrist sets to find out what drives his patient's mania. I found it enthralling, but some other people thought it was too slow.

I hope I didn't spoil the reading for you.