Perfect Insanity (draconid) wrote, @ 2004-04-11 12:01:00

We've got to move these colour TVs.
Excuse me, but I'm just having a bit of an Eighties session, thanks to dad giving me a load of tapes that I pretty much grew up with (well, after 1985 and 1986 as that's when they were bought). I played the takes so much that it broke in the middle of Ghostbusters. Fortunately dad repaired that break a long time ago, and the join isn't all that noticeable.

Actually, I didn't plan on talking about Eighties music here. Rather, I wanted to discuss the effect that reading I Capture the Castle has had on me. Not the story so much, as the style.

I'm not sure if I said much about the book while I was reading it, other than to say I was enjoying it, but I thought I should explain just in case. You see, it's one of these stories that is written in the form of a journal. Not like Bridget's Diary or anything like that. It's written in exactly the way I'd like to write my online journal. In a way, it's like how I write when I'm on holiday, writing entries on paper before I return home to a computer. The chapters are half in the present and half in the past, and half looking forward to the future. She's careful to put things in order so as not to spoil too much, but hints at the current situation. If it were an online journal and I were reviewing it, it would get full marks!

I suppose it helps that, when writing a novel in journal form, you can assume that the writer can remember every little detail. Occasionally the writer says she's forgetting things, but the things mentioned are in the sort of detail I couldn't remember two seconds after an event, let alone by the time I get to something to write down on.

I want to start writing entries like that. My entries are either "thoughtful" or "musing" posts like this one. Or else they are short, brief descriptions of what I did today. Not even descriptions, lists more like. I'm not the best descriptive writer, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't attempt to actually put some "drama" into what I say. What I mean is rather than saying "today Rat annoyed me by tickling me" I could say "I was sitting on the sofa and Rat came and sat beside me and then started tickling me". Such a subtle difference, but it's a little bit more interesting if I describe how something happened rather than saying that it did happen.

I am also seriously thinking about getting a dictaphone. The number of random thoughts I had on the train, both on my way and on my return journey. Things that I can't remember now. The way I think things are so often more interesting than the way I write them. Of course, speaking into a dictaphone on a packed train needs some nerves - but if I can get one with a fairly decent mike. I could get one with a mike on the earphone lead - like a hands-free kit - and pretend I'm talking down the phone. I could also use it while walking to and from work (although now that I walk with Rat I don't have so many spontaneous thoughts about what to write).

I'm rambling. There are so many things I want to mention, but I don't think I will now. I don't think I'm making much sense right now.

thursday_next 2004-04-11 06:25 (link)

For once someone has actually used a subject line from a song I recognise! Dire Straits, yes? I read I Capture The Castle some time before it suddenly became popular, and I enjoyed it too. It's a very original book. Still, it had to be, considering the way it starts: after that lovely image of the narrator sitting writing her journal in the sink, everything else either had to be equally good or a complete disappointment! (Reply to this) (Thread)

draconid 2004-04-11 15:40 (link)

To be honest, I have absolutely no idea who sung it, but Dire Straits does ring a bell. The tracklisting only has the names of songs and not the artists. Which left me rather confused when I heard what I now presume was Jimmy Nail's version of Love Don't Live Here Anymore, as it sounded nothing like him. I Capture The Castle had been recommended to me by someone else who had read it before the film came out. I had wanted to see the film but hadn't, so when Rat bought me the book I was delighted. I hate seeing films before books anyway, so this was the perfect opportunity for me to prepare to see the film. I couldn't believe it when I found out that Dodie Smith also wrote Hundred and One Dalmations. Hell, I hadn't even particularly realised that was a novel! Damnations to the Disney machine. You are right about the start, it is absolutely perfect. Like the start of Jane Eyre. I think beginnings like that (assuming they are followed by a decent novel) set the good apart from the average. I've read lots of wonderfully interesting and imaginative novels. But few have got me hooked from the very first line. How do you feel about the ending? Although it was most definitely finished perfectly, I couldn't help but wanting more. At some point in the novel Cassandra mentions how the best books are those that leave something to be imagined afterwards, which is I suppose what this one does. But yet, I can't help but want closure. Will she and Simon actually get it together, will he fall in love with her, was he told that she loved him? Things like that. And I'd really like a sequel about the adventures of Stephen! My mind is racing with the possibilities, but I suppose a fanfiction would end rather quickly were it attempted. Damnit, I hate books that are one-offs. I suppose that's why I like fantasy series', particularly those based on the D&D roleplaying game, because they go on for ever and ever and ever. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: thursday_next 2004-04-11 16:47 (link)

I know what you mean about a sequel... but then again, a book like that must be quite hard to follow. Funnily enough, I was the other way. I'm old enough to have read 101 Dalmatians at school, years before the film was even thought of, so when my mother mentioned I Capture The Castle, my first question was "Is it a children's book, then?" Dalmatians... damnations... I like it. Just don't try to say the two together quickly when tipsy! :-) (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)