So this book has gotten a lot of positive attention. Broaddus' viewpoint is an underrepresented one and needs to be heard. He has a great idea for a solar system and galaxy-spanning tale of cultural clash. Now he just needs to learn to write. "Show, don't tell" is a basic instruction to would-be authors, and he violates it all the way through the book--right down to having the character state a line of dialog and then telling the reader what the character is expressing through that statement. The didactic prose made it a real slog. There's a bit of sex and violence (together) to try to hold interest. But it doesn't work. There's a science framework but it doesn't show any evidence of research, just kind of putting together what the author already knows and hope it sounds good. Confusing "attenuated" with "attuned" was a constant irritant. There are so many great African authors. Broaddus could be one but it will be a lot of work. It does him no favors to say that a work like this is worthy of award consideration (the Locus) when it's an early writing exercise. Keep trying, and listen to those who will work with you, Mr. Broaddus.
No comments:
Post a Comment