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David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Off Topic Author Gene Wolfe

I had never heard of this writer, but I dont read fiction very often. He is thought to be
the best English language writer alive today. Your thoughts if you have read him? I am curious.

This is a very recent interview.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/529431/a-qa-with-gene-wolfe/

Dave

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Vanessa Bates

8 Years Ago

I haven't had the pleasure yet.Thanks, David. Have you started yet? If so, would there be any series or book you would start first?

 

Vincent Von Frese

8 Years Ago

Hi David,

Looks like H.G. Wells had the most influence on Wolfe as a writer of science fiction. The great thing about science fiction is how it stimulates one's imagination.
Science fiction is really what the most interesting art has arrived at I think.

Vince

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Vanessa,

Honestly if it is fiction or scifi I am considered an illiterate. I do not read.

Sorry, no idea where to start. I was hoping you had heard of him.

Vincent,

I have too much imagination. Why would I borrow any more? LOL

Dave

 

Vanessa Bates

8 Years Ago

Ahh, oh well. Maybe someone here will be more familiar.

 

I've read a bunch of Gene Wolfe, and I really do like his writing. It was very deep though, and I am such a slow reader that I stared forgetting what had happened in the earlier parts of the story. Severian (main character of the Book of the New Sun) is a pretty interesting, complex fellow. I recommend it (on my list to reread)

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Kirkodd,

I may pick up his novelle.

Dave

 

You can listen to it for free as an audiobook on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCTsojf_B6Y

 

CHERYL EMERSON ADAMS

8 Years Ago

I haven't read Gene Wolfe, I'm a little skeptical of reviews by fellow authors (some of that is pay for play), the publishers like to be able to publish hyperbolic praise by well known authors on the backs of book jackets.

That's not to take anything away from Mr. Wolfe. SF is one of my genres of choice, so maybe I'll have to snag a copy of "Book of the New Son."

I like convincing, complex characters & complex, mind-bending plot lines. Some of my favorites are JRR Martin (still waiting for Godot... I mean, the next book in the series...), Gary Jennings, Neil Gaiman, Rudyard Kipling.

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Kirkodd,

I am about nine minutes into the video. Great great stuff. What writing.

His voice.

Dave

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Cheryl,

The reading on the video is worth playing in the background.

Very great use of language.

Dave

 

Patricia Strand

8 Years Ago

David, thanks for the recommendation. I haven't read much science fiction (probably none, actually), but Gene Wolfe sounds like a good author for me to start on. I did a little research and was intrigued by this line in the New Yorker referring to one of his books: "For science-fiction readers, “The Book of the New Sun” is roughly what “Ulysses” is to fans of the modern novel: far more people own a copy than have read it all the way through." Sounds like a challenge! Happy reading.

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Patricia,

I am listening to this and am sold on it.

He mixes small parts Shakespeare, Dickens and so much more. And yet this is sci-fi.

Dave

 

CHERYL EMERSON ADAMS

8 Years Ago

I read through the whole interview. It started off slow, almost boring. Who wants to read an interview that starts off telling about where someone was born? Then it picked up and gained momentum, I was sorry when it was over.

I didn't see the link to the video/soundtrack, though. Where is that?

 

David Bridburg

8 Years Ago

Cheryl,

Kirkodd put up a link just a few posts up.

I got 41 minutes into and had to tear myself away from it.

Dave

 

This discussion is closed.