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Original poster

Anyone else's heart sink at yet another "split narrative"?

36 replies

gaelicsheep · 23/10/2011 22:44

I shan't reveal the book for fear of spoilers, but I am now finding this an increasingly irritating and lazy device. I think it nicely avoids the author having to actually engage in character development and in this case it has really spoiled the flow of what was a very promising book.

OP posts:
VivaLeBeaver · 26/10/2011 21:25

The game of throne books are like this and it's never bothered me. I still found the characters to be well developed.

Original poster
gaelicsheep · 26/10/2011 21:25

Lol no, I just didn't want anyone saying "oh that one where so and so...". OK, so it's A Thousand Splendid Suns and I've just got nearly to the end of Part 2 so don't tell me anything!

As I say I've re-engaged with it now so hopefully it continues being good.

OP posts:
Maryz · 26/10/2011 21:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ImperialBlether · 26/10/2011 21:19

I've not done it before but it seemed to suit the narrative. It's a psychological thriller and you're getting the points of view of the two people most involved (not the baddie.)

I know what you mean about disliking multiple points of view - I do too as the authors often don't make me identify with any of the characters. However, I think it suits this novel and from the readers' responses, it seems to be working

Original poster
gaelicsheep · 26/10/2011 21:12

Can I ask why?

OP posts:
ImperialBlether · 26/10/2011 21:10

The book I'm writing has this! Just from two points of view.

Bonsoir · 26/10/2011 21:08

Notting Hell?

Original poster
gaelicsheep · 26/10/2011 21:06

Actually yes I do, which I suppose isn't a split narrative as such. A split narrative (by which I mean where different people take turns at narrating) annoys me even more. I would just like some continuity and it seems more and more novels are doing this. As it happens the one I'm reading has picked up and is forgiven - for now.

OP posts:
ImperialBlether · 26/10/2011 21:02

Do you mean alternate chapters from two different points of view?

Original poster
gaelicsheep · 23/10/2011 22:54

Nope. Everyone's going to play guess the book now aren't they? Grin It isn't a very new one.

OP posts:
gushofbloodtothefloor · 23/10/2011 22:51

One Day?