I see these comments often in reviews. I just finished a light read by Lucy Diamond and it was described as "slow". It wasn't. It was 372 pages which I think is average. I'm one of those who likes a story to develop properly and I like a lot of detail. I see the Cormoran Strike books get criticised a lot for this - I know they are very very long - but it's necessary to the plot I feel. I like to know about characters, back stories, details - if it's done well.
Why do people want surface skimming stories that are disposable?
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"I found it slow ..."/"... too much detail"
ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 14/04/2024 10:29
TonTonMacoute · 14/04/2024 13:00
Some detail is just not necessary. I had to give up reading the last Shardlake book because it was so full of completely unnecessary description - butchers coming out of shops with sheep carcasses, people emptying buckets, women at market stalls. It goes on and on and on.
His first books didn't need all that guff, we know Tudor life was pretty basic, and it completely diverts attention from the plot and destroyed any tension.
RadoxMoon · 14/04/2024 15:51
Why do people want surface skimming stories that are disposable?
Because they hold my interest far more than long, boring descriptions of scenery and extraneous details.
Because people are different.
You sound very judgemental
RadoxMoon · 14/04/2024 17:00
Why do you think that this is in any way judgemental?
You don’t think calling something “disposable” and equating “surface-skimming” with disposable is judgemental? Also, in your follow up comments you make it clear that you think your opinion is the right one.
OnandOnforHoursandHours · 14/04/2024 17:18
isn't there a technique where you know if something's had attention paid to it you know it's important to the plot/characters?
Chekhov's gun?
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ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 14/04/2024 14:05
Doesn't that set the scene though? I find it does and I like that sort of detail. That doesn't mean that I only read this type of books or long books @TheYearOfSmallThings I know slow doesn't just mean long - but I find some "chick lit" completely surface level and unengaging.
TonTonMacoute · 14/04/2024 13:00
Some detail is just not necessary. I had to give up reading the last Shardlake book because it was so full of completely unnecessary description - butchers coming out of shops with sheep carcasses, people emptying buckets, women at market stalls. It goes on and on and on.
His first books didn't need all that guff, we know Tudor life was pretty basic, and it completely diverts attention from the plot and destroyed any tension.
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