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About The Blog
- Ivan Danou
- Tapping the great beyond (aka the Internet) for inspiration and ideas for my writing. Currently working on a collection of short stories written in first person that take place in Provincetown, MA, and a novel that is a mediation on the zeitgeit and focuses on the vanity of beliefs, faith, and aspirations. During the course of the writing I will be posting little bits and pieces of things related, often philosophical, sample passages, and other thematically similar written works. Input is greatly appreciated.
Well I haven't left my country for more than 8 months together (though I wish I would). But I'm so completely apathetic about my cultural heritage and whatever it entails for me, my life and my mindset, that I had to give the story a serious thinking over on that particular matter. I read it when it was first posted (via fb) and since then it has sunk in better. Maturing over time in the reader's mind is always a good thing, right?
ReplyDeleteI think you have a good hold of a particular vein in the writing of what Salman Rushdie calls "translated people" - the subtle and tricky motif of displacement coupled with cultural baggage. And this theme makes the optimistic streak of the story all the more appealing. The structure of the story following Lena's physical and emotional journey, and the narrative's perspective mirroring hers is another big plus for me. It's easy to read, yet leaves you with a lot to mull over. In short, I like it very much. :-)
Thank you! I've been wanting to write something along the lines for awhile, an honest text. One that doesn't steep in melodrama or shoot for likable characters. I wanted that deeply rooted unhappiness, the unapologetic demeanor, the bluntness. And I hope that I managed to be fair. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :-)
ReplyDeleteIvan,
ReplyDeleteYour narrator has an interesting voice. Sometimes it's startling, the way her thoughts contradict her actions.....you effectively play with readers' expectations.
I wish I were more well-versed in the music of which your character speaks....it might have more resonance for me and help me understand her better.
You handle dialog well. You use conversation to deepen your characters. I was truly absorbed by your story...which is the best characteristic of a well-written piece.
Hope you are well.
Your fan from Chicago.
Tom
Thanks, Tom! I'm working on improving the narrative a bit to bring out more of the character and make it more accessible for an American audience. Thanks for reading and your feedback. :-)
ReplyDelete