Resisting Books
Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them—in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
Kurt Vonnegut
Admittedly, I have resisted certain books because I was sure I would not enjoy reading ‘awful things’ happening to favourite characters. And then I learn something about personal strength.
I often recommend Emma Donoghue’s ROOM to fellow readers. A common response is ‘No, that is too dark a topic’.
ROOM is brilliant. The fortitude of the mother and the resilience of the child make it a valuable read, and a good story besides.
A good author is not going to take readers to a dark place and leave them there. What would be the point? We have reality to do that for us.
Characters who are thrown into ‘awful things’ provide an example of what is possible within awful circumstances. War time, slavery, extreme abuse, all challenge the reader. What would this situation be like for me? Could I create a world and a routine to rival the Mom’s ingenious strategies in ROOM?
Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes all you want from a book is Bridget Jones to keep you distracted and entertained. Fair enough, but for a challenging, inspirational read we need stories with awful things happening.
Any recommendations?
Stay safe everyone.
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One of my bookclubs just read Emma Donaghue’s book, Frog Music, that was published after she published Room. Another captivating book by this famous London author.
Read it, loved it. It’s being made into a movie too. Thank you Jeanette!
My recommendation is not about something seriously awful happening to the main character, just regular stuff, like a wife divorcing you for a pig-headed, gym-owner who lied about his age (50 instead of 60.) But it’s one of the best book’s I’ve read: Empire Falls by Richard Russo. Loving it!
Thank you! I will check that out.