Can you remember, as a child, the excitement of discovering an author? Did you read all the books, one after another, until there were no more books and you wanted to write your favorite author urging her to hurry up and produce the next book? Recently I discovered the books of Tana French. Sure, I should be reading them with critical eyes so I can improve my own writing skills. However, French’s characters and stories drew me into worlds where total immersion was the only option for me.
French’s first book, In the Woods, was the most distant in setting and plot for me. The feudal aspects and the lynch mob mentality of the 
Despite my reservations about the book, I was entranced by French’s writing and the way she developed her characters. Also, when I think about it, one of the most feudal-thinking characters I ever met was an American descended from Irish immigrants. Despite an Irish President, and numerous Irish doctors, lawyers, writers, and CEO’s, she couldn’t forget that Irish immigrants had been greeted in the US with signs, “No Irish Need Apply.” As a supervisor, she set out to make sure the people working under her paid for that long ago insult to her ancestors. Brits have long and often justifiably been criticized for their treatment of Ireland and the criticism will continue but sometimes problems start within.
French’s next books, The Likeness and Faithful Place, I believe demonstrate more the author’s ability to unravel character and create atmospheric settings. Even secondary characters are fascinating. There was nothing quirky about the characters. They just unfolded throughout the books as friends you gradually get to know. I also kept reading for a resolution to the crime in each book.
Now I have nearly finished French’s third book. How long do I have to wait for the fourth?
Do you have an author you must keep reading?
I have several writers who keep me waiting for their next work and this author is surely one of them. I am waiting for Nancy Pickard's, Sharyn McCrum's and behind on Lee Child
ReplyDeleteMcCrumb of course just off the plane back to Christchurch and a bit lagged.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine also loves Tana French so I have another author to look forward to reading. My list?
ReplyDeleteChaz McGee,Jana DeLeon, Heather Graham, Janet Evanovich, Martha Grimes (Jury Series only),Susan Wittig Albert, Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Kandel, Nancy Atherton, Simon Brett, M. C. Beaton, Rhys Bowen, Dorothy Cannell, Deborah Crombie, Sandra Parshall, Nancy Martin, Blaize Clement, Susan Rogers Cooper, Mary Daheim,
Shirley Rousseau Murphy, Stephanie Pintoff, Ian Rankin (Rebus), Peter Robinson, Ann B. Ross, Sue Ann Jaffarian, and Ellen Hart. I know I've miss a few. My reading list never ends--thank goodness!
When so much of the news is gloomy, we have an escape that deepens our understanding of others, Warren and Elaine.
ReplyDeleteI used to wait - impatiently, mind you - for the next installment of Harry Potter. I also eagerly await the next books of Ms. Grafton.
ReplyDeleteI love reading JD Robb's series involving Lt. Eve Dallas, but since she's got so many out I don't think I'm in danger of running out anytime soon.