3 ms·
It's a different style of introducing a fantastical setting compared to the classic exposition dump, or the clumsy audience- substitute narrator who keeps askin
by piaste 3y ago
It's a different style of introducing a fantastical setting compared to the classic exposition dump, or the clumsy audience- substitute narrator who keeps asking for explanations, but it's far more engaging if you just let yourself enjoy the ride for a bit.
For example, I believe that early on the narrator speaks about his mother 'going to Heaven' - you're supposed to be curious about what exactly that means, since it's clearly not the same way we use the phrase. You're supposed to look forward to the eventual explanation, and to trust that there will be one.
Of course if that explanation never comes, and the detail is critical to the plot, that's a failure of the author. But no different from any other plot hole - that's what reviews are for.
- thedrbrian 3y ago>For example, I believe that early on the narrator speaks about his mother 'going to Heaven' >Of course if that explanation never comes, and the detail is critical to the plot it's the matrix. Siri's mum ends up in a data centre somewhere with her conscious mind having every whim sated while her unconscious is running vampire Facebook or whatever
- pointlessone 3y agoI believe the Heaven is explained. At least it's shown what it is and is kinda understandable. The whole book is written from the point of view of the main character in a form similar to a diary. Diegetically it makes sense to not explain everything because the character knows it all already. I kinda like the idea of it but in practice it left me confused most of the time. I fully admit that it might be just me. I like new ideas and non-linear story telling (e.g. I absolutely love Use of Weapons by Banks). I like when my books make me go "Fuck yeah!" (excited) or "Oh fuck!" (surprised). This one made me go "WTF?" (confused) more than I like.
- MeImCounting 3y agoI loved the writing style for the same reason I loved the writing style in Use of Weapons. I absolutely hate exposition dumps. I can think so treat me like it. Maybe try listening to an audiobook of Blindsight I did that, I havent actually read it yet but the audiobook was very good.