As we continue to deeply explore and analyze ES, I thought it would be very fitting for us to also share what elements of the book we most enjoyed and why.
For example:
Sean Slagle comments on character in the Part 2 thread:
J. Mark describes the terrific ribcage metaphor in Part 3:
I would have to say that the narrative drew me right into Ians life. Reading the novel was a lived experience. The walks with Cain, the train rides with Trout, the visits to Katherine Jacobys, the stalking as it occurred, the conversion scenes...etc. I think Dave did a great job of placing readers right there with Ian to experience his life as it happened.
What particular scenes, characters and/or qualities did you most enjoy?
For example:
Sean Slagle comments on character in the Part 2 thread:
Quote:
All I cared about was seeing Ian find his way and I think having a reader really care about a character is the most important thing a writer can do. Ian wasn't a flat character; he was real and I wanted him to succeed.
J. Mark describes the terrific ribcage metaphor in Part 3:
Quote:
The best example of Dave's craft, though, comes near the end of the book when Merchant confronts Katherine Jacoby's ribcage wind-chime and ties together all the threads that will be summed up as the "lesson" he's learned...The rattling bones gather it all in and Merchant supplies the tissue to hold all the pieces together...At moments like this Ezekiel's Shadow shines brightest. The writing is good, the ideas are engaging and the story has a sense of direction.
I would have to say that the narrative drew me right into Ians life. Reading the novel was a lived experience. The walks with Cain, the train rides with Trout, the visits to Katherine Jacobys, the stalking as it occurred, the conversion scenes...etc. I think Dave did a great job of placing readers right there with Ian to experience his life as it happened.
What particular scenes, characters and/or qualities did you most enjoy?
But since Dave started the criticism forum, I thought I'd chime in here, too. I think we learn a lot from criticism but an equal amount from knowing what works. 