Great article. I really liked the prequel to Anne of Green Gables, called “Before Green Gables.” It deals with the harsh reality of Anne’s life before adoption, while being very faithful to the spirit of LM Montgomery’s world. It’s a laugh and cry and hug it when you’re done kind of book. Heavy but inspiring.
I know right??? I only discovered it a few years ago, because my sister is somehow connected with the late author in the maritimes. Amazing fan fiction!!
If a story doesn't make us uncomfortable, was it really worth reading / seeing / hearing?
I'm not advocating that we have to cringe all the way through. But something in it has to prick our heart and make it bleed a little. Otherwise, I doubt we're actually engaging with something true.
My "intensely disturbing ... deeply flawed" influence is Dave Chappelle. There is an awful lot of awful stuff in his stand-up. And yet, there are gems of truth in there, too. I'll never forget the closing story about his transgender friend Daphne Dorman in *The Closer*. One of the most hauntingly beautiful things I've encountered, and I'll stand by its value all day long.
Great article and discussion. I appreciate your insights about the complexities of character development, good writing, sinful characters, salvation, and the world as it is. Your writing is excellent and thought-provoking, and I'm glad I opened the link for this substack.
As for Lolita, I was disappointed. I think its fame rests mostly in the taboo nature of its content. Its prurient narrative--shocking for its day although classic literature has lots of naughty examples--draws the reader in and keeps them with Nabakov's writing. But the second (third? It's been decades since I've read it.) section, with the narrator and Lolita's meandering about, arises because Nabakov simply doesn't know what to do once the forbidden quest is fulfilled. It's a tragedy with broken characters who have little to admire and less to offer the reader.
In some ways, I liken it to Miller's Death of a Salesman. By the 20th century, writers became more interested in furthering an agenda and less interested in producing good art. Nabakov wanted to break down sexual taboos and mainstream men having sex with girls. He succeeded. Miller wanted to further a Marxist takedown of capitalism. He succeeded.
I look forward to more from you, however! Keep doing this!
This: "It’s not our job to clean up reality. That will only truly be accomplished at Christ’s glorious return." Beautiful words, Kori!
Great article. I really liked the prequel to Anne of Green Gables, called “Before Green Gables.” It deals with the harsh reality of Anne’s life before adoption, while being very faithful to the spirit of LM Montgomery’s world. It’s a laugh and cry and hug it when you’re done kind of book. Heavy but inspiring.
HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS EXISTS?!?!!
I know right??? I only discovered it a few years ago, because my sister is somehow connected with the late author in the maritimes. Amazing fan fiction!!
If a story doesn't make us uncomfortable, was it really worth reading / seeing / hearing?
I'm not advocating that we have to cringe all the way through. But something in it has to prick our heart and make it bleed a little. Otherwise, I doubt we're actually engaging with something true.
My "intensely disturbing ... deeply flawed" influence is Dave Chappelle. There is an awful lot of awful stuff in his stand-up. And yet, there are gems of truth in there, too. I'll never forget the closing story about his transgender friend Daphne Dorman in *The Closer*. One of the most hauntingly beautiful things I've encountered, and I'll stand by its value all day long.
Love hearing your voice, Kori!
Kori!
Great article and discussion. I appreciate your insights about the complexities of character development, good writing, sinful characters, salvation, and the world as it is. Your writing is excellent and thought-provoking, and I'm glad I opened the link for this substack.
As for Lolita, I was disappointed. I think its fame rests mostly in the taboo nature of its content. Its prurient narrative--shocking for its day although classic literature has lots of naughty examples--draws the reader in and keeps them with Nabakov's writing. But the second (third? It's been decades since I've read it.) section, with the narrator and Lolita's meandering about, arises because Nabakov simply doesn't know what to do once the forbidden quest is fulfilled. It's a tragedy with broken characters who have little to admire and less to offer the reader.
In some ways, I liken it to Miller's Death of a Salesman. By the 20th century, writers became more interested in furthering an agenda and less interested in producing good art. Nabakov wanted to break down sexual taboos and mainstream men having sex with girls. He succeeded. Miller wanted to further a Marxist takedown of capitalism. He succeeded.
I look forward to more from you, however! Keep doing this!