Monday 2 March 2020

March at last!

Book Group this morning discussion Elizabeth Strouts ' Olive Kitteridge' which most of us thought was an excellent read.   It did beg the question (we all agreed) what do we look for in a book?    Do we look for a) a superb standard of writing or b) a good story?   Opinions were divided.   Obviously ideally we should have both but what I am asking is which is more important to you personally?

After lunch I made myself go for a walk with Percy.   The sun was shining and there was a strong, cold wind blowing but I managed to go the long way round, meeting a couple of friends to stop and chat to on the way.   I took this photograph on the edge of the estate, about a couple of hundred yards from my bungalow:    but by the time I got home twenty minutes later the sky was pretty black and within five minutes we had a snow storm.   So Winter has not finished with us yet. 

21 comments:

the veg artist said...

I like a good flow to a story, something that carries the reader along. Good writing, yes, but in my school we were taught to never use a 'big' word if a little one would do, so not pretentious writing either.

Gwil W said...

I enjoy both types of novels and tend to go as the mood takes me. If I get through the first 50 pages I'm likely to go all the way but not always as there are writers to try to catch the reader early on before they ease off and I'm wise to them. I once read a book by Nabokov which I couldn't understand as he used such strange words but in a bizarre way I enjoyed it,

JayCee said...

Hmmm. I have often discarded a book, even when interested in the plot and storyline, because of bad writing. Glaring mistakes just irritate me and prevent me from enjoying the rest of it.
Your estate looks lovely. Very attractive and beautiful views.

Rachel Phillips said...

I cannot see how a good story can be published if it is not well written, so I would blame any publisher who let one past. I cannot actually see how the two can be separated. I like a good story but what is a good story for me is not necessarily a good story for another. However, I doubt any reader tolerates bad writing.

Granny Sue said...

I'm happy with a good story well told. I enjoy exquisite writing, of course, but the story is what draws me to any book. I ordered a copy of Olive Kitteridge yesterday after reading your recommendation. I struggle with novels since getting older; they don't appeal to me as strongly as a good biography, or even better, autobiography.

Chilly and damp here, with clouds and showers. I'd planned to rake out the flower beds but will wait for a better day.

Librarian said...

Rachel has a point in a publisher being to blame when a good story is not well written. Nowadays, though, it is relatively easy to self-publish - which unfortunately often means that hobby writers overestimate their skill, and although they may have a good idea for a story, its execution is lacking.
When a good story is written in a resonably legible manner, I am not too picky about the actual writing. But when the writing is so bad that the story can not be enjoyed, I rather skip on the story and prefer a book that shows at least good writing even if the story may not be all that great.

Heather said...

We certainly have to make most of the best parts of each day. It started off beautifully clear down here too, but we later had a couple of hail storms and it is much colder.
I think possibly that a well written story might save a not particularly good one, but if possible to have a well written good story makes a book memorable and far more enjoyable.
That is such an attractive view of your estate of bungalows. If I wasn't so content with my little flat I might be envious.

Mrs. Armstrong said...

I read Olive Kitteredge several years ago and, the older I get, the more I appreciate it. There were moments that I felt such deep empathy and sadness for a character but I also felt pulled in by the good writing. As a member of a book club, I have to say that I need a bit of both. I have such a hard time reading even the most beautifully written books if I hate the overall story or character. We are reading Toni Morrison right now and while her writing is powerful, visceral and shows such craftsmanship, the horrors of slavery, the pain and sadness of the story are just too much for me. I would never reread this book for pleasure even though I can recognize the talent of the writer.

Sheila said...

My English maternal grandfather's name was Percy. He liked to flirt with the ladies, and I'm sure he'd love strolling around the estate with you.

Bonnie said...

I love a good story, but it really needs to be well written too. I would hope that the publisher does his job.

You live in a beautiful area. I'm glad you got your walk in before the snow hit. March is such a funny month coming in with promises of Spring yet so often giving us winter!

Mary said...

Do try to see the 4 part mini-series on Netflix, it's great. Frances McDormand plays Olive and is superb in the part.
Knowing Maine from living in New England several years, I believe the book really tells the rather offbeat story so well. Maine is beautiful, often strange in some ways, but really interesting people inhabit the state. . . . . . . .and the coast, beaches and lobsters are to die for.

I love books, but only real books with pages to turn. Writing has to be first rate - it grates on me when a story has bad English and punctuation - but of course the story has to be awesome too to keep me interested.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Sheila your comment did make me laugh - thank you for it!

Thanks to everyone for your comments on story versus writing - most interesting - I shall read them at the next book group meeting as we had a good discussion on it this morning.

Joanne Noragon said...

I like a good book. Sometimes it has a good story and sometimes it has strong writing.

Ellen D. said...

You have a lovely neighborhood, Pat. I also think a good book needs both - a great story but also good writing. Good question!

Cro Magnon said...

I need to have the urge to turn the page. If I lose interest.... that's it.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks everyone.

Tom Stephenson said...

I haven't read any Hillary Mantel but everyone says it has everything - a riveting story, beautifully written. Historians are very sniffy about historical novels, but not many of them can write.

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

Yes, we have a cold week ahead!

mccart katty said...


Am here to testify what this great spell  caster done for me. i never believe in spell casting, until when i was was tempted to try it. i and my husband have been having a lot of problem living together, he will always not make me happy because he have fallen in love with another lady outside our relationship, i tried my best to make sure that my husband leave this woman but the more i talk to him  the more he makes me fell sad, so my marriage is now leading to divorce because he no longer gives me attention. so with all this pain and agony, i decided to contact this spell caster to see if things can work out between me and my husband again. this spell caster who was a woman told me that my  husband is really under a great spell that he have been charm by some magic, so she told me that she was going to make all things normal back. she did the spell on my husband and after 5 days my husband changed completely he even apologize with the way he treated me that he was not him self, i really thank this woman her name is Dr Aluta she have bring back my husband back to me i want you all to contact her who are having any problem related to marriage issue and relationship problem she will solve it for you. her email is traditionalspellhospital@gmail.com she is a woman and she is great. wish you good time.
whatapp +2348158452872

ILLUMINATI GRAND LODGE® said...

WELCOME TO ILLUMINATI GRAND LODGE!!!!

Now is your greatest opportunity, i believe you won't want to miss it. So we are delighted that your life's journey had led you to discover our prestigious organization, perhaps you earnestly want to change some aspect of your life for better.

This is an open invitation to everyone who is ready and willing to become part of the world's biggest conglomerate and reach the peak of your career. While many of our operations require anonymity for the safety of our members, we strive to create a better understanding between us and the people we have been entrusted to protect.
Illuminati is a secret society that strives to promote spiritual and moral values. Illuminati brings together people of good will, regardless of their differences and origins, and ensure that these men and women become better in the society. Do you wish to be a member of the Illuminati brotherhood and receive a weekly salary of $50,000usd, it is good to see the light and brilliance for the whole world to see, everything in the world is managed by the system "the new world order", what are your dreams and your goals, is be a famous artist, dancer, writer, politician, pastor, footballer, business man/woman etc. you name it, everything is managed by the system of the new world order, you never reach the top unless you are a member of the movement, system "the new world order" wake up today and make a decision that will change your life forever. The new world order will ensure that you are separated from the minions of society and introduce you to an enlightened and illuminated society without brain wash, without control and with power, we'll help you archive great superiorities and prowess in your discipline.

If you're interested in joining this great organisation, then contact our Lodge in Pennslyvania via
WhatsApp: +1 315 203 9948 or our official Email: illuminati666grandlodge@gmail.com

Or click on this WhatsApp link to message us: https://wa.me/13152039948

Please make up your mind before writing us, 100% real.

Regards!!!

Rebecca Eller said...

Spell to fix your broken marriage or relationship problem or after a divorce or Breakup,I was recently scam by two of them, until one faithful day i meet a man called Dr Oselumen who help me to get back to the father of my kid after we have been separated for two years,I only pay for the items required for the spell and he cast the spell for me within 24hours my ex husband called me and beg me to forgive him for everything until the end of the world he will never leave me again we are back together.if you need a real and quick love spell or you are passing through pregnancy problem Dr Oselumen is the answer, Please if any body needs. LOVE SPELL,LOTTERY,PREGNANCY SPELL, DIVORCE SPELL,STOP COURT CASE AND WIN ANY COURT PROBLEM,DEATH SPELL,BUSINESS SPELL AND MANY MORE YOU MAY NEED. Email him now for your own help. via email droselumen@gmail.com add him on whatsapp line or call +2348054265852.