Welcome to Litsy!

If you read this expecting a “how to” on writing a novel, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. If, however, you read the series of lectures collected in this slim volume as Forster‘s opinion on what a novel is, key elements of the novel, what works & doesn‘t work (with examples drawn from well known books) &, above all, a discussion of the authors he loves & really doesn‘t, you will likely be as entertained as I was. Dated but very interesting.

This morning‘s reading is quite interesting so far. A series of lectures collected into a single volume, this book is Forster talking about writing, elements of a story, and, unsurprisingly, his opinions of other authors. His disdain for Sir Walter Scott is impressive.

In the 1920s, the lecture series appears to have been the equivalent of today's serial podcast, or at least that's how this collection reads to me. Forster is casual but erudite, and through his thorough and sometimes humorous analysis, he conveys his deep understanding of and love for the novel as a literary form. There was much more to this book than I expected, and I very much enjoyed it.
And it's my #bookspin for August! @TheAromaofBooks

"If human nature does alter it will be because individuals manage to look at themselves in a new way. Here and there people... are trying to do this. Every institution and vested interest is against such a search: organized religion, the state, the family in its economic aspect, have nothing to gain, and it is only when outward prohibitions weaken that it can proceed: history conditions it to that extent."

Realistic but hopeful.

"It is a pity that Man cannot be at the same time impressive and truthful."

“In daily life we never understand each other, neither complete clairvoyance nor complete confessional exists. We know each other approximately, by external signs, and these serve well enough as a basis for society and even for intimacy. But people in a novel can be understood completely by the reader, if the novelist wishes; their inner as well as their outer life can be exposed. ⬇️

The current writer‘s craft book in the queue.

I have no idea if this quote is actually from the book, but it certainly fits his theme.

Jimmy found a new spot to hooch up in. Luckily for us, there are literally books everywhere in my house. This is one I've used to inform my teaching. Good times.