A Christmas Memory - Truman Capote

Elfhelm · 12-06-2002, 06:41 PM

There oughta be two laws added to the books as a result of this piece:

1. A writer may use no more than one simile per paragraph.
2. A writer may use no more than two adjectives per noun.

It's a good story and I waded through it because the character description of his elder cousin is one of the finest there is, and because the season is upon us. But I found the neat little way he wrapped it up to be just a little contrived.

Ultimately, I have to say, "That's not writing; it's decorating!"

Duddun · 12-07-2002, 12:56 AM

I hate similes so I don't think I will read it.

Hasty Ent · 12-07-2002, 12:56 PM

Never read it, but I remembering hearing it on the radio years ago...and I was transfixed! It was on National Public Radio (US) during the holiday season, and I think they probably do it every year. Can't remember who read it -- but it was absolutely beautiful and evocative. Maybe it suffers in the printed form? Then again, I'm a sucker for any form of story telling on the radio

... Another holiday favorite is A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas. It's become a family tradition to listen to it -- I have a tape of Dylan Thomas reading it!

12-06-2002, 06:41 PM	#1
Elfhelm Marshal of the Eastmark Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,412	A Christmas Memory - Truman Capote There oughta be two laws added to the books as a result of this piece: 1. A writer may use no more than one simile per paragraph. 2. A writer may use no more than two adjectives per noun. It's a good story and I waded through it because the character description of his elder cousin is one of the finest there is, and because the season is upon us. But I found the neat little way he wrapped it up to be just a little contrived. Ultimately, I have to say, "That's not writing; it's decorating!" __________________ cya

12-07-2002, 12:56 AM	#2
Duddun I Antha Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: You expect ME to know? Posts: 784	I hate similes so I don't think I will read it. __________________ If you say my name I go "What?" If you say my name twice I go and look it up in the dictionary. **************************** I'm Not Evil! ************************** If the critics say it's good, is it really That good? ************************** It's a bird! It's a plane! No! It's a balloon! **************************** Duddun, Son of Bubbun

12-07-2002, 12:56 PM	#3
Hasty Ent Elf Lord Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 516	Never read it, but I remembering hearing it on the radio years ago...and I was transfixed! It was on National Public Radio (US) during the holiday season, and I think they probably do it every year. Can't remember who read it -- but it was absolutely beautiful and evocative. Maybe it suffers in the printed form? Then again, I'm a sucker for any form of story telling on the radio ... Another holiday favorite is A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas. It's become a family tradition to listen to it -- I have a tape of Dylan Thomas reading it! __________________ Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it. George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)

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