The change from printed book to ebook or audiobook does imply some shift in appeal factors; an ebook is no longer subject to possible restrictions on length because of the heaviness of the book (or portability, whether or not it will fit into a purse), and an audiobook may be limited in its appeal to readers because of the style of the narrator. This change affects our knowledge of the genre because we can no longer make snap judgments based on the publishing company’s dustjackets, blurbs, or the physical attributes of the book (font, paper type, cover material, etc.) and does not allow for browsing a shelf as easily as has been done in the past. We must learn to browse electronically and make connections through online networks (GoodReads, YouTube, various bloggers, NoveList—just for a few examples!). The fact that readers are able to change font, line spacing, color, etc. of an ebook could have an effect on the reader’s appeal but I think individual readers must
Hi Rivkah! This book sounds fascinating. I find it intriguing that the book's setting (wild country) matches the tone of the writing. The quiet of the outdoors can evoke a feeling of emptiness, which would reflect the feelings of grief the character is experiencing. The use of a setting to communicate tone is a technique I've seen more in fiction, so it is interesting to see it used in nonfiction too.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about T.H. White (I had to Google him actually, because I hadn't heard of him). Do you think this book would appeal to a reader who doesn't have any background knowledge of this author?
I do think this book would appeal to a reader with little to no background knowledge of T.H. White, and honestly, whether or not you know his name you have probably been influenced by his work. 'The Sword in the Stone' (Disney) is based on his book of the same title and 'Camelot' the musical is modeled after his version of the story. In fact, many of our modern stories of King Arthur are heavily influenced by T.H. White rather than Malory or Nennius or even Tennyson. The author does a good job of detailing his biography and influence but she doesn't stint the fact that she is an academic. There are big words and complex ideas about human nature. It isn't what most people think of when they describe a "beach read", certainly.
DeleteExcellent job fleshing this book out to fill this! It helps add on a whole new dimension not always covered in the summary! Full points!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I kept feeling like I was repeating myself even though the book is much more interesting than the answers those particular questions lead to.
DeleteYour summary of this book made it sound like a very interesting read. I could even picture Helen with her goshawk Mabel.
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