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A review by russlemania
The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Art of Fiction. Despite weighing a breezy 200 pages, Mr Garner was able to cover both the theoretical and technical facets of fiction writing with great alacrity and assiduity.
In part one of the book, Aesthetic Law and Artistic Mystery he introduces what I would consider the central message of his handbook: The idea of the "fictional dream".
Gardner believes that a good "fictional dream" should have the power to enthrall and enchant its reader as much as possible. And that its the writer's challenge to create that dream free from distraction, to be profluent and effective.
This is where he gets technical, and it can be scary technical in some parts too. But hey, that adds to the books re-readability! In Part Two Notes on the Fictional Process , Mr Gardner explores the common errors of writing, from the choice of sentences and grammar, to even the effect that the rhythm of sentences produce. He also discusses character development and the "psychic distance" of reader to story, all of which was discussed in the same crisp and illuminating style that he expects of the aspiring writers reading his book.
Gardner also provides a great list of writing exercises at the end of his book, which would definitely help any aspiring writer get a headstart. They seem really daunting, but that's where the fun lies!
Prior to purchasing this book I read some gripes that readers had with this book as being high-handed or pedantic in tone. The book certainly references mainly to classic literature and while I have not read many of the books or authors he has mentioned, the examples made were well explained and I saw it as a great introduction to many other books that Mr Gardner seemed very passionate. Also, regarding its pedantic tone... perhaps coming from an asian society, I didn't find too hard to swallow!
Overall I really loved reading this book and I would definitely return to it some day.
In part one of the book, Aesthetic Law and Artistic Mystery he introduces what I would consider the central message of his handbook: The idea of the "fictional dream".
Gardner believes that a good "fictional dream" should have the power to enthrall and enchant its reader as much as possible. And that its the writer's challenge to create that dream free from distraction, to be profluent and effective.
This is where he gets technical, and it can be scary technical in some parts too. But hey, that adds to the books re-readability! In Part Two Notes on the Fictional Process , Mr Gardner explores the common errors of writing, from the choice of sentences and grammar, to even the effect that the rhythm of sentences produce. He also discusses character development and the "psychic distance" of reader to story, all of which was discussed in the same crisp and illuminating style that he expects of the aspiring writers reading his book.
Gardner also provides a great list of writing exercises at the end of his book, which would definitely help any aspiring writer get a headstart. They seem really daunting, but that's where the fun lies!
Prior to purchasing this book I read some gripes that readers had with this book as being high-handed or pedantic in tone. The book certainly references mainly to classic literature and while I have not read many of the books or authors he has mentioned, the examples made were well explained and I saw it as a great introduction to many other books that Mr Gardner seemed very passionate. Also, regarding its pedantic tone... perhaps coming from an asian society, I didn't find too hard to swallow!
Overall I really loved reading this book and I would definitely return to it some day.