A few weeks ago I started a new book, or rather, a set of stories. I bought a set of Hemingway short stories and I've been so looking forward to reading it! The book starts with The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber, which is totally unlike what I expected from Hemingway. The story itself begins with people having lunch and talking about hunting. Seems fairly innocent and high class right? Well, Hemingway does a fabulous job of slowly adding details instead of writing paragraphs of exposition. Eventually, it's obvious that the story takes place in Africa. Francis Macomber is a young hunter who is on a safari with his wife Margot and a more seasoned hunter named Wilson.
While the story itself is about hunting and their adventures in Africa, there's also a sense of drama. About a quarter way through we learn about how Francis tried unsuccessfully to kill a lion, the first time he's ever tried it. Wilson in forgiving, saying that once the lion bleeds out they'll be able to properly kill it. His wife, however is incredibly displeased. She's convinced that Francis is a coward and tries to spite him as much as she can, namely it is implied Margot spends a night with Wilson.
What I love about Hemingway is that he doesn't hold the reader's hand. He doesn't take up pages with exposition or specific details. Hemingway's writing is detailed, but concise. I love the way he describes the exotic animals and landscapes as well. Through his descriptions he made it clear that the men didn't quite belong in the savannah.
As a whole I really enjoyed this story and I think I could learn some important tools by reading more of the stories. I'm not moving on to The Capitol of the World, which has probably my favorite opening phrase: "Madrid is full of boys named Paco..."
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Cold Mountain: part 3
So I've finally finished Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. It took a lot longer than I meant it to but I enjoyed every minute of it. I wont give the story away, that would take too much time anyway, but I would like to discuss the writing style.
The style this book is written in is unlike any book I've read. For starters, you will find absolutely to direct quotations in the entire book. All of the dialogue is written indirectly, or like this:
—Why did you never have any? Inman said.
—Just happened that way.
It's so unique and I find it fascinating that he would make a choice like that. Perhaps he wants to maintain a sort of flow in the story by not bluntly separating the dialogue from the rest of the story, or perhaps he simply doesn't understand how quotation marks work (it's okay Charles Frazier, grammar is hard). Either way, I think it's such a unique choice that really separates his writing from most styles.
Aside from his grammatical choices, Frazier has a gorgeous writing style. He will take paragraphs to describe scenes in the most specific detail, but doesn't lose track of the story. The story itself is set during the Civil War and life is hard, gritty, and dark. There's so much death and suffering surrounding one of the main characters, but Frazier mixes the harshness of the story with beautiful surroundings of the land and the slow turning of the seasons. One of my favorite passages clearly depicts the harshness of life during the time period and really strips the world of romanticism. One of the main characters, Inman, has just watched a mother bear fall off a cliff and is contemplating what to do with her cub:
To his credit, Inman could imagine reaching up and grabbing the cub by the scruff of its neck and saying, We're kin. Then taking his knapsack off and thrusting the cub in with only its head sticking out. Then putting the pack back on and walking away, the bear looking about from this new perspective as bright-eyed as a papoose. Give it to Ada as a pet. Or if she turned him away, he might raise it to be a part-tame bear, and when full grown it might stop by his hermit cabin on Cold Mountain now and again for company. Bring its wife and children so that in years to come Inman could have an animal family if no other. That would be one way this dead bear calamity might be rectified. What Inman did, though, was all he could do. He picked up the LeMat's and shot the cub in the head and watched it pause as its grip on the tree failed and it fell to ground.
As terrible as it sounds, it shows a clear struggle of morality. He wants to take the cub in as his own, but he knows that he also has to eat to survive. I think this really captures the whole idea of the book and how ones own life matters much more than other wishes.
Overall, I think the book was written with gorgeous imagery and incredibly realistic characters. It's a story about life that feels as though it should never end, but of course it has to. I felt as though Frazier wrapped it up quickly and neatly but it lost its sense of harshness, and seemed a bit more like a "happily ever after". However, the main body of the story is spectacular. There's a kind of bluntness that Frazier writes with that makes the story and the characters seem so real. There are struggles of morality as well as struggles of survival. The story is beautifully crafted and detailed beyond belief.
If you like historical fiction or simply want to read some really great writing, I would seriously recommend this book.
The style this book is written in is unlike any book I've read. For starters, you will find absolutely to direct quotations in the entire book. All of the dialogue is written indirectly, or like this:
—Why did you never have any? Inman said.
—Just happened that way.
It's so unique and I find it fascinating that he would make a choice like that. Perhaps he wants to maintain a sort of flow in the story by not bluntly separating the dialogue from the rest of the story, or perhaps he simply doesn't understand how quotation marks work (it's okay Charles Frazier, grammar is hard). Either way, I think it's such a unique choice that really separates his writing from most styles.
Aside from his grammatical choices, Frazier has a gorgeous writing style. He will take paragraphs to describe scenes in the most specific detail, but doesn't lose track of the story. The story itself is set during the Civil War and life is hard, gritty, and dark. There's so much death and suffering surrounding one of the main characters, but Frazier mixes the harshness of the story with beautiful surroundings of the land and the slow turning of the seasons. One of my favorite passages clearly depicts the harshness of life during the time period and really strips the world of romanticism. One of the main characters, Inman, has just watched a mother bear fall off a cliff and is contemplating what to do with her cub:
To his credit, Inman could imagine reaching up and grabbing the cub by the scruff of its neck and saying, We're kin. Then taking his knapsack off and thrusting the cub in with only its head sticking out. Then putting the pack back on and walking away, the bear looking about from this new perspective as bright-eyed as a papoose. Give it to Ada as a pet. Or if she turned him away, he might raise it to be a part-tame bear, and when full grown it might stop by his hermit cabin on Cold Mountain now and again for company. Bring its wife and children so that in years to come Inman could have an animal family if no other. That would be one way this dead bear calamity might be rectified. What Inman did, though, was all he could do. He picked up the LeMat's and shot the cub in the head and watched it pause as its grip on the tree failed and it fell to ground.
As terrible as it sounds, it shows a clear struggle of morality. He wants to take the cub in as his own, but he knows that he also has to eat to survive. I think this really captures the whole idea of the book and how ones own life matters much more than other wishes.
Overall, I think the book was written with gorgeous imagery and incredibly realistic characters. It's a story about life that feels as though it should never end, but of course it has to. I felt as though Frazier wrapped it up quickly and neatly but it lost its sense of harshness, and seemed a bit more like a "happily ever after". However, the main body of the story is spectacular. There's a kind of bluntness that Frazier writes with that makes the story and the characters seem so real. There are struggles of morality as well as struggles of survival. The story is beautifully crafted and detailed beyond belief.
If you like historical fiction or simply want to read some really great writing, I would seriously recommend this book.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Cold Mountain: part 2
Alright! Now I'm about a quarter through Cold Mountain and have made bounds since my last post. At this point there is now a connection between Inman and Ada (the two main characters). As Inman wanders over the country, running into all types of strange folk on the way, he recalls meeting Ada at church and an encounter with her before he goes off to war. I think it's really interesting how the author presents this though. Inman is walking for days on end and his mind wanders naturally, while he obviously loves Ada he isn't thinking about her constantly and doesn't start thinking about her when it's convenient to the story. I really enjoy this style of writing because there's no haste to it, the character development is natural as well as the development of their relationship. Frazier slips it in just as thoughts in a characters mind, there's no rush to develop a relationship or a clear character. It's as if you're actually meeting that character, you learn things about them like you were actually spending time with them and not for the convenience of the plot.
Another detail that Frazier adds is his use of dialogue. He only ever uses indirect dialogue, and when he does use actual speech he doesn't use quotations. I'm not really sure what that says about the story, but I think it's an interesting choice especially for a novel. Frazier does cool little things with the text, each chapter is from either Ada or Inman's perspective and each title is from a sentence somewhere in the chapter, I haven't read far enough to tell if it's a remarkably important sentence in the chapter but I find it clever nonetheless. I truly enjoy Frazier's writing style, it's something that would be so much fun to play with in my own writing. Overall this book is fascinating and I can't wait to get to the heart of this story. If you loved the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder as a child, you will love this book, and if you didn't you will probably still love this book. Anyone who is interested in historical fiction, war, or just creating realistic characters should read this book. I think there is a lot to be learned from writing like this.
Another detail that Frazier adds is his use of dialogue. He only ever uses indirect dialogue, and when he does use actual speech he doesn't use quotations. I'm not really sure what that says about the story, but I think it's an interesting choice especially for a novel. Frazier does cool little things with the text, each chapter is from either Ada or Inman's perspective and each title is from a sentence somewhere in the chapter, I haven't read far enough to tell if it's a remarkably important sentence in the chapter but I find it clever nonetheless. I truly enjoy Frazier's writing style, it's something that would be so much fun to play with in my own writing. Overall this book is fascinating and I can't wait to get to the heart of this story. If you loved the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder as a child, you will love this book, and if you didn't you will probably still love this book. Anyone who is interested in historical fiction, war, or just creating realistic characters should read this book. I think there is a lot to be learned from writing like this.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
New Book!
FINALLY a new book!
I have started Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. It's set in Civil War-era United States and focused around two characters, a young soldier named Inman and a young girl named Ada. The book begins with Inman, who is staying in a hospital after being injured in battle. He talks about the view from his window of the mountains and grassy fields below. I imagine it as chilly and rustic, the landscape he describes is like a painting that doesn't drastically change for hours on end. We leave Inman in the dead of night, not knowing exactly what he is thinking. All we know is that right before we leave him, he has gathered his things and escaped the hospital through the window.
The story then transitions to Ada, a young girl recently abandoned by her caregiver named Monroe. After his death, she is left with his house and his land and no idea what to do with it. She is probably one of my favorite characters because although she lives in a time period where she has to be respectable and "proper", she very well does what she pleases. Living by herself, she realizes that there's nobody to dress up or cook for and gives up much like a modern-day teenager would. You can hear the tone of shiiit, I don't know in her narration almost constantly. However, the wonderful thing is that there's so much more to her character than just that. We learn about her love of reading and the arts, her extensive education, and her relationships with old friends.
The cool part about Frazier's writing is that there really isn't much exposition. He immediately submerses his readers in the world he's created. Right off the bat we see character development from both characters, how does Inman handle this new, terrifying world of war? How does Ada handle being on her own for the first time? It's fascinating because they both behave like real people, in the way they interact to the way they think. It's so beautifully and candidly written I can't wait to read more!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
The Hobbit: Part 4
It seems as though we have come to the end of Bilbo's journey. I don't quite know what to say about the ending of this book to give it justice. The falling action of the story itself is so cleverly crafted, I have so much respect for authors that do this. The climax is something that the author works throughout the entire novel to get to, and Tolkien certainly builds with suspense. However, all throughout the falling action he doesn't desert the story in any way.
Allow me to explain. From my experience with fiction (mostly geared towards teens), the falling action is usually shrouded of this sleepy mood. You get this sense of "It's over, it happened, it's done" and the majority of the falling action is hardly memorable. Tolkien, however, makes it clear that the story is far from over. Even though (spoiler alert!) the dragon is dead, there's much to do in order to repossess the dwarf kingdom. While it can become a bit tedious and boring, I can understand why people love Tolkien's work. Throughout the falling action, Tolkien adds even more to the story. He introduces new characters and even more conflicts. It's probably these small hitches that give the story momentum.
It still boggles my mind that even after all of the fantastic adventures that Tolkien has lead us through, he still has more to pull out of this world he's created. If reading this book has taught me anything it's that there is no such thing as too much detail. While it's good to focus on the 'big picture' of the story, it's also very beneficial to zoom in on tiny details. These details ultimately give the story the most realism, even if it's set in a fantasy world like Middle Earth.
In summary: If a bit dry, Tolkien is a master of detail and fantasy. If anyone is interested in this genre, The Hobbit is probably the best you can get.
Thanks for reading!
Allow me to explain. From my experience with fiction (mostly geared towards teens), the falling action is usually shrouded of this sleepy mood. You get this sense of "It's over, it happened, it's done" and the majority of the falling action is hardly memorable. Tolkien, however, makes it clear that the story is far from over. Even though (spoiler alert!) the dragon is dead, there's much to do in order to repossess the dwarf kingdom. While it can become a bit tedious and boring, I can understand why people love Tolkien's work. Throughout the falling action, Tolkien adds even more to the story. He introduces new characters and even more conflicts. It's probably these small hitches that give the story momentum.
It still boggles my mind that even after all of the fantastic adventures that Tolkien has lead us through, he still has more to pull out of this world he's created. If reading this book has taught me anything it's that there is no such thing as too much detail. While it's good to focus on the 'big picture' of the story, it's also very beneficial to zoom in on tiny details. These details ultimately give the story the most realism, even if it's set in a fantasy world like Middle Earth.
In summary: If a bit dry, Tolkien is a master of detail and fantasy. If anyone is interested in this genre, The Hobbit is probably the best you can get.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Hobbit: Part 3
Welcome back!
Since my last post, our lovable band of dwarves and Bilbo have traveled to the far east. After traveling through the enchanted forest (yes, really) and escaping the prison of the elf kingdom, they finally arrive at the lonely mountain. This is where Tolkien finally reminds us what this story is actually about. The dwarves are elated to regain their homeland, but Tolkien makes it very apparent that their journey isn't anywhere close to finished. They first must defeat Smaug, the enormous dragon that lives within the mountain.
Now, everyone thinks dragons are theres fabulous and mysterious creatures that are infinitely wise. I don't know if dragons are meant to be this way in Tolkien's universe as well, but Smaug is an asshole. He just is. He sits on this enormous mountain of treasure, he literally has the entire wealth of the dwarves in his possession. BUT Bilbo sneaks in and steals a tiny cup to prove that the treasure is still in fact there, and Smaug throws a hissy fit! He torches the countryside and eats all the dwarves' ponies. As if he's going to be using that cup anytime soon anyways, he has a MOUNTAIN of treasure and throws a tantrum over a freaking CUP.
However, I must admit that the language in these next few scenes is gorgeous. Although Smaug is not your stereotypical dragon, he speaks in riddles. This is where Bilbo's scene with Gollum becomes very important, because he is again riddling his way out of certain death. The one catch is that dragons are much more powerful than Gollum, and as Smaug speaks to Bilbo he plants thoughts in his mind that are meant to confuse and trick him. He tries to turn him against the dwarves, claiming that they won't pay him well if they succeed. But Bilbo is quick on his feet and only relays information in riddles which Smaug is transfixed by. "I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air. I am he that walks unseen" I mean, who wouldn't be? Bilbo has become so clever and brave over the course of this story, I can't wait to see where he takes us!
Until next time, thanks for reading!
Since my last post, our lovable band of dwarves and Bilbo have traveled to the far east. After traveling through the enchanted forest (yes, really) and escaping the prison of the elf kingdom, they finally arrive at the lonely mountain. This is where Tolkien finally reminds us what this story is actually about. The dwarves are elated to regain their homeland, but Tolkien makes it very apparent that their journey isn't anywhere close to finished. They first must defeat Smaug, the enormous dragon that lives within the mountain.
Now, everyone thinks dragons are theres fabulous and mysterious creatures that are infinitely wise. I don't know if dragons are meant to be this way in Tolkien's universe as well, but Smaug is an asshole. He just is. He sits on this enormous mountain of treasure, he literally has the entire wealth of the dwarves in his possession. BUT Bilbo sneaks in and steals a tiny cup to prove that the treasure is still in fact there, and Smaug throws a hissy fit! He torches the countryside and eats all the dwarves' ponies. As if he's going to be using that cup anytime soon anyways, he has a MOUNTAIN of treasure and throws a tantrum over a freaking CUP.
However, I must admit that the language in these next few scenes is gorgeous. Although Smaug is not your stereotypical dragon, he speaks in riddles. This is where Bilbo's scene with Gollum becomes very important, because he is again riddling his way out of certain death. The one catch is that dragons are much more powerful than Gollum, and as Smaug speaks to Bilbo he plants thoughts in his mind that are meant to confuse and trick him. He tries to turn him against the dwarves, claiming that they won't pay him well if they succeed. But Bilbo is quick on his feet and only relays information in riddles which Smaug is transfixed by. "I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air. I am he that walks unseen" I mean, who wouldn't be? Bilbo has become so clever and brave over the course of this story, I can't wait to see where he takes us!
Until next time, thanks for reading!
Thursday, October 9, 2014
The Hobbit: Part 2
Alright! Welcome back everyone, we have finally made it to The Hobbit: part 2, or Desolation of Smaug territory. We find Mr. Baggins and his friends in the house of a man named Beorn who can turn himself into a bear as he chooses. They spend about a week at his house recuperating from their encounter with the Goblins. Additionally, the Goblins are very angry at them for killing their king so it's in their better interest to camp out for a few days. Bilbo seems to drift in and out of sleep, giving the whole part a slightly iridescent, dreamlike quality. However, this portion of the book contains one of my most favorite lines so far, possibly in any book ever. I actually had to stop and read this line over about three times just because it's so great.
At night Beorn goes out exploring and tells the group about a meeting of black bears in the courtyard of his house. As Bilbo drifts off to sleep after hearing this news, this gem appears: "he dropped asleep, still puzzling his little head about Beorn, till he dreamed a dream of hundreds of black bears dancing slow heavy dances round and round in the moonlight in the courtyard." Doesn't it just give you chills?? I mostly love this line just because of the intense amount of imagery Tolkien manages to squeeze into roughly 23 words. We get that iridescent-y filter of the dream state, the dark blue sky, the milky moonlight flooding onto the stone courtyard surrounded by dark green grass. Then, of course, we have the large black bears. Now, I don't know how a bear would dance but the fact that Tolkien paid that much attention to detail is astounding to me. Not only because he just threw in this meaningless detail of bears offhand but that he took the time and care to describe it with such detail. Because that seems to be how bears would dance, too.
This line actually blew my mind as a writer. Just the level of detail put into this story is astounding, these bears aren't even relevant to the story as far as I know and yet they seem so important in this specific line.
In summary: Tolkien, I can't with you. I need to go lie down and rethink my life decisions.
Thanks for reading!
At night Beorn goes out exploring and tells the group about a meeting of black bears in the courtyard of his house. As Bilbo drifts off to sleep after hearing this news, this gem appears: "he dropped asleep, still puzzling his little head about Beorn, till he dreamed a dream of hundreds of black bears dancing slow heavy dances round and round in the moonlight in the courtyard." Doesn't it just give you chills?? I mostly love this line just because of the intense amount of imagery Tolkien manages to squeeze into roughly 23 words. We get that iridescent-y filter of the dream state, the dark blue sky, the milky moonlight flooding onto the stone courtyard surrounded by dark green grass. Then, of course, we have the large black bears. Now, I don't know how a bear would dance but the fact that Tolkien paid that much attention to detail is astounding to me. Not only because he just threw in this meaningless detail of bears offhand but that he took the time and care to describe it with such detail. Because that seems to be how bears would dance, too.
This line actually blew my mind as a writer. Just the level of detail put into this story is astounding, these bears aren't even relevant to the story as far as I know and yet they seem so important in this specific line.
In summary: Tolkien, I can't with you. I need to go lie down and rethink my life decisions.
Thanks for reading!
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