From: Dorian Chong <dchong>
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 21:25:56 -0800 (PST)

A novel length book like SEEDFOLKS with multiple points of view presents the reader with some advantages of both a short story and a novel. At least I see them as advantages.

In SEEDFOLKS each chapter can stand alone. Each chapter provides some closure; there are no cliff hangers compelling the reader to begin reading the next chapter. The reader who desires a short story can be satisfied with reading just one chapter.

But for the reader who finds a short story to be just not enough, SEEDFOLKS provides the continuity of theme, setting, etc. of a novel. The individual chapters are connected and there are overarching characteristics which tie them together very satisfactorily.

As a reader, I am a member of the novel reading set and I find short stories frustrating. I just get started and then it's done. An hors d'oeuvre when I wanted a feast, or at least supper.

Or, if I may switch metaphers, reading SEEDFOLKS provides the tightly constructed gems of short stories strung together as a beautiful necklace of a novel.

Dorian Chong, MLIS dchong at wahoo.sjsu.edu
Received on Sat 07 Nov 1998 11:25:56 PM CST