Another book I read just recently was "The Girl Who Played with Fire" by Stieg Larsson. Something sort of profound hit me when I was reading "The Girl". Places are such an important part of being able to connect with an audience. I knew none of the places mentioned in "The Girl." I think it took a very important dynamic away from the story for me. The author did a decent job of relating those places with each other by using travel time and direction though, so not all was lost.
Then there's "Lord of the Rings." I know none of those places either, but Tolkien gave us a map. If that map wasn't there, a lot would be lost I think. Tolkien didn't spend a lot of time describing distances, travel time or even much direction. The map makes it work though.
On yet another side of the coin is Clive Cussler's work. Kind of an Indiana Jones-like story teller. I know of most of the places referenced in his stories, or have at least heard of and can get a decent picture of where they are in relation to the rest of the places in the story.
It has everything to do with audience and delivery. Stieg Larsson wrote his story for a Swedish audience, as that's where he was from and where the story took place. Tolkien wrote his story for anyone. Because it's entirely a fantasy place, he needed a map to help the reader connect one place to another. Clive Cussler wrote his for a more western audience. A lot of the places he mentions are exotic locals (according to an American), but they're widely known places and anyone who watches the news can relate.
I know, not terribly profound, but I found it interesting enough to mention.
Hope you're all having a great weekend! Happy Labor Day.
Yes, definitely interesting enough to mention. I read a lot of books, for some reason, set around the Northeastern Seaboard. Never been there, but the places seem familiar enough to me. And I will admit, when I read an novel that includes very local landmarks and cities, I get quite excited.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic. I agree. I love it when I read about places I know and do develop an instant connection. A fine example is (believe it or not)
ReplyDeleteThe Simpsons! Almost all of the characters are named for streets in Portland OR, which I happen to be lost in frequently. I find it particularly ironic and funny that Rev. Lovejoy is named for a street there that is home to the Lovejoy Abortion Clinic. Several levels of irony in that name and place! It is fun to connect to all that nonsense. But it is also enjoyable to connect to more serious literature in that way as well.