Ben, I subscribed initially to read these ostensibly outstanding sentences, but what keeps me coming back is your own writing. It is so alert and fresh. Thank you.
I would argue that the ornateness of the prose functions like interwoven threads in a tapestry do—to create a world. And besides, even Matt Yglesias has read and blogged about Middlemarch! (Although he favors a sociological analysis, rather than a literary one.)
I wouldn’t describe the language of Middlemarch as ornate, at least as I understand the meaning of the word. It certainly has a high count of subordinate clauses, but these are in the service of clarity and sharp observation. What so frequently moved me in reading it was the deep compassion (and not of the squishy sort) for the characters, mankind, and the reader.
Yes, I definitely don't mean that it's needlessly decorative or anything -- just that there's such a high density of thought per sentence that I may not be smart enough to parse it at reading speed.
Great teaser for this book. Although I NEVER read thrillers this is a tempting introduction. PS there is a great "Middlemarch" series worth streaming. It is very satisfying if you don't want to take on the book.
Ben, I subscribed initially to read these ostensibly outstanding sentences, but what keeps me coming back is your own writing. It is so alert and fresh. Thank you.
thank you amos! that means a lot to me.
I’m going to read Defending Jacob. But you really do need to read Middlemarch.
i know! it's one of my real reading shames. i just keep bogging down in the ornateness of the writing. one of these attempts the clouds will part.
I would argue that the ornateness of the prose functions like interwoven threads in a tapestry do—to create a world. And besides, even Matt Yglesias has read and blogged about Middlemarch! (Although he favors a sociological analysis, rather than a literary one.)
I wouldn’t describe the language of Middlemarch as ornate, at least as I understand the meaning of the word. It certainly has a high count of subordinate clauses, but these are in the service of clarity and sharp observation. What so frequently moved me in reading it was the deep compassion (and not of the squishy sort) for the characters, mankind, and the reader.
Yes, I definitely don't mean that it's needlessly decorative or anything -- just that there's such a high density of thought per sentence that I may not be smart enough to parse it at reading speed.
Try Thomas Perry, The Butcher's Boy, one of the best I've read, and if you like it there are three more in the series.
Great teaser for this book. Although I NEVER read thrillers this is a tempting introduction. PS there is a great "Middlemarch" series worth streaming. It is very satisfying if you don't want to take on the book.
Excellent to know, thank you!