Comments on: Nevermind Netherland

By: Jodi

Jodi — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:43:54 +0000

I can appreciate the good writing, but it takes more than that to drag me through a 200+ page book. I guess I come from the Vonnegut school of thought, where pretty writing just isn’t enough. I want pretty and interesting. I don’t think a reader should have to settle for one or the other.

Like I said, I can handle the lack of a plot in a short story and get by with just the good writing. But the whole point of a novel, at least to me, is a story that has some sort of direction. Netherland lacked direction and just wandered around aimlessly.

By: maitresse

maitresse — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:36:03 +0000

I am curious as to why a self-described writer would have so little use for good writing. Maybe the characters or the “mediation on loss” (I assume you meant “meditation,” no worries) weren’t sufficiently compelling?

I recommend you take a look at Min Jin Lee’s Free Food for Millionnaires– that’s a book I just couldn’t put down, but the “plot” is not the point. Maybe it will help you clarify your response to Netherland?

By: Jodi

Jodi — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:51:39 +0000

If you like, I will send you my copy of Netherland and you can try it out. Just e-mail your address.

By: christa

christa — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:47:22 +0000

interesting. i always wonder if i need plot. for example, i like charles baxter but have read two of his books and can never really remember the plot. i always just remember that i like how he writes.