Research is an essential component of fiction writing, as it adds depth, authenticity, and credibility to the narrative. Whether an author is writing historical fiction, legal thrillers, crime stories, or any other genre, conducting thorough research is crucial for creating a compelling and believable story. Research allows writers to accurately depict settings, events, and characters, which in turn enhances the reader’s experience and immersion in the story. Additionally, research helps writers avoid inaccuracies and anachronisms that can detract from the overall quality of the work. By investing time and effort into research, authors can ensure that their fiction is not only entertaining but also informative and thought-provoking.
Furthermore, research provides writers with a wealth of material to draw from, inspiring new ideas and plot developments. By delving into the details of a particular time period, profession, or location, authors can uncover fascinating stories, conflicts, and dilemmas that can enrich their narratives. Research also allows writers to explore different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience, enabling them to create more nuanced and empathetic characters. In essence, research is the foundation upon which great fiction is built, providing writers with the knowledge and insight necessary to craft compelling and memorable stories.
John Irving: Blending History and Fiction in his Novels
John Irving is renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend history and fiction in his novels, creating rich and immersive narratives that resonate with readers. Irving’s meticulous research and attention to detail are evident in his works, which often feature historical events and settings that are intricately woven into the fabric of the story. By drawing on real-world events and incorporating them into his fiction, Irving is able to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the past while also engaging them in compelling and emotionally resonant narratives. His novels, such as “The Cider House Rules” and “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” are prime examples of how research can be used to enrich and enliven fiction, making it more relevant and impactful for readers.
In addition to historical research, Irving also conducts extensive character research, delving into the psychology and motivations of his protagonists and supporting characters. This attention to detail allows him to create complex and fully realized characters that feel authentic and relatable to readers. By combining thorough historical research with deep character exploration, Irving is able to craft novels that are not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally compelling, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they have finished the book.
John Grisham: Incorporating Legal Realism into his Legal Thrillers
John Grisham is a master of incorporating legal realism into his legal thrillers, drawing on his background as a lawyer to create authentic and gripping narratives. Grisham’s novels are known for their meticulous attention to legal detail, accurately depicting courtroom procedures, legal ethics, and the complexities of the justice system. His ability to seamlessly integrate real-world legal issues into his fiction has earned him a dedicated following of readers who appreciate the authenticity and credibility of his work. By conducting thorough research into the legal profession and drawing on his own experiences, Grisham is able to create compelling and suspenseful stories that feel grounded in reality.
In addition to legal research, Grisham also invests time in exploring the human side of the law, delving into the personal and moral dilemmas faced by lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. This focus on character-driven storytelling allows Grisham to create multi-dimensional and relatable characters that resonate with readers on an emotional level. By combining his expertise in legal realism with compelling character development, Grisham has established himself as a preeminent author in the legal thriller genre, setting a high standard for authenticity and integrity in fiction.
Michael Connelly: Using Police Procedural Research to Create Authentic Crime Stories
Michael Connelly is celebrated for his use of police procedural research to create authentic and immersive crime stories that captivate readers. Connelly’s background as a crime reporter has provided him with firsthand knowledge of police investigations and criminal justice, which he draws upon to infuse his novels with realism and accuracy. His meticulous attention to detail in depicting police work, forensic science, and criminal behavior has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. By conducting extensive research into police procedures and criminal investigations, Connelly is able to craft narratives that feel true-to-life and resonate with readers who appreciate the authenticity of his storytelling.
In addition to police procedural research, Connelly also focuses on developing complex and flawed characters that reflect the moral ambiguity and emotional toll of working in law enforcement. By exploring the personal lives and inner struggles of his protagonists, Connelly adds depth and humanity to his crime stories, making them more compelling and relatable to readers. Through his commitment to thorough research and character-driven storytelling, Connelly has established himself as a master of the crime genre, setting a high standard for authenticity and credibility in fiction.
Balancing Accuracy and Creativity: The Challenges of Incorporating Research into Fiction
One of the challenges of incorporating research into fiction is striking a balance between accuracy and creativity. While thorough research is essential for creating authentic and believable narratives, it can also be limiting if writers become too beholden to factual details at the expense of storytelling. Finding the right balance between accuracy and creativity requires skillful navigation of historical or technical information while also allowing room for imagination and artistic license. Writers must be mindful of not overwhelming readers with excessive detail or sacrificing narrative momentum for the sake of accuracy. By carefully integrating research into their fiction without overshadowing the creative elements of storytelling, authors can create works that are both informative and engaging.
Another challenge of incorporating research into fiction is avoiding the temptation to rely solely on secondary sources or preconceived notions. While it may be convenient to rely on existing knowledge or popular perceptions of certain subjects, this approach can lead to clichés or inaccuracies that detract from the originality and authenticity of the work. Instead, writers should strive to conduct primary research whenever possible, seeking out firsthand accounts, expert interviews, or immersive experiences that provide unique insights into their subject matter. By approaching research with an open mind and a willingness to explore new perspectives, authors can uncover fresh material that enriches their fiction and sets it apart from conventional portrayals.
The Impact of Realistic Details on Reader Engagement and Suspension of Disbelief
Realistic details have a profound impact on reader engagement and suspension of disbelief in fiction, as they create a sense of authenticity that draws readers into the narrative world. When writers incorporate accurate historical or technical details into their stories, readers are more likely to feel immersed in the setting and events, enhancing their emotional investment in the characters and plot. Realistic details also lend credibility to the story, making it more convincing and compelling for readers who appreciate attention to accuracy. By providing readers with a rich tapestry of realistic details, writers can elevate their fiction from mere entertainment to thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating literature.
Furthermore, realistic details contribute to the suspension of disbelief by creating a sense of verisimilitude that allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the story without questioning its plausibility. When writers take the time to accurately depict historical periods, professional environments, or cultural nuances, readers are more likely to trust in the authenticity of the narrative world and suspend their disbelief. This suspension of disbelief enables readers to fully engage with the characters’ experiences and dilemmas, fostering empathy and emotional resonance that lingers long after they have finished reading. In essence, realistic details play a crucial role in establishing a strong connection between readers and fiction, enriching their experience and leaving a lasting impression.
Tips for Aspiring Writers: How to Conduct Effective Research for Fiction Writing
For aspiring writers looking to conduct effective research for their fiction writing, there are several tips that can help them navigate this process with confidence and skill. Firstly, it’s important for writers to approach research with an open mind and a willingness to explore new perspectives. By seeking out primary sources, expert interviews, or firsthand experiences related to their subject matter, writers can uncover unique insights that enrich their fiction and set it apart from conventional portrayals. Additionally, aspiring writers should strive to strike a balance between accuracy and creativity when incorporating research into their fiction. While thorough research is essential for creating authentic narratives, it’s equally important not to overwhelm readers with excessive detail or sacrifice storytelling for the sake of accuracy.
Furthermore, aspiring writers should consider the impact of realistic details on reader engagement and suspension of disbelief in their fiction. By providing readers with a rich tapestry of realistic details drawn from thorough research, writers can elevate their fiction from mere entertainment to thought-provoking literature that resonates with readers on an emotional level. Finally, aspiring writers should be mindful of not relying solely on secondary sources or preconceived notions when conducting research for their fiction. Instead, they should seek out firsthand accounts or immersive experiences that provide unique insights into their subject matter, allowing them to create works that are both informative and engaging. By following these tips for effective research, aspiring writers can enhance the authenticity and credibility of their fiction while also fostering reader engagement and suspension of disbelief.
Poetry has long been recognized as a powerful form of expression, capable of evoking deep emotions and conveying complex ideas in a succinct and impactful manner. The rhythmic cadence and lyrical language of poetry have the ability to stir the soul, provoke thought, and inspire action. Through the use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism, poets are able to tap into the universal human experience, connecting with readers on a deeply emotional level. Whether it’s the haunting beauty of a sonnet, the raw honesty of a confessional poem, or the rhythmic energy of spoken word, poetry has the power to move us in ways that prose simply cannot.
Furthermore, poetry allows for a level of emotional expression that is often difficult to achieve through other forms of writing. By harnessing the power of language and rhythm, poets are able to capture the nuances of human emotion, from the depths of despair to the heights of joy. Through the use of carefully chosen words and evocative imagery, poets can create a visceral experience for their readers, inviting them to explore the full range of human emotion. In this way, poetry serves as a powerful tool for both the poet and the reader, offering a means of connecting with and understanding our own emotions as well as those of others.
Poetry as a Tool for Self-Discovery and Reflection
In addition to its emotional power, poetry also serves as a valuable tool for self-discovery and reflection. Through the act of writing poetry, individuals are able to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings, gaining insight into their own experiences and perspectives. The process of crafting a poem requires careful consideration of language, imagery, and structure, encouraging poets to delve deep into their own consciousness in order to find the most authentic and meaningful expression. As a result, poetry becomes a means of self-exploration, allowing individuals to uncover hidden truths about themselves and their place in the world.
Moreover, the act of reading poetry can also be a transformative experience, offering readers the opportunity to engage with new ideas and perspectives. By immersing themselves in the words of others, readers are able to gain insight into different ways of thinking and feeling, expanding their own understanding of the human experience. Through the lens of poetry, individuals are able to see the world from new angles, challenging their assumptions and broadening their horizons. In this way, poetry serves as a mirror for the soul, reflecting back to us our own thoughts and feelings while also offering glimpses into the hearts and minds of others.
The Versatility of Poetry: From Traditional Forms to Modern Experimentation
One of the most remarkable aspects of poetry is its incredible versatility, encompassing a wide range of forms and styles that have evolved over centuries. From the structured elegance of a Shakespearean sonnet to the free-flowing lines of a contemporary spoken word piece, poetry has continually adapted and expanded to encompass new modes of expression. This diversity allows poets to experiment with language, form, and structure, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of poetic expression.
Traditional forms such as haiku, villanelle, and sestina offer poets a framework within which to craft their work, providing a set of rules and conventions that can serve as both a challenge and an inspiration. On the other hand, modern poets have embraced experimentation, breaking free from traditional constraints to explore new ways of using language and form. From visual poetry that incorporates graphic elements to performance poetry that blurs the line between written and spoken word, contemporary poets continue to push the boundaries of what is considered “poetry.” This diversity of form allows for an endless array of possibilities, ensuring that poetry remains a vibrant and dynamic art form that is constantly evolving.
Poetry as a Means of Social and Political Commentary
Throughout history, poetry has served as a powerful means of social and political commentary, allowing poets to give voice to their concerns and critiques in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking. By addressing issues such as inequality, injustice, and oppression, poets are able to shine a light on important social issues, sparking conversations and inspiring action. Through the use of vivid imagery and evocative language, poets are able to convey the urgency and significance of these issues, calling attention to the need for change.
Furthermore, poetry has the ability to humanize complex social and political issues, allowing readers to connect with these topics on a deeply emotional level. By tapping into universal emotions such as empathy, anger, and hope, poets are able to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and lived experiences, making these issues more relatable and accessible. In this way, poetry becomes a powerful tool for advocacy and activism, empowering individuals to engage with important social and political issues in a meaningful way.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Writing and Reading Poetry
In addition to its artistic and expressive potential, poetry also offers a range of therapeutic benefits for both writers and readers. The act of writing poetry can be a deeply cathartic experience, allowing individuals to process their emotions and experiences in a creative and meaningful way. By putting their thoughts and feelings into words, poets are able to gain clarity and insight into their own inner world, finding solace and healing through the act of self-expression.
Similarly, reading poetry can also be a therapeutic experience, offering readers a sense of connection and understanding that can be profoundly comforting. By engaging with the words and experiences of others, readers are able to find validation for their own emotions and experiences, realizing that they are not alone in their struggles. Furthermore, poetry has the ability to offer hope and inspiration in times of difficulty, providing readers with a sense of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. In this way, poetry serves as a source of comfort and support for individuals navigating through life’s challenges.
Poetry as a Gateway to Creativity and Imagination
Poetry has long been celebrated for its ability to ignite creativity and imagination in both writers and readers. Through its use of vivid imagery, evocative language, and innovative forms, poetry invites individuals to explore new ways of thinking and seeing the world around them. By engaging with the imaginative worlds created by poets, readers are able to expand their own creative horizons, finding inspiration in the beauty and complexity of language.
For writers, poetry offers an opportunity to experiment with language and form in ways that can be both liberating and challenging. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of poetic expression, poets are able to tap into their own creativity and imagination, discovering new ways of using language to convey meaning and emotion. In this way, poetry becomes a playground for the imagination, offering endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.
Embracing the Endless Possibilities: How Poetry Can Enrich and Expand the Human Experience
In conclusion, it is clear that poetry holds an incredible power to enrich and expand the human experience in countless ways. From its emotional resonance to its capacity for self-discovery and reflection, poetry offers individuals a means of connecting with themselves and others on a deeply profound level. Furthermore, its versatility as an art form ensures that there is always something new to discover within the world of poetry, whether it’s through traditional forms or modern experimentation.
Moreover, poetry serves as a vital means of social and political commentary, allowing poets to give voice to important issues while also inspiring readers to engage with these topics in meaningful ways. Additionally, its therapeutic benefits offer individuals a source of comfort and support in times of difficulty, providing solace through creative expression and connection with others’ experiences.
Ultimately, poetry stands as a gateway to creativity and imagination, inviting individuals to explore new ways of thinking and seeing the world around them. By embracing the endless possibilities offered by poetry, we can enrich our lives in profound ways while also contributing to the ongoing evolution of this timeless art form. As we continue to engage with poetry as both writers and readers, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, new emotions, and new ways of understanding ourselves and our place in the world.
📚 Book Review: “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
I just finished reading “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr, and I must say, it’s an absolute masterpiece! 🌟✨ This captivating novel takes place during World War II and follows the lives of two young individuals, Marie-Laure and Werner, whose paths eventually cross in the most unexpected way.
Doerr’s writing style is absolutely captivating. His vivid descriptions transport you to the streets of Paris and the hauntingly beautiful coastal town of Saint-Malo. The way he weaves together the stories of Marie-Laure and Werner is nothing short of brilliant.
The characters are incredibly well-developed, and you can’t help but become emotionally invested in their journeys. Marie-Laure is a blind girl who finds solace and strength in her love for science and her determination to navigate a world filled with darkness. Werner, on the other hand, is a German orphan with an exceptional talent for engineering, but he struggles with the moral complexities of his choices.
What I loved most about this book is how it explores the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit amidst the chaos of war. Doerr beautifully captures the small moments of beauty and kindness that shine through even in the darkest times.
“All the Light We Cannot See” is a thought-provoking and deeply moving novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, compelling storytelling, and a touch of magic.
In our chaotic and busy lives, it can often feel like we have lost control of our thoughts and emotions. The constant stream of distractions and responsibilities can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. However, there is a simple and effective tool that can help us regain control of our lives – morning pages.
Morning pages are a practice promoted by Julia Cameron in her book “The Artist’s Way.” They involve writing three pages of free-flowing thoughts each morning, without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or even making sense. The idea is to let everything that is weighing on our minds out onto paper, where it can be acknowledged and processed.
The benefits of morning pages are numerous. Firstly, they help us to silence our inner critic. With no rules or expectations about the quality of our writing, we are free to let our thoughts spill out onto paper without judgement. This can be especially helpful for creatives who often find themselves blocked by their own self-doubt.
Secondly, morning pages help us to gain clarity and perspective. When we write down our thoughts, it becomes easier to identify patterns and recurring themes. We can gain insight into our own behavior and thought processes, allowing us to make positive changes in our lives.
Finally, morning pages are a therapeutic tool that can help us to manage our stress and anxiety. By writing down our worries and fears, we can release them from our minds and prevent them from overwhelming us throughout the day. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with insomnia or racing thoughts.
Making morning pages a part of your daily routine is simple. All you need is a pen and paper or a notebook. Set aside around 30 minutes each morning to write three pages of free-flowing thoughts. Try to avoid censoring yourself or worrying about what others may think of your writing – this practice is just for you.
In conclusion, morning pages are a simple and effective tool that can help us to regain control of our thoughts and emotions. By writing down our feelings and worries, we can gain clarity and insight into our own behavior. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, try implementing morning pages into your routine and see how they can benefit your life.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love is a 1981 collection of short stories by American writer Raymond Carver, as well as the title of one of the stories in the collection. The most celebrated story collection from “one of the true American masters” (The New York Review of Books)—a haunting meditation on love, loss, and companionship, and finding one’s way through the dark that includes the iconic and much-referenced title story featured in the Academy Award-winning film Birdman.
Ulysses is a modernist novel by Irish writer James Joyce. Parts of it were first serialized in the American journal The Little Review from March 1918 to December 1920. Sylvia Beach published the entire work in Paris on 2 February 1922, Joyce’s 40th birthday. It is considered one of the most important works of modernist literature and has been called “a demonstration and summation of the entire movement.” According to Declan Kiberd, “Before Joyce, no fiction writer had so foregrounded the process of thinking.”
Ulysses chronicles the appointments and encounters of the itinerant Leopold Bloom in Dublin on an ordinary day, 16 June 1904. Ulysses is the Latinized name of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. The novel establishes a series of parallels between the poem and the novel, with structural correspondences between the characters and experiences of Bloom and Odysseus, Molly Bloom and Penelope, and Stephen Dedalus and Telemachus, in addition to events and themes of the early 20th-century context of modernism, Dublin, and Ireland’s relationship to Britain. The novel is highly allusive and also imitates the styles of different periods of English literature.
Since its publication, the book has attracted controversy and scrutiny, ranging from an obscenity trial in the United States in 1921 to the protracted textual “Joyce Wars.” The novel’s stream-of-consciousness technique, careful structuring, and experimental prose—replete with puns, parodies, and allusions—as well as its rich characterization and broad humor, have led it to be regarded as one of the greatest literary works in history; Joyce fans worldwide now celebrate 16 June as Bloomsday.
Follow @authormanik, like, and forward for the ultimate list of “Slice of Life” books. These are award-winning books that critics and readers have acclaimed.
Book 1: The Catcher in the Rye The Catcher in the Rye is an American novel by J. D. Salinger that was partially published in serial form from 1945 to 46 before being novelized in 1951. Initially intended for adults, adolescents often read it for its themes of angst and alienation and as a critique of superficiality in society. The novel also deals with complex issues of innocence, identity, belonging, loss, connection, sex, and depression. The main character, Holden Caulfield, has become an icon of teenage rebellion. Caulfield, nearly of age, gives his opinion on just about everything as he narrates his recent life events.
The Catcher has been translated widely. About one million copies are sold each year, with total sales of more than 65 million books. The novel was included on Time’s 2005 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923, and Modern Library and its readers named it one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. In 2003, it was listed as number 15 on the BBC’s survey “The Big Read”.
Less Than Zero is the slice-of-life narration of four weeks of Clay’s life. Clay is back from his school on vacation to his hometown of Los Angeles. He is part of the artistic elite, the kids of movie directors and actors, kids who drive Porsches and Cadillacs of their own. Kids who should be happy because they have everything. They have houses with pools, plenty of money to buy cocaine, and visit the best pubs and bars in town. Bret Ellis’s narration is curt, matter-of-factly, and non-judgmental. The voice of Clay is detached and unconcerned. He sounds the same when he is having a coffee and is having sex.
Clay’s girlfriend Blair, who is still serious about Clay, knows that Clay does not have the same feelings for her. His friends Julian, Trent, and Blair’s friends Kim and Alana are other characters with the same economic background as Clay. Parents of many of them are in the entertainment industry, and they know many people. When they watch a movie, they know many people from the credits. Rip, Finn, Muriel, and Clay’s family are the other characters that populate most of the scenes. Every character has a distinctive personality. Ellis describes their physical appearance, style, and mental makeup with meticulous detail. The characters abuse drugs and alcohol, sleep around with everyone and are continuously seeking pleasure and fun.
Music plays a vital role in the novel’s narrative. X, the iconic Los Angeles band, appears many times, so does Elvis Costello. Clay’s room has the poster of Costello’s album Trust. Jim Morrison and the Doors are mentioned many times, and so are Psychodelic Furs. Ellis seems passionate about music, and he describes the music being played in the background of the scenes even when it is not needed. It creates an environment, and Clay tries to put on the music even when they visit someone in a disconcerting scene.
Ellis’s writing is engaging, and though the plot is non-existent, you keep flipping pages because you feel like it. One sentence leads to the next, and you feel like you are living Clay’s life. The life of a pampered teen with loads of money, parents who do not have time, and a desire to experience exotic stuff even if the experience includes watching your friend selling his body for money. Ellis is brutal when he describes the casual approach the protagonists have towards relationships. They do not care much about their sisters, friends, lovers, or parents. Clay’s internal thoughts are used to describe the amoral life of a teenager who belongs to high society. The language highlights the lack of caring on Clay’s front about what one would think of as alarming events. Even when Clay’s acts show that he is disturbed enough, the first-person narrative is not dramatic.
Ellis was part of the literary brat pack that was known to write genre-defying stuff. These authors wrote in the minimalistic style of Raymond Carver and inherited his pessimistic outlook. Less Than Zero is a coming-of-age, young adult novel that offers no hope. The protagonists are not likable, but Ellis treats them with a lot of sensitivity and concern. If you do not have strong biases, you will start caring about the characters. The characters are entirely amoral, but they have a sensitivity that makes them act in ways they may not be comfortable with. The addiction adds another angle that forces them to take specific steps that are not the right ones in the long run. Still, the characters realize the harm only in hindsight.
The book is small at 202 pages but is impactful and leaves an impression on the reader’s mind. This makes me want to read American Psycho, the more famous novel by the author. It also seems like an ideal book for making a movie, with many scenes written like a screenplay. A movie was made, but Ellis was unhappy with it since the director changed the plot quite a bit. The first-person narrative acts like a camera in this case. The fact that the prose is minimalistic works in favor of giving the scenes a color that the director would want.
As an author, one can learn Ellis’s craft of writing to create a flow. Several reviewers on Goodreads have commented that they continued to read the book because the flow was so good. The story feels like one is living someone else’s life. You keep filling in the details, but the narrative provides the barebones structure of Clay’s life and also the life of his friends. Ellis adds enough intrigue for the reader to keep reading. The end effect is one of added empathy for a particular lifestyle.
In the end, the book is worth reading for the effect Ellis creates and the sheer pleasure of reading the book. Recommended with a rating of 4/5.
The Goldfinch is truly a Dickensian novel, as many people have already observed. It is the odyssey of Theo, his coming of age story, and his meeting many oddball characters throughout his life. As in The Secret History, the plot is not the mainstay here, but it is not a plotless novel as many Literary Fiction works are. Tartt, in fact, relishes silly plot twists and many dramatic scenes that are very unlike any literary book. To be fair with her, she had expressed her displeasure with the distinction between genre fiction and literary fiction, citing the time when her influences, including Dickens, wrote novels that did not respect that distinction. They wrote literary fiction that was consumed by the masses. Tartt has been highly successful in bridging that gap, writing a novel that won the Pulitzer prize, and sold 13 million copies simultaneously.
Tartt’s prose is masterly, and her narrative is gripping. You just slide into the narrative and turn pages because of Tartt’s mastery over the form. She builds intrigue and introduces predictable twists that urge you to continue. Of course, there is the device of “The Goldfinch,” a painting worth USD40 Million that Theo is obsessed with. Tartt keeps the painting as the thread that ties many loose pieces of the narrative where Theo switches foster families, closest friends, devices to get high, and towns. The whole drama has the emotional thread of Theo’s love for his mother and his guilt about losing her, for which he partly blames himself. The two threads are tied at the incident in the very beginning that Tartt masterfully describes. That incident also introduces Theo to Pippa and Welty. Pippa would play a substantial role in the novel and in Theo’s life, and Welty is some kind of unseen force behind a lot of narrative.
Theo’s first-person narration adds intimacy and an opportunity for Tartt to hide things from the reader, the same devices Tartt used in “The Secret History.” Unlike “The Secret History” though, “The Goldfinch” is narrated by the main protagonist and not a distant observer of the main events in the novel. This change makes “The Goldfinch” much more intense, but at the same time much less suspenseful.
Tartt is a master at describing relationships and keeping them positive and intimate. Theo’s relationship with Boris forms the core of the book and is very Dickensian. Their lack of manners and concern for rules, intensity, and homoerotic tendencies make the relationship unique. Contrast that with Theo’s relationship with Andy, probably not as close as Boris’s, but equally essential for him to, and you see Tartt’s mastery in using language to create a mood.
As many people have observed, the ultimate Dickensian character is Hobie, whom Theo meets because of Welty. Hobie is portrayed as an oddball so lovable that he is unbelievable. Tartt probably needed him to balance the chaos that was there in Theo’s life. Hobie’s passion for his craft, his love for Theo and Pippa, and his philosophy of staying a bricoleur, all of that adds warmth to the book.
At this point, I want to laud Tartt’s ability to describe places. Hobie’s house is a place that you fall in love with. Theo keeps on talking about the image of the house being something that gives him peace of mind, but that is true from the reader’s perspective as well. Tartt creates a picture of the place that is so beautiful; you can close your eyes and be there and can understand why Theo loved it so much. Contrasting that with Theo’s father’s house in Las Vegas, a house with no inherent coziness and one that gets warmth only because of the intimate friendship of Theo and Boris, you realize how much places add to one’s life.
Theo’s relationships with Pippa and Kitsey are not so well described. They are not conceptualized with the same warmth and rigor. In fact, I found the entire arc of Theo’s adult life after he encounters Platt and gets in touch with the Barbour family, not a convincing one. The book would not have missed much if the entire thing was not there. In fact, the whole arc of Theo and Boris’s trip is also not so integral to the book’s entire plot. It makes sense that several critics have been frustrated with the lack of coherent plot in the later pages of the book. It is okay, and you read on, and it feels good, but it is not as gripping as the earlier part of the novel.
So, what does Tartt wants to convey through the novel? Many people thought that “The Secret History” was about the dark underbelly of academia, a lament that education does not make people good. Is there any such theme in “The Goldfinch”? People have talked about the transience of life, the pain of existence, and the support of relationships to lead a good life as the book’s core themes. I think Tartt makes that point in the monologue of Theo in the end. She talks about how The Goldfinch, the painting, is not good art because it communicates something universal that is unique and important. It is good, says Tartt, in the guise of Theo, because it affects people at an intense level. That impact is unique for every human being. Good art is not good because it contains some common principles that everyone can abstract from it. It is good because it makes every consumer feel in a very unique way. Hence good art is like a good conversation; it is a one-on-one communication between two people. Tartt has been able to express that really well through Theo’s obsession with the painting, and the change in his personality due to the existence of the same.
In the end, is it worth reading 880 pages of this little tome? I think it is. I would recommend it for people who like literary novels and people who like coming of age or family plots. I would give this 4.5/5.
Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History” is slow burn as slow burn can be. The characters develop extremely slowly, over pages of back story, descriptions of peculiarities, seeming trivial incidents that do not mean anything, but they add up to something meaningful in the end. I thought that it was a combination of the intellectual leaning of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope” and the cinematic style of Robert Altman. How pristine philosophies can turn into horror when implemented in life without humane concern is something that she portrays like Hitchcock. The many characters, lack of a central protagonist and the sense of constant chatter is something that reminds you of Altman.
Richard, the narrator, is a Californian middle class kid, bored of his small town of Piano, and of his parents. He decides to get admitted to Hampden College in New England and encounters Julian Marrow, a mysterious teacher of ancient Greek. He befriends the fellow students Henry, Bunny and others who are devout followers of Julian’s teaching and blind admirers of his personality. Things start going wrong when they practice bacchanal, a mystical practice of losing the rational self and being in the moment. It is all the way down from there, all told through Richard’s tentative narrative style.
Tartt is a great storyteller and has an amazing command on language, if you are patient enough to sit through her long winded description of scenes that build a haunting environment of mystery. There are pages you want to skip through because nothing seems to be happening, but you don’t, since you are afraid you will miss something. She is also a master of sensual description. She creates a milieu through visual, aural and olfactory descriptions of places, people and scenes.
Her characters are gray throughout, they are detestable and selfish, morally ambiguous, secretive, afraid, and likable. There is no character that is completely positive, or completely negative. She builds suspense through selective release of information about the characters, and the first person narrative works fabulously well because of its ability to allow her to do that. You always get a feeling that she is hiding many things, and she is doing that, but that strategy keeps the reader on her toes. There are no major twists as such, and several things can be guessed well in advance, but how they play out, and how she keeps you guessing is a wonderful skill Tartt displays.
The setting of a liberal arts college, the background of ancient greek, and the mystique of Julian gives her ample opportunity to talk about philosophy, either through her characters or directly in the narrators voice. (There were a few reviewers of “Whiskey and Suicide” who thought people do not talk philosophy in their day to day life. I invite them to read Tartt’s book) The traps of being too philosophical, the difference between knowing philosophy from books and doing philosophy, the fact that morality is not automatically built by reading philosophy, are brought out very well by Tartt in the book.
If you do not mind reading long but exquisite descriptions, slow burn in term of built up, no major twists, you would love this book. You can learn a lot from Tartt as an author. How to build suspense by hiding things, how to describe through sensual inputs, how to use language to enhance narrative are some things budding authors can learn from her. My rating would be “Highly Recommended” with a score of 4.5/5.
Manik Bal’s short story collection, “Her Revenge” is available now. With this diverse collection of short stories, Manik Bal continues to explore the, and the mundane in the bizarre.
