Think deeply, make mistakes, ask questions and embrace change. An interesting book.
Read.
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Category Archives: Book Reviews
Dialog Tips and Traps: Brent Spencer
A short book on dialog writing in fiction. Fairly basic – and yet useful information. The ideas of combining action, exposition, dialog and narration were interesting.
Read
Writing Tools: Roy Peter Clark
A well-written book that provides useful tips on writing. Simply written and helpful.
Read, if you are looking for writing advice.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane: Neil Gaiman
Creatures that morph into human beings but are in reality from the other world were never my thing and hence the book was a mistake. Lettie Hempstock, her mother and grandmother are benevolent witches that save our protagonist from Ursula Monkton, an other world creatures-turned-babysitter. A story that ends tragically. Not my thing, I said, but as writing skills go, Gaiman is great. If ever I get into the genre, Gaiman it will be.
The Garden of Evening Mists: Tan Twang Eng
Exquisite setting, multiple conflicts and multi-layered. Yun Ling, imprisoned and tortured by the Japanese in their occupation of Malaya ends up falling for a Japanese man, full of mystery and intrigue. Good narration, though you do see the disadvantage of people for whom English is not the first language.
Read.
Bring Up the Bodies: Hilary Mantel
Two Bookers for Ms. Mantel and well deserved too. Cromwell carried on from where he left at Wolf Hall. And this time, it’s even better, as we recognize the characters. British history is not something I am particularly interested in, but the writing is so beautiful she makes you care. She draws you in and you can’t put it down.
A must read.
The Faster I Walk The Smaller I Am: Kjerti A. Skomsuold
Funny speakers don’t necessarily make funny writers. The writer was impressive in Ubud Writers festival and described her book as funny. Well, it isn’t. It’s the story of an old woman living alone, coping with people ignoring her. Well written, sensitive, realistic and depressing.
Read.
