By Fred Fields
Since
his death in 2001, 23 new novels have been published in Robert
Ludlum's name. Tom Clancy and James Patterson rarely write the new novels
attributed to them; WEB Griffin
I
mention these facts to demonstrate a new era in publishing, one that causes
some pain to readers when the substitute authors don't meet the standards of
their originals.
Here
is a demonstration of the quality of Butterworth's writing, and why I no longer
look for Griffin Griffin
Bottom
of Page 17: President Franklin D.
Roosevelt welcomes General William J. Donovan to the Oval office, followed by a
description of Donovan.
Page
18: Begins with two paragraphs commenting on Donovan's recent promotion from
colonel to brigadier general. This is followed by two paragraphs about what
Donovan thinks of Roosevelt 's happy state of
mind, and that he is sorry to be bringing
bad news. Donovan says how happy he is to note the President's good mood. Roosevelt thinks Donovan looks unhappy. The next
paragraph discusses Donovan's experience in World War I.
Page
19: Continues Donovan's record, including partial wording of his Medal of Honor
citation, followed by eight paragraphs describing the two men's original
meeting and subsequent friendship.
Page
20: Six more paragraphs about the friendship. Four paragraphs about what FDR is
thinking about the lack of coordination of intelligence gathered during World
War II.
Page
21: The whole page is devoted to the history of interagency warfare between
intelligence services and the formation of the department of Coordination of
Intelligence, headed by Donovan.
Page
22: More on the Coordination of Intelligence Department and its transition to
the OSS
Page
23: History of the President's desk, (yes) along with a description of its
contents, including FDR's stamp collection and how the State Department saves
foreign stamps for his collection. A paragraph describing the Oval Office. Roosevelt looks out the window at his rose garden, rolls
his wheelchair behind the desk, and asks about Donovan's family.
Page
24: Five paragraphs about the Donovan family condition. Two paragraphs about
Major James Roosevelt, USMC. Donovan goes back to discussing his son's military
activities
Page
25: In paragraph two, General Donovan finally
delivers the news that the Germans have nerve gas in Sicily
BORED
TO SLEEP? ME TOO! By this time, I have put the book down and decided no longer
to search for Griffin
This concept can be a power struggle between show vs. tell. Too much description or explanation can wear a reader out. Too little will leave them asking too many questions. There is definitely an art to this balance.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why any writer would entrust the good reputation he's built to any other person, of whatever perceived talent. In this regard, writers are unlike other artists. Would Andy Warhol or Edward Hooper have given up artistic control of their work? Would any other painter? Any sculptor? Movie director? Maybe the difference is that painters are all artists, as are sculptors and directors, but all writers aren't artists.
ReplyDeleteBonnie