Candice Hughes

After completing “The Woman in White” by Wilkie Collins, I spent some time thinking about the techniques Collins used to create this early thriller/suspense story. CAUTION: May contain spoilers.

First, it was helpful that the novel was serialized. This likely pushed Collins to provide a cliffhanger ending for each installation. When read as a complete novel, the reader still enjoys the roller coaster ride where the hero and heroines are pushed into a tighter and tighter box by one disaster after another. With each set back, the villains gain until the hero and heroines have lost nearly everything and absolute success seems assured for the villains.

While the pace is slower than is currently in vogue and some circumstances could not occur with today’s technology, the plot twits and turns still hold the reader enthralled, pushing on and on to see how the “good guys” could possibly get out of their dilemma. Collins gives the hero and heroines no rest, driving them in one case to the brink of insanity. His characters are well drawn and realistic. His portrayal of society in the 1800′s and of the physical environment seems authentic and sufficient for the reader to feel settled in that time period.

One unusual aspect is Collin’s use of numerous narrators. This technique allows him to give the readers knowledge of the unfolding plot even when none of the heroines nor the hero are present. The alternative would be an omniscient narrator. I believe the unusual choice gives the story more immediacy. In Collin’s hands, these narrator switches are not distracting.

Collins is also adept at understanding the psychology of his characters. This is particularly evident in the “villains” self-justification for their misdeeds.

The only potential flaws are a few situations that one could argue are a bit too coincidental. However, these never stretch the boundaries to the point where the situation would be judged absurd. They are more than balanced out by the novels relentless destruction of the hero and heroines, which progresses from the beginning to nearly the end of the novel.

Recently I read the first two Stieg Larsson detective novels. I had to wait weeks for each one at my local library because the waiting list was pretty long.

I believe one reason these novels are so popular is the female protagonist. Mr. Larsson created a very engaging and unusual female character, Lisbeth. I admit I liked her much better than the male protagonist. What makes her so interesting? I feel the whole constellation of traits, particularly her intelligence combined with her anti-social behavior (bordering on Asperger’s syndrome). Some people debate whether a man can create an accurate female character or a woman an accurate male character. I feel Larsson has done an excellent job with Lisbeth. Lisbeth may not be a “girly girl”, but she is believable as a female character. One aspect Larsson gets right is Lisbeth’s emotional involvement with people in her life. In contrast, his male protagonist (Blomkvist) often seems disconnected with people around him.

I am still waiting for the third book (another long long list of readers). Interest in reading these books is still amazingly strong. I was motivated to read the first book after observing a woman buying five copies of the first book at a large  (to be unnamed) book store.

The saddest part of the story is that Stieg Larsson is no longer with us to keep the story going. I can only imagine what other fantastic books he’d had written if he’d had time.

Bookmarked: The Last Oracle by James Rollins and The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Recently, I’ve been reading two fantastic books. I just completed The Last Oracle by James Rollins. This is a great thriller- fast paced with engaging characters. In brief (without ruining the story), the plot involves a search for the Oracle of Delphi that manages to tie in Russia, nuclear accidents, India, gypsies, and children with supernormal abilities. If all that sounds like a tall order, don’t worry, it all ties together and keep you totally entertained, I promise. What I loved about this book (beside the non-stop action) was how Rollins blended science, history and a present crises for a potent, intriguing dilemma. This is just the sort of mix I find fascinating and what I brew up in my novels. What will really get you with this book is that the characters come to life and by the end, you may want your tissue box nearby even if, like me, you don’t cry at the drop of a hat (that’s as much as I’ll say on the ending). I picked up this book after hearing James Rollins speak at Thrillerfest and enjoying his presentation. So, this is my plug for Thrillerfest. Not only will you learn from amazing writers, you’ll find favorite books as well.

The next book I recommend is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I was given this book by a family member who thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I have to give a disclaimer that I have not yet finished the book (although I assure you, I could sit here the rest of the day and finish the last hundred pages or so, but I might then to wander around in dirty clothes the rest of the week). The characters in this book seem so real you are expecting them to tap you on the shoulder and sit down for coffee in your kitchen. The situations they find themselves in and they way they tell their stories keep you on the edge of your seat and reaching for the tissue box (I went through a LOT of tissues this week, let me tell you). Even though the book hits smack on a difficult issue (racial relations in the mid-1900s America, deep in the heart of Mississippi), this book draws you into that world and holds you there. There is no preaching or posturing, just laying open lives.

If you want to fine-tune your writing craft or just want an amazing reading experience, either of these novels will be a great choice.

After hearing a number of people endorse On Writing by Stephen King, I finally got a copy from my local library.

I found this book to be as good as I’d heard it was. It’s a mix of memoir and advice for writers on honing their craft. It’s engaging and entertaining. In fact, it soars all the way into the inspiring category. So when I’m moping about thinking “There’s 100 e-mails related to my pharmaceutical project sitting in the in-box, I’m double booked for a doctor’s appointment and soccer in separate towns half an hour apart, the sink is full of dirty dishes and the cat box hasn’t been emptied in a week”- I can think back on King managing to write after a full day of laundering maggot-ridden table clothes. Even better- that he managed to write this book after having his bones cracked up following a run-in with a van. He couldn’t even walk but still managed to type out this amazing book that has the sole purpose of improving other writers who can then try to sell books competing with his own (assuming that there could actually be competition between a book with the Stephen King label and any other book not so labeled.)

If you aren’t a writer, you will run screaming from this book, hoping that the psychosis isn’t contagious. If you are a writer, you will nod reverently and say “Amen.” Then you’ll scurry to your word processer and start typing.