Shetland books/Perez/Willow Reeves

[RoastBanana]

I’ve recently been re-reading Ann Cleeves’ Shetland books & have been a bit discomfited by the Perez/Willow Reeves story arc. Basically it seems to me to be a rather unhealthy one, and to tap into some larger issues about bereavement, and workplace relationships between more & less senior staff, and dominance in relationships.

Has anyone else noticed this?

I wondered whether maybe A Cleeves had in effect, whether consciously or not, inserted herself - or a character representing her- into the story as a romantic interest. (I’m sure many writers do develop quasi-romantic feelings for their main characters!) And if so, whether the fact that she, as author, dominates her fictional characters, having complete control over them, has somehow played out in the development of the Reeves character.

I’m finding it frustrating as it has definitely decreased my enjoyment of the books! Would be interested to know if this perception has been shared by others.

I don't really like or believe the whole Perez/Willow trope. I can't really put my finger on why this is (other than not liking the name Willow!) I totally bought into his relationship with Fran. It never occured to me to wonder if Ann Cleeves was inserting herself into the stories but I will be pondering that now. Some witers do seem to fall in love with their own creation. PD James clearly adored Adam Dalgleish! I read "The Killing Stones", Cleeves' recent Orkney based novel featuring Perez, Willow and their son. I'm not sure if it's a stand alone book or if she's considering others. Perhaps she's waiting to see what sort of reception the book gets. I quite enjoyed it but there was something lacking for me and I feel it must be down to the characters. The plot was ok. I realise I'm damning it with faint praise. Maybe, like the rest of us, Ann Cleeves is just getting older