In a funny way, almost every 1st person narrative has a kind of epistolary quality - I felt this strongly with Lamb - and it makes me think, too, of the other side of the equation: the recipient, the audience, whether known or not, what is assumed, how it changes what the narrator tells. Great episode, Kate!
This is such a wise comment, Troy! Writing is always some kind of letter to the reader. And then perhaps publishing in newsletter form emphasises it even more.
Frankenstein (or Fronkensteen, as some pronounce it ;) is such a classic, oddly the letters were not what I remembered of it, then again it has been ages. What I can say is that Tolstoy's use of letters (in French even!) in W&P lends the whole text unparalleled authenticity.
No worries, Kate! Take your time. Hope all is OK with you.
Finished Moby Dick last week. :D The voyage is over.
Really enjoyed it, but it undulated between superb and a bit of a drag. I think I'd get a lot out of a reread now I have the grasp of the whole story, plus reading with a guide or annotated version would also be interesting.
I read it in grad school and think you’re right; guided reading made a huge difference! I love parts but have not sat down again with the whole thing :)
In a funny way, almost every 1st person narrative has a kind of epistolary quality - I felt this strongly with Lamb - and it makes me think, too, of the other side of the equation: the recipient, the audience, whether known or not, what is assumed, how it changes what the narrator tells. Great episode, Kate!
This is such a wise comment, Troy! Writing is always some kind of letter to the reader. And then perhaps publishing in newsletter form emphasises it even more.
Frankenstein (or Fronkensteen, as some pronounce it ;) is such a classic, oddly the letters were not what I remembered of it, then again it has been ages. What I can say is that Tolstoy's use of letters (in French even!) in W&P lends the whole text unparalleled authenticity.
Oh W&P is a good shout! Likewise I had forgotten about that aspect of it. Thanks for listening!
Always love this DKW! Hope the UK is treating you well!
Enjoyed listening to this Kate. I've never read Frankenstein! I really should. Hearing your excerpts and thoughts make me even more keen.
Thanks Nathan! Think you’d find a lot of interesting ethical considerations in this novel. How’s Moby Dick coming along?
(Way behind on reading - again - and hope to check out your latest this weekend!)
No worries, Kate! Take your time. Hope all is OK with you.
Finished Moby Dick last week. :D The voyage is over.
Really enjoyed it, but it undulated between superb and a bit of a drag. I think I'd get a lot out of a reread now I have the grasp of the whole story, plus reading with a guide or annotated version would also be interesting.
I read it in grad school and think you’re right; guided reading made a huge difference! I love parts but have not sat down again with the whole thing :)